Avignon in Provence lies on the river
Rhone. There is a lovely ancient medieval town centre still there. But Avignon is mostly known for 2 main things
– a bridge and a palace.
Palais des Papes – or Papal Palace.
Avignon was
where Popes lived for about 70 years from 1309 to 1377. There were 7 different Popes – all of them
French - and 2 Anti-Popes based in
Avignon. The Palace of the Popes is said
to be the most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.
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
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le Pont d’Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond
The other
famous thing about Avignon is its bridge.
We all sang "Sur le pont
d'Avignon" at school (click here
for a YouTube clip of the song)– but the bridge is actually the St Benezet
bridge and it now only goes part way across the river. The song dates back to the 15th
century. What remains of the bridge is a
World Heritage Site.
The old
streets in the walled part of the city are great to visit – but not by car –
that is quite hair raising since the streets are very narrow and windy.
Gorgeous pics!! Love all the history of those buildings and structures. Thanks for the tour!
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