Avignon, France

 Our high speed train to Avignon is on its way. Can you see how fast we are going? Look closely. 

Yes, you are reading that correctly. 298 km/hr and we are almost in Avignon. (Hint: Click on any picture to enlarge it.)

Avignon is on the Rhone River in the south of France. It has taken our high speed train just over two and an half hours to travel here from Paris.

So now that we are here, let’s explore!

 

Way back in the 14th century, Avignon was the home of the Catholic popes (not the Vatican) and this was their home and office. Nine popes lived here before the Vatican moved back to Rome. Tourists can visit the interior and explore its 25 areas.

During the summer there is a light show on the walls of the palace… the huge courtyard is blocked off and admission is charged. Having seen two fantastic light shows (for free) in Brouges and Strasbourg, we passed on this one.

This lovely building is across the courtyard from the Palais des Papes. We were taken by the intricate designs and the unique colour of the bricks.

Actually, this is not the narrowest street by any means, but I like the picture. Notice the variety of architectural styles and building materials all in this small space. You can almost imagine the centuries roll back as you look on.

The colours in this photo are much more representative of what one sees in the old town than the golden brown brick in the previous photo.

This is the bridge that “brought us” to Avignon. Not literally, because it does not even go all the way across the Rhone River anymore!

The children’s song that begins Sur la pont d’Avignon On y danse, On y danse has a melody  that dances through my head so I just had to see the real bridge that inspired it.

For a fee one can enter here, watch a 20 minute film that tells the history of the bridge, and then walk out on the bridge. Perhaps romantics might even dance out on the bridge!

But the time has come to head on again so off to the train station.

It has a rather unique shape, doesn’t it. It was designed to resemble the hull of a ship.

Note: If you come by high speed train you will arrive at this station and then have to take another train (maybe 5 minute ride) to get to the central train station on the edge of the old town section of Avignon. 

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