Avignon
Another hour south brought us to this spot, looking across the Rhône River to the Palace of the Popes in Avignon.​ It was the perfect place for a photo of our happy group.
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Cathédrale Avignon
The Pope's Palace is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. During the 14th century, seven popes, all French, lived here instead of in Rome. After the papacy moved back to Rome, a schism resulted in several people simultaneously claiming the title. Those in Avignon were later called antipopes by the Catholic Church.
From the gardens above the palace, what's left of the Pont d'Avignon is visible. Officially known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge attracts many tourists, in part because it's an important feature in a beloved French nursery rhyme.
Sur le Pont d’Avignon
L’on y danse, l’on y danse
Sur le Pont d’Avignon
L’on y danse tous en rond.
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On the bridge of Avignon
We’re all dancing, we’re all dancing
On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance in circles.
Wining and Dining in Avignon
Whether for classic French cocktails like these kir royales or a glass of beer, our group was always up for afternoon refreshments.
Gregoire recommended a wonderful Italian restaurant for dinner. While most of us had a rose in our pasta at Ma Belle Cuisine, this one was also adorned with a bright red crayfish.
In this photo, we're headed to our last dinner in Avignon. We found an interesting restaurant that had "pork chops with mashed potatoes and greasy juice" on the menu, a valiant attempt at English translation for tourists.