{"id":14693,"date":"2022-12-02T02:18:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T09:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=14693"},"modified":"2022-12-01T14:19:55","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T21:19:55","slug":"beautiful-and-fascinating-avignon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=14693","title":{"rendered":"BEAUTIFUL AND FASCINATING AVIGNON"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> and rebuilt in 1226 with stone arches. It was abandoned in the mid-17th century as the arches often collapsed due to river flooding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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I settled in for an early dinner at Amici on the Rue Figuiere.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is nothing better than al fresco dining in France or anywhere in Europe for that matter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An old postcard from 1910 shows the area.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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I loved this ancient carved stone bench.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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A tiny stone bridge to the 13th century Chapelle des Penetents Gris next to the canal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I woke up early the next day for more exploring.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I walked down the Rue Berheim-Lyon next to the historic Synagogue d\u2019Avignon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On this site in 1944 many Jews were deported to concentration camps and to their death.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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An ancient lane beckons me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019m heading through town on my way to the Palais de Papes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the way I stopped to admire ancient Roman era ruins on the left.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the way to the entrance, I saw an old door in the back of the Palais.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The cobbled lane twists around ancient buildings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Touring the palace was assisted by interactive pad devices helping to visualize each room.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I found a quiet raised sitting area perfect for contemplation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Students gather in the shade of ancient arches.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The beautiful entrance of the Musee Calvet Fine Arts Museum.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Avignon is unique to have so many old city walls still intact.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This interesting graffiti panel stopped me in my tracks!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I celebrated my last night in Avignon with a nice dinner. <\/b>The salad had delicious f<\/b><\/span>ried zucchini in it. The filet was accompanied by a di<\/b><\/span>pping 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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