"Sur le pont d'Avignon"

Avignon-what a pretty place! The day before we left, it poured along with thunder and lightning. We were worried that sightseeing in Avignon would be less than stellar, but we were pleasantly surprised to wake up to sunny skies and a warm 23 degrees. The train trip was uneventful and when we arrived we found that our hotel was literally right beside the train station. Not only was it convenient, clean and comfortable, but very quiet too. Once we checked in, we headed toward the ramparts which encircle the city. These ramparts are a fine example of medieval fortification.

My friend Enio in front of the ramparts of Avignon.

We walked down Main Street, la Rue de la République, that was dotted with shops, bars, cafés and restaurants to the Place du Palais. Our first stop was the Pont d'Avignon/ Pont Saint-Bénézet projecting into the Rhone river. Legend has it that a local shepherd named Bénézet was inspired by angels to build the bridge. He hurled a huge stone into the river which became the bridge's foundation. This act convinced others of the divine intervention and the bridge was quickly built. Bénézet was subsequently canonized and his chapel remains on the bridge. Only 4 of the original 18 or 22 arches (I have read both numbers) remain and it has been declared a world hertitage site. I taught Enio the famous song "Sur le pont, d'Avignon" and he took my picture as I danced on the bridge. 

"on l'danse, on l'y danse"

A couple of views of the Rhone from the Pont d'Avignon

As we made our way back from the bridge to the Palais des Papes, we came across a group of young students acting out a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. It really was very entertaining.

There were also a number of shops selling beautiful Provence products like lavender, herbes de province and tablecloths etc. Of course, I had to stop to support the French econonmy.

Next, we went to the Palais des Papes. Avignon was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century. I believe 7 popes resided here. This mammoth palace however, is not handicap friendly. As you move from one viewing area to another, you often read signs that said "difficult stairs". I certainly had a workout viewing the 25 rooms open to the public. By the way, I made it to the top of the tower in the middle.

Beside the Palais des Papes is the Romanesque Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms built in 12th century. Its most dominant feature is the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop the west tower.

Here we are (Enio and me) outside Notre Dame des Doms with the Palais des Papes in the background.

Just beyond the cathedral, there was a beautiful park called the Rocher des Doms. It is hard to believe that it is October with such beautiful blooms to enjoy.

A view of the Rhone and Pont d'Avignon from the park.

Another couple of highlights included a visit to Les Halles which is a large indoor market with a living exterior wall.

Inside the market, there are food items that I have no idea how to cook and in some cases, nor would I want to. Here is a case in point.

There were several wine/beer bars and perhaps not surprisingly, many were imbibing before noon.

It was a beautiful market filled with amazing fish, vegetables, breads, meats, wine etc. What a delight!

As we were wandering through the streets, we came across this beautiful church and popped in just before the doors closed. It is Église de Saint Pierre with a Gothic facade and exquisite carved solid walnut doors. In between the doors, there is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and her child.

One of the last places we visited was the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) in the Place de L'Horloge.

I think what we both loved about this city, amongst everything else that I've shown you, were the green spaces. It seemed that more attention is spent here on landscaping than in Montpellier. In addition, the streets were quaint and clean and there was large number of excellent cafés and restaurants to choose from. If you ever get a chance to come to Provence in southern France, be sure to visit Avignon!