Day 12 & 13 - Avignon
As of today Avignon is the most charming town I have ever been in - at least so far. It felt warm and welcoming from the minute we got off the train from Nice. The old town has buildings that date back to the 13th century and many of the tiny streets aren’t wide enough for anything larger than a bicycle - of which we see many. All the streets are cobblestone and every time you turn a corner it seems there is a cute little square to have a cup of coffee or glass of wine. We really lucked out with our Airbnb. It’s in a 17th century building in just about the perfect location. Convenient to everything but quiet once we shut the door to our sweet little balcony overlooking an adorable square and patisserie. I’m already on a first name basis with the owner of the shop as she makes my coffee and croissant every morning and I wave to her from the balcony as I enjoy it. If I don’t return to the United States this will be where to find me.
A great spot to wave bonjour to everyone as I drink my coffee.
I’m heading out for a day trip soon so this will be some of my favorite pics of Avignon so far.
View overlooking the city. I love the old tile roofs.
Famous Avignon Bridge but the actual name is St. Benezet Bridge. Supposedly there is a nursery rhyme about it but even when I looked it up it was unfamiliar to me. Dates back to 1171 and 1185 but damaged due to floods in 1668 and never rebuilt.
The most famous building and important site to see in Avignon is the Palace of the Popes. Built in the 1300’s when the Catholic Church was relocated from Rome to Avignon. It stayed in Avignon till the early 1400’s. The Palace is basically empty now, but we did the tour and each person gets an iPad and as you tour the Palace through the iPad you see what it looked like then. It’s very cool and you learn a lot about the early history of the church.
Palace of the Popes. I couldn’t begin to get the entire building in one shot.
Interior shots from the Palace. Bottom right is from the kitchen. A very tall shaft to let the heat escape from the fires to cook the food.
One of my most favorite streets. Reminded me of the Kansas sunflowers.
Roman ruins in one of the parks.
A convent from the 13th century.
The food has all been amazing here, and very reasonable. I’ve tried to increase my salad intake and decrease my bread and cheese. Only partially succeeding but since we’re doing lots of walking I don’t feel too guilty.
I love the goat cheese and apple salad available in most places. And a little quiche! Lots of beautiful pastries too!
Our incredible dinner! L’epicerie right around the corner from our square recommended by Rick Steves and the owner of our Airbnb. Magnifique! We shared the penne pasta with salmon sauce and the most incredible array of salads and spreads. Also shared an amazing chocolate, caramel and fruit dessert. We had a beautiful sweet wonderful waitress by the name of Prescilia that was so helpful and kind. A perfect evening.
There is a special high tech illumination show taking place every night in Avignon inside the courtyard of the Palace of the Popes called Vibration, and we heard it was great so bought tickets and attended. It was incredible. The latest technology projected on the walls of a 13th century building. Kind of mind blowing. I took pictures but you really have to experience it.
Just a small sample of what was being projected all around us. Amazing!
Well that’s it for now. I’m off to Arles to walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps. Check back soon. Au revoir!