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.