France Archives - Solotravel

Palais de Papes, Avignon

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 very cold place in centuries past, given the size of the fireplaces.

In one of the huge rooms, heaters were going at full blast but it was still cool enough to be comfortable. Masses of people, many tour groups, all with their leader carrying various versions of umbrellas. But they didn’t spoil the views of the beautiful murals on the walls. Two of the rooms I thought were outstandingly beautiful. This was not the high season for tourists, I would shudder to think how packed it would become when it was!

I slowly maneuvered the countless steps with my stick, sadly slowing everyone behind me but no one complained. I am certainly benefitting from all the exercise. However, the stick is a must for my confidence on the cobblestones, flagstones and the many rundown paths and roads that seem to be. While I always have travel insurance, a must for anyone traveling away from their home country. I also feel one must be proactive as well.

The ride on the small road train for tourists was a blessing indeed. It saved me a lot of walking and gave an insight to other intriguing sights to see, from the highest lookout point down to the Pont D’avignon at the river. After seeing the palace, I wandered up the adjacent hill to the park, Parc Palais des Papes to get an overview of the city. I was very lucky with the weather, having an enchanting, beautifully clear day to see the Pont de Avignon in its shortened magnificence across the river. A spectacular panorama of the French countryside.

Goodbye to Avignon

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 cold back in the 13-14th century. In one of the biggest rooms, they actually had big heaters going full blast and it wasn’t hot, even with them going.

Finally getting to walk the famous Pont D’avignon bridge. Famously finishing halfway across the river. A pretty walk through narrow streets, past the inevitable tourist shops and patisseries. I was so lucky with the weather, although cool, it was a bright and sunny day. Many other visitors enjoying it with me. Yes, at school many years ago, even kiwi kids on the other side of the world sang the famous little song associated with this bridge.

Sitting in Macca’s eating the most delicious potato chunks and sauce. Overseas Mcdonalds always have food we never see at home. I’d love some more but at €2.50 a tad expensive. The staff here have been wonderful, happy to deliver a meal to the table, get the wifi, going all with a smile. A little boy just fell down a couple of steps and cried(he wasn’t hurt) but his sister screamed! Again the staff incredible.

I tried eating in one of the pavement cafes earlier, but a horrendous wind spoilt the whole experience, blowing the bright yellow and pink flowered tablecloths, despite the clips attaching the table. Move on to Barcelona tomorrow for 4 days followed by Madrid and the Spanish tour.

Will be sorry to leave here, overall it’s been interesting historically and building wise, and very friendly. I have had plenty of exercise, finding Avignon another easy city to walk and enjoy. All one needs is younger legs! I have discovered if the French are going or tell you how to get to anything, it is always, just 10 mins away 🙂

It’s been fun practicing a little French with the breakfast supervisor, a smiley lady with a great deal of patience! Usually, after I eaten too many of the tastiest, flakiest of croissants filled with butter and jam. I have now installed a Spanish translator on the iPad. The French one has been brilliant on the odd occasion and easy to get on the iPad offline. Now it’s back to the hotel on the train shuttle and the ‘10 min walk’ between the station and hotel.

Avignon Stay

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 wish to use the service. I had chosen to get off here, for cheaper accommodation and a simplified train experience for coming and going.

I am booked in the Adagio Aparthotel, one with a kitchen which I hope will keep costs down. Just a short 5-10 mins walk away from the station. It seems that 10mins are the French standard times to go anywhere. At least I was able to have my cup a soup evening meal in the room. Pleased about not having to go downstairs to the boiling water machine. The joy of joys there is also breakfast included.

I was able to see a big Carrefour supermarket from my window, so enquired how to get there. Sadly finding out that supermarkets are closed on Sundays in France, very strange. I have been fascinated by the business habits of the Europeans, particularly the supermarkets with their empty shelves, strange checkouts, trolley system, and the lack of plastic bags! On arriving home I find that there are no plastic bags given out at the supermarkets.

Exhausted after yesterday’s activity was a late start, the included a continental breakfast was very nice, with the most delicious croissants. Completed by a charming lady who was happy to put up with my attempts at speaking and practicing the French language. Talking with the receptionist I ended up booking a tour with her assistance. She gave instructions as to how to meet the tour, and to look out for a black Mercedes.

Arriving at the town center as I was told, half an hour early I waited and keep a look out for the black Mercedes. 12.30 came and went, no tour black Mercedes. Nearly in tears, I walked back up the Main Street, when a black Mercedes pulled up across the road! Ah, the relief, so I walked as fast as the walking stick allowed me. Reaching the guy who had stopped to look at some shoes displayed outside.

I asked if he was the tour guide for Provence Reservations, no, he says but I used to work for them! He asked what time the tour was supposed to have been, and immediately rang them. Apparently, they were looking for me! He very kindly offered to take me to meet the guide, which he did. They had been waiting a quarter of an hour for me in a grey Mercedes!

My pleasure to meet a charming young Canadian couple from Quebec.