In mid-September I traveled to Avignon for two nights on the eve of a bike tour of Provence with Backroads. Marla and I once had stayed across the Rhone River from Avignon in Villeneuve-les-Avignon at the wonderful Hotel Le Prieure Baumanerie. On that trip we were so relaxed we sadly never ventured across the river to Avignon. I’ll make amends and share what I discovered on my 2022 trip. I LOVED Avignon!

The photo above shows the Pont Saint-Benezet on the Rhone River with Villeneuve-les-Avignon in the distance. The bridge was first built of wood in 1177 and rebuilt in 1226 with stone arches. It was abandoned in the mid-17th century as the arches often collapsed due to river flooding.

I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and checked into the Hotel de Cambis on the Rue de la Republique. I ventured out to find a place for dinner. Being a Sunday most of the town was closed.

I settled in for an early dinner at Amici on the Rue Figuiere.

There is nothing better than al fresco dining in France or anywhere in Europe for that matter.

I spent almost all my adult life in the world of decorative textiles and home furnishings so the next morning I explored Rue des Teinturiers, the “Street of Dyers.” The enchanting street follows a small channel of the Sorgue River. The waterwheels helped power textile weavers and dyers as far back as 1440. Only 4 waterwheels remain.

An old postcard from 1910 shows the area.

I found Rue des Teinturiers simply beautiful and enchanting! Mornings are always best before it gets too crowded. Plane trees (related to the American Sycamore) border the canal.

I loved this ancient carved stone bench.

A tiny stone bridge to the 13th century Chapelle des Penetents Gris next to the canal.

I woke up early the next day for more exploring.

I walked down the Rue Berheim-Lyon next to the historic Synagogue d’Avignon.

On this site in 1944 many Jews were deported to concentration camps and to their death.

An ancient lane beckons me.

I’m heading through town on my way to the Palais de Papes.

On the way I stopped to admire ancient Roman era ruins on the left.

On the way to the entrance, I saw an old door in the back of the Palais.

The cobbled lane twists around ancient buildings.

At the front of the Palais de Papes a colorful tourist train arrived. I bought a ticket and enjoyed the trip as we traveled around the old town.

Time to tour the Palais de Papes. This was the site of Western Christianity during the 14th century, 1309-1377. Seven Popes called it home. Avignon remained under Papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791.

Touring the palace was assisted by interactive pad devices helping to visualize each room.

I found a quiet raised sitting area perfect for contemplation.

Students gather in the shade of ancient arches.

The beautiful entrance of the Musee Calvet Fine Arts Museum.

Avignon is unique to have so many old city walls still intact.

This interesting graffiti panel stopped me in my tracks!

Being an old window covering guy I admired this modern metal curtain. Avignon is full of interesting boutiques, a dream for window shoppers like me!

I celebrated my last night in Avignon with a nice dinner. The salad had delicious fried zucchini in it. The filet was accompanied by a dipping sauce. True to form, I began with a tasty Aperol Spritz followed by two glasses of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Tomorrow begins a week bike tour of beautiful Provence.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.



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The cobbled lane twists around ancient buildings.

At the front of the Palais de Papes was a colorful tourist train. I bought a ticket and enjoyed the trip as we traveled around the old town.

Time to tour the Palais de Papes. This was the site of Western Christianity during the 14th century, 1309-1377. 7 Popes called it home. Avignon remained under Papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791.

Touring the palace was assisted by interactive pad devices helping visualize to each room.

I found a quiet raised sitting area perfect for contemplation.

Students gathered in the shade of ancient arches.

The beautiful entrance of the Musee Calvet Fine Arts Museum.

Avignon is unique due to having so many old city walls still intact.

This interesting graffiti panel stopped me in my tracks!

Being an old window covering guy I admired this modern metal curtain. Avignon is full of interesting boutiques, a dream for window shoppers like me!

I celebrated my last night in Avignon with a nice dinner. True to form, I began with a tasty Aperol Spritz followed by a few glasses of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Tomorrow begins a week bike tour of beautiful Provence.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.