Drive from Geneva to Provence

After breakfast, we left Geneva towards France on a rainy day with rather cool temperatures. Our destination for the day is Pont Royal in Provence, where we will stay until October 9th. The drive from Geneva to Pont Royal is about 400 km and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. We were lucky to avoid traffic jams, and the further south we traveled, the nicer and warmer the weather became. The Autoroute du Soleil lived up to its name.

Since we arrived at our destination a bit earlier than planned, we made a stop in Cavaillon.

Cavaillon is conveniently located on the A7, and a stop here fits perfectly. Cavaillon is a charming small town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, specifically in the Vaucluse department. The town lies at the foot of the Luberon massif and is known for its melons, historical architecture, and location in the heart of Provence.

In Cavaillon, there are some remnants from the Roman era, including an ancient triumphal arch. Although it is not well-preserved, it gives an impression of the significance of the town during the Roman Empire.

The Notre Dame and Saint-Véran Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is another beautiful example of Provençal architecture. Unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovations.

The Hôtel-Dieu in Cavaillon is a historical hospital building that was constructed in the 18th century and is now one of the city's significant monuments. The Chapelle de l’Hôtel-Dieu is an integral part of the historical Hôtel-Dieu. This 18th-century chapel was built, like many other chapels in hospital facilities, for the spiritual care of patients, hospital staff, and the poor.

The so-called Gate of Avignon (French: Porte d’Avignon) is a historic city gate of Cavaillon that led towards the nearby city of Avignon. It is a remnant of the old city fortifications that surrounded Cavaillon in the Middle Ages. Today, the gate of Avignon serves as a historical monument and is another example of Cavaillon's rich past. It is located near the city center and is an important reference point in the old town.

After the city tour and a short drive, we reached our destination. With a fine meal and a glass of Rosé de Provence, we ended the evening.