Day trip to Avignon, France

November 12, 2023 · by Dano · in Avignon

Last day trip on our adventure. We decided to drive to the city of Avignon just about 2hrs from the apartment. The weather was forecast as cloudy and warm, 68F, but no rain. That was yesterday’s forecast. Today’s forecast says rain until noon then clear skies. We’ll see.

Left early to avoid the traffic and give us sufficient time to walk the city. We chose Avignon because of its history. From 1309 to 1377 it was the seat of the Catholic Popes, i.e., the Vatican.

It also has the Saint Benezet bridge that spans the Rhone River. Built in 1185, only four of the original spans are still standing.

Early settlers in Avignon date back to 5,000 BC. Of course, it was also a Roman city in 121 BC. In 49 BC the citizens supported Pompey in Caesar’s Civil War and were subsequently besieged and taken by Caesar. In the 2 AD, Hadrian paid a visit to Avennio (Avignon) resulting in their colonial title, Colonia Hadriana Avenniensis.

Skipping ahead, in the 14^th century, Avignon was not considered part of France, but instead belonged to the duke of Anjou, a vassal of the pope. In 1309, it was selected as the papal residence by Clement V. In 1348, Avignon was purchased by Clement VI, the 4^th of 7 Avignon popes, from Queen Joan of Provence, and remained papal property until the French Revolution.

Surviving tower from a 15th century commandery

Palais des Papes

Model of the palace

Carved end from a roof rafter

Skull with a chain from a crossbow

Double arched window

Papal dining hall

Pope’s chamber

Gothic ceiling in the cathedral nave

Collette in a “time out” room

Gothic ceiling – ribbed arched

We’re here to see one of the largest chateau-forts still standing, the Palais des Papes or the Popes’ Palace. This palace was built 1334-1342 by Benedict XII, with an addition built in 1342-1352 by Clement VI. The “Palace” is an eight-towered fortress rising 190 ‘above the main town of Avignon. It consists of numerous small chapels, three large chapels decorated in 14^th century frescoes, with a Romanesque styled cathedral attached to one side. The cathedral is the burial place of two popes. The town is surrounded by ramparts built by the popes, approximately 3 miles in length, with projecting turrets, towers, and gates.

Rampart

Pope’s Crypt

Avignon

Unusual wall carving

Statues in the Pope’s Crypt

Fresco from 14th century

Crucifixion fresco from the altar – 13th century

Just at the edge of one of these ramparts lies the Saint Benezet bridge. Built in the 12^th century, this bridge is thought to be one of the first to ever conquer the waters of the Rhone River. The bridge is built in Romanesque style with Saint Nicholas chapel still standing on the second pier. The bridge was abandoned in 1680. Only four of the arches remain today.

Saint Benezet bridge

Saint Nicolas chapel

That’s our day. It rained until 2:30pm so we decided to call it and head back to the apartment to start packing for the journey home. What a way to end our trip. Avignon is a beautiful medieval town with plenty more to see. We’ll be back.