Avignon, the walled city
Palais des Papes - When the papacy temporarily abandoned war-torn Italy, Avignon became the center of the Roman Catholic world. From 1309 until 1377 seven French popes ruled unchallenged. This palace was built within the walls of Avignon to house the papacy.During the 14th century the papal court in Avegnon became a center for learning and the arts.
The Popes of Avignon dominated Europe throughout the 14th century until Tommy LaSorda moved them to Los Angeles.
Looking out over Avignon from what was the Pope's dining hall.
Looking through to the Pope's bed chamber where visions of martyrs danced in his head.
A portion of the wall surrounding Avignon.
Le Pont D'Avignon, famous for being danced upon. The bridge only reaches half way across the Rhône. The inevitable drownings put the art of French dance back 300 years.
A rowdy group partaking of beverage and awaiting French cuisine.
What? You're eating again? And drinking? Mon dieu!
ReplyDeleteI know you probably already have a huge itinerary of things to do and places to see, but Rick and I were just talking about places we enjoyed there and one of them was Les Baux. Magnificent old ruins/village atop a big plateau. Also a wonderful restaurant there that we did not eat it, but very famous. I think it was L'Oustau de Baumanière. Worth a try to get reservations!