Exploring Avignon

Saturday 18 April, Avignon

We set out with our guide book on a self-guided tour of the old town.  We started at the clock tower, admired the "Petit Palais" the former Cardinals Palace.  The Papal Court was moved from Rome to Avignon from 1309 to 1403.  That was the last time they elected a French Pope!!!  From there we walked (read climbed) up the ramparts from which we could admire the Rhone river valley.  From there we walked down to St Benezet Bridge, or as every school child knows it - the Pont d'Avignon - and yes, Ted danced on the Pont d'Avignon!  Historically the bridge was very important because when it was built in 1171 it was the only bridge crossing the mighty Rhone in the middle ages.  That being said it was laid on Roman foundations!

From there we proceeded to the Palace of the Popes, the largest surviving gothic palace in Europe.  It was absolutely enormous and amazing, you could even say that it was fit for a Pope!

We continued our afternoon with another tour of Avignon's back streets.  The town was a textile centre in the 18th century and you can still see one of the water wheels that powered the town's industries.

Tonight we had dinner at the Caveau du Theatre.  Gail had the duck after I confirmed that it was not "Donald le canard" and the server quickly assured me that Donald was the previous night and it was Daffy on offer tonight.  I had one of Mary's lambs.