We started our day with a stroll along the River Rhone, outside the city walls of Avignon before heading to the Papal Palace.
The Pont de Avignon.
We learnt a lot at the Papal Palace! Avignon was the home of the papacy for nearly 70 years in the 14th Century and the palace was added to by each of the 9 Popes who lived there. For a period of time there was even two Popes - one in Rome and one in Avignon - which caused great division in the Church. The palace became the model for later royal palaces but was later used as barracks and a prison once the Pope was kicked out!
The Pope's Palace in Avignon.
Over the years, sections of the Palace have been demolished or painted over so in some areas it's difficult to picture what it was like way back in the 14th Century. But it's an impressive building!
The "New" Courtyard.
We even had an amazing view of Avignon from the top of one of the towers.
Looking out over Avignon.
After a morning of exploring Avignon we jumped on the train and headed to Nice. Along the way we were treated to some amazing views of the Côte d'Azur!
Posted with Blogsy
song for the day: Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men ... (give us a photo of the Bond girls!!! ...)
ReplyDeletelove the bridge at Avignon. Imagine what a beautiful photo if would have been IF IT HAD A COUPLE OF BOND GIRLS ON IT ... Do you hear the people sing singing the song of angry men ..
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