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INTRODUCING NUMBER:LAB TRAVELOGUES
In keeping with our philosophy and approach to our design process, Greg and I wanted to infuse the BLOG with elements of everyday life – especially those that frame the notion of what we wear. And where we wear it.
So this month, we are excited to introduce TRAVELOGUES. Travelogue posts are meant to provide a snippet of cool findings in cities though which we find ourselves roaming – for work and play (and often both).
Occasionally, we will invite guest bloggers and contributors to offer their cool finds and write about their travels adventures. After all, we do have work to do, and can't just roam the world in search of all things cool, all the time.
This month's TRAVELOGUE: Avignon: Turning up the charm in the south of France.
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AVIGNON: TURNING UP THE CHARM IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
The trip to Avignon, via the super speedy TGV from Paris, takes a mere 2.5 hours. It was a great surprise to be greeted by the curving and undulating glass skin of the train station. The space created by the two walls that curve onto each other, and also curve in plan is amazingly dynamic. Add the intense sunlight (light for which the south of France is known) and the space will knock your socks off faster than the departing bullet train.
A quick cab ride puts you into the center of the old city, still intact with its fortress stone walls that once actively protected the city. Avignon may sound familiar, perhaps from your history books. In the fourteenth century, the Papacy migrated to this city. Many Popes lived in Avignon and provided for it a center of wealth and culture that is still visible and vibrant through the cobbled streets.
LES PALAIS DES PAPES is an interesting tour through a mammoth palace pieced together by several popes throughout the century. It is one of the oldest and largest medieval palaces still standing. The tour through endless rooms is a little musty and stoney, and quite a hike; but definitely a must. It not only documents the history of the medieval papacy, but also that of construction in those times. It never ceases to amaze me how these things were built and the technology that was developed in order to execute these projects. The Grand Tine Hall and the Popes’ chamber are quite spectacular and merit a little more time than some other spaces.
Right outside the palace, is one of the most charming (and also pricier) hotels of Avignon, LE MIRANDE. Even if you don’t make this your bed at the end of the day, do enjoy a great Rose wine in the terrace overlooking the palace. The HOTEL CLOITRE SAINT-LOUIS is another cool option. A modern/trendy design insertion into a Jesuit cloister makes for a great setting. Palais_des_papeslrRoaming the city, you’ll find plenty of options for great shopping finds and restaurants. Paris it ain’t, but this small town isn’t lacking. Head to the foliage-covered LES HALLES for some fresh pain-au-chocolat. This food market in a fun building is a one-stop shop for all your Provençal purchases: olives, organic lavender honey and anis d’avignon.
A quick stroll through the main square, the PLACE DE L’HOROLOGUE is about as much time as you’ll need in this smaller, but just as touristy version of ‘times square’. If you must, and you are lured by the typically French theater-like seating of the cafes, grab a drink or a coca-cola (it tastes so much better out of a little glass bottle).
The main shopping thoroughfare is Rue Joseph Vernet, but most of the cooler shops line the streets that sprout off it. Rue Falco de Baroncelli has a couple of great mens shops. ACTUEL B carries a well-edited edition of some cool designer brands, including one of our favorite new French brands, MARCHAND DRAPIER. We love their updated menswear classics and the quirky porn-print shirt. A couple spots down, THE NEXT DOOR is perhaps more punk-cool and edgier, but just as design conscious. Housed in an old pharmacy, the setting is as interesting as the selection of sportswear, kicks and other gadgets.
A quiet street, but certainly my favorite in Avignon, RUE PETITE FUSTERIE is a little secluded oasis of furniture and design shops. You’ll find great French modern pieces at GALERIE 5.6.7, and more classic pieces at HERVE BAUME. You may also find yourself coming back to this street for dinner, CHEZ FLORIANE is a small and trendy restaurant with a nice vibe and an even better outdoor courtyard. Another dinner/drinks option is LES COMPAIGNES DES COMPTOIRS. Enter here, and you’ll definitely be reminded that you are close to the fabulous French Riviera. Just don’t let an extra flute of bubbly have you end up in the large reflecting pool that dots the outdoor space.
After all this fun. I needed to retreat to the country for a couple days. Thanks to Drew and Oliver, I got to spend peaceful days at their charming house near COTIGNAC. There was certainly still a lot of eating, drinking and fun, but in a more calm way. At least I got to put in some time behind the wheel of a rusty old bike, in a Henley hoodie, no less. Pedaling up and down rolling hills and past acres of vineyards reminded me of more than several movies (albeit a bit cheesy). I now understand why this area lives up to quite a magical reputation.
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