Determined to be an insatiable tourist on my 2nd day in Avignon, I was up & out of my studio quite early to first grab some breakfast, then book in for the 10am Avignon guided tour (17 euros) organised by the local tourism office. I found an okay coffee - a rather strange tasting cappuccino that seemed to have either condensed cream or some other sweet cream-like substance added. But with that & a croissant under my belt (bulging belly), I eagerly awaited the guided tour.
The tour was only meant to go for 2 hours, but actually went for 3. The guide was excellent, speaking English fluently, she was able to articulate all the little historical facts we love to hear about. We went past old roman walls, through churches/cathedrals, finally ending up at the Pope’s Palace, which has a remarkable history.
The tour was only meant to go for 2 hours, but actually went for 3. The guide was excellent, speaking English fluently, she was able to articulate all the little historical facts we love to hear about. We went past old roman walls, through churches/cathedrals, finally ending up at the Pope’s Palace, which has a remarkable history.
Seemingly, back in the 1300’s the papal residence was transferred from Rome to Avignon & remained here through a number of Popes before the Catholic Church finally said they wanted the pope to come back to Italy. So for a while (don’t ask me about dates or years or particulars please), there were 2 popes - one in Rome, one in Avignon - because the Avignon pope wouldn’t abdicate - he liked poping far too much. Lots of restoration work has been completed on the Pope’s Palace, but the weird thing is, their restoration doesn’t mean recreating it to look how it use to look, but to look very different - what’s the point? Anyway, still a great place to visit.
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