After a pleasant breakfast of fresh croissants and toast with our host Edith, we head off to the Palace of the Popes, built and grandly extended during the 14th century, when the French Popes made Avignon the head of the church instead of Rome for approximately 100 years. In fact they were in dispute with Rome at the time and there were battles for control, along with attempted poisonings by bishops who were not keen on those in charge. Each extension added to the complex, but tried to outdo the previous extensions for grandeur.
We took one of the self guided tour packages with an audio device which we entered the particular audio station for a full description [in English]. The total cost was 26Euros for the entry fee + device hire. Some 3.0 hours later we emerged out of the remainder of the Palace/s, as many sections were removed during the subsequent centuries of Revolution, Military occupation as a base and as a prison.
The size of the building is immense with the foundations massive built directly onto a protruding limestone rock base. The internals halls and rooms are on a very grand scale and they really looked after themselves, especially at coronations of incoming popes. The Treasury area for collecting and reconciling taxes, plus storing the church’s wealth was a very off limits area to but a limited few and much of the wealth was found centuries later, hidden in sections, which were under the large flag-stoned floor. You have to admire not only the building designers, but the artisans with limited hand tolls to produce such spectacular results which have stood the test of time.
We got great views of the Rhone River and the entrances to Avignon from the ramparts at the top of a couple of towers. It was hot and humid and many of the tourists were affected by the heat.
Following the Palace of the Popes, we walked upto the City’s gardens above the palaces and Notre Dame [currently undergoing internal refurbishment], where the 360 degree views were great. The central feature of the gardens included a large somewhat hollowed out limestone rock, plus a small lake area beside a restaurant for many ducks.
Walking back we came across numerous restaurants and hotels in a range of squares surrounding the Palace of the Popes. We settled on one in shade under large umbrellas and had a beautifully presented light lunch [ Dot – terrine of zucchini, with home made tomato sauce & olive; Michael – Chopped vegetables topped with goats cheese] after this we were tempted by the dessert menu and succumbed [Dot – Profiteroles with ice cream covered in chocolate fudge sauce and cream; Michael – gourmand of little sweets plus a mini black coffee]
After this we wandered down to the Tourist Information Office and were told that the Palace of Popes along with many museums and and other similar locations were open for free tomorrow. Walking back we came across another old church which was near where we ate last night. The carved entry doors were very impressive. along with stained glass windows and old tapestries.
We came back to the BNB mid afternoon as it was getting too hot to walk around any further and met our fellow guest Sonia from Germany who speaks good English, as well as French and possibly other languages.
Back at the BNB we did some Blog updates, and record keeping of credit card expenditure.
We headed out for a light evening meal around 8.00pm back to the previous night’s venue.
Back at home and in bed before 9.00pm.
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