Avignon

 

We're back in Avignon for the day, and this time our included tour is featuring the Palace of the Popes. It's a pretty impressive building that along with the church of Notre Dame dominates Avignon. Parts of the facade have been cleaned and restored. They use oil of lavender to clean, and it seems to do a great job. Of course this area is famous for lavender, and you see it in most of the stores. The walls of the palace are very thick, and there isn't much furniture in the rooms. After the French Revolution the army took the building over and used it to live in. So the statues of saints that remain are missing their heads! It was a bit chilly inside though it got up to about 21C with high overcast. After the palace we went to a covered market to see all the beautiful food. It's asparagus and strawberry season here.

Back to the ship for lunch, potato leek soup and a pork and zucchini sandwich with a red pepper spread for me. The food has been excellent. More great conversations at lunch, we've been meeting some interesting people.

After lunch I headed out for a walk along the river to the Pont du Avignon and walked out to the end. You get a great view of the city from there, and of course dance like in the song. From there I climbed the many stairs up to the Rocher des Domes. They are restoring parts of the walkways and ramparts so most of the area is closed. However you can get a great view of the river. From there I walked back to Place du Palais and Place de l'Horloge, and along the main street, Rue de le Republique. Then through many windy little streets and back to the ship.

Time to catch up on emails and the blog before a well deserved glass of wine!












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