We enjoyed breakfast at Domaine de Rhodes and got good advice for how to spend our day from the owner, Francoise. As today was Veterans Day in France, most government offices and businesses were closed. All the better to drive over the bridge into Avignon! We parked just outside the city walls and walked directly to the Palais des Papes. We visited Avignon twenty years ago and remembered how awed we were then by the Palais des Papes. We still are! Those Popes were rich!
We walked through the Papal gardens for a view of the famous bridge, Pont Saint Benezet, from above. We walked through the streets of Avignon to their daily market and to see their cathedrals. It is a beautiful city. We had a leisurely lunch at a bistro along the walkway to the Palais des Papes. We heard music coming from the Palais, so went back for a look and enjoyed watching a group of musicians in very strange homemade costumes, playing for all they were worth. They were terrific!
We crossed back over the Rhone, parked the car, and walked along the river opposite the city, for terrific views. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and families were enjoying picnics and strolling along the river. We enjoyed Avignon and seeing the bridge all over again.
