Avignon - A day trip

Whilst eating dinner on Friday night, my friend told me of our plans to visit Avignon the next day.  I hadn't really any plans, so I agreed.  I mean it IS Avignon, rich with history and beautiful sights (maybe a Russel Crowe or Marion Cotillard?)

We get up the next morning around 6 as we had decided to head into town early and grab some coffee and pastries for a nice toast to the day.  It was a good idea and we were soon on our bus at 8:30 to Avignon.  For those of you who don't know a lot of Catholic history, at one point the Papacy was in Avignon.  I am not sure exactly how many popes passed through there, but it was a respectable amount.

Here is a picture of the Palais du Papes and the square that sits in front of it.  We sat here and marinated in our imaginations, giving life to our fanciful thoughts while being kissed by the strong sun of the South of France. 

After moseying around teh numerous gardens and towers surrounding the palace.  We made our way to a lunch spot that had been recommended.  It's inside was simple, charming and well lit. A perfect spot for a lovely afternoon lunch.  Although we didn't get our menus for about 20+ minutes, the meal turned out to be delectable and a wonderful medium for enjoying our day trip.  Below are pictures of my wares from the meal.

Tarte Provençale

Gateau de Fromage Blanc with a raspberry glaze and sorbet

After Lunch we contentedly walked over to the famous bridge of Avignon from which the famous nursery rhyme was born. It was made around the 11th Century and unfortunately half was washed away in the 1600's.  Shame.  It was 3.50 Euro just to walk on it, and so we declined though Josh was severely disappointed. Below are the lyrics.

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

On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance there, we all dance there
On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance there in a ring.

The Bridge from the Palace

The Bridge

The finish the day off we wach had wandered around the streets of Avignon which had completely filled up since we had last been in the main area.  And Avignon is essentially a bigger Aix en Provence.  Literally has everything Aix has, but then more of the same.  Also not as much of the bourgeoisie (charm?)...feel as Aix has.  Although, it does have this MASSIVE wall surrounding the old city.  I wish Aix had that.  It makes the city so easily imagined sitting there 700 years earlier.  Truly an illustration of time.  I think I want to go back to Avignon....maybe to live.

Time for a run!

Claire

Song"King of Rodeo" Kings of Leon (hunh, never noticed that)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pt2ZTwrSMA&feature=related