Today was to be a foray into the Palais des Papes, Avignon. I had not been aware of this superb fourteenth-century building until booking my stay in Avignon. Used by the popes from the early 14th century to its close in the 1390s. It is one of the largest palace and fortress buildings in Europe in the Gothic style. I loved the massive building, the huge flagstones to walk on, certainly took you back in time. It must have been a…
I enjoyed wandering all round here and everywhere old this morning, mentally saying goodbye to Avignon. The smells of herbs, lavender, and croissants are distinctive in the narrow cobbled roads, lots of little shops with a market feel and of course many tourists. I have yet to understand the pleasure of walking and eating a plain bread roll. Yesterday the Palais des Papes with its beautiful frescoes, paintings and cold stone walls enormous rooms down to the smallest. Must have been…
We set off to go touring around Provence. First, a stop at the Gordes village in the Vaucluse mountains. Said to be one of the most beautiful villages in, France. I could believe it, seeing the houses clinging to the mountainside was one of those WOW moments. Marc the guide dropped us as close to the center as possible and left us to wander the charming cobbled streets around the village and castle The occupants must be very fit, having…
An easy and pleasant train ride from Antwerp to Avignon. I love the European train system, it’s fast, comfortable and efficient. The views from the train included the limestone hills, the odd ruined castle, and what I can only assume was a previous monastery or similar. The European stations are generally in the middle of the city, but the Avignon TGV station was actually 5 minutes by train shuttle away. Costing €6 for the week, as many times as you…