Avignon

Thursday, July 16th

Avignon

During the night, set sail for Avignon, where you arrive during breakfast. During your GUIDED TOUR you may choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES, built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residence. With a living space equivalent to four gothic cathedrals, it is the largest gothic fortress in the world.

We left for the tour of the city with Palace of the Popes at 8:45AM.  It was already hot!!!  This is a pretty little town but it's main claim to fame is Papal Palace.

In 1309, the explosive political situation in Rome lead Pope Clement V to look for a safer residence.  Encouraged by the French King, Philip the Fair, his choice was Avignon.  During the next 68 years, the city became an important center of culture and lerning.  The Papal Palace is just one of of the city's buildings protected by a system of fortifications.

City Wall

Charlie at the entrance to the Popes Palace

Banquet Hall

Bridge of St. Benezet

In the afternoon we took took the tour in to the Chateauneuf du Pope area with a stop at the Brotte Winery.  We had a good presentation of the origins of the wines of the area, and the special soil and cimate conditions.

Jane will be proud of me....this was the most expensive bottle (40E) available at the winery!

The grape vines in the area are grown in pebbles.  Miles and miles of fields covered with grapes....beautiful!!!!

It was a very long HOT day that was pretty hard on Charlie.  I think for the rest of the cruise, I will try not to have 2 tours that he will do in one day. I can definitely see deterioration but he still is enjoying himself.