Avignon’s narrow streets are lined with churches and remarkable Medieval buildings. This “City of Popes” was the papal seat for 70 years during the 14th century after the sitting pope, a Frenchman, abandoned Rome for safety reasons. The Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, was the center of the Christian world during that controversial period. With its 10-foot-thick walls, this three acre palace served as a church, home, fortress, status symbol, and emblem of power. It was in fact the Middle Ages’ largest Gothic building. We visited the banquet room where in 1344, at the coronation of Pope Clement VI, guests consumed 7,428 chickens; 3,043 fowl; 1,500 capon; 1,195 gees; 1,023 sheep; 914 kids; 118 oxen; 101 calves; 60 pigs; 15 sturgeon; 300 pike; 50,000 tarts; 95,000 loaves of bread; and 42,000 gallons of wine! Obviously the pope loved himself a celebration. We toured other rooms and courtyards as well and enjoyed hearing about how they were used when popes were in residence as well as when it was used by the military and later as a prison.

Another of Avignon’s notable structures reaches into the Rhône, the ruins of Pont Saint-Bénézet. This 12th-century bridge is largely responsible for Avignon’s development since it generated tax revenues, encouraged commerce with the kingdom of France on the other side of the river, facilitated travel, and showcased advanced engineering techniques. Seems the river had the last word however. The Rhône’s strong current repeatedly damaged the bridge until it was deemed unrepairable by the 17th century. Four of its original 22 arches remain today leaving the bridge famously incomplete. It is immortalized in dance and folk songs, one of which our guide sang for us, and countless photographs and painting.

Our last official stop was at the modern Market Hall, Les Halles, with its iconic vertical garden smothering the whole front of the building. The clean, organized, inviting, very colorful market has small cafés and lots of stalls selling local produce, meats, bread, olives, and cheeses. Easy to imagine it is a hotspot for lunch.

Speaking of, we were back on board for a yummy, as usual, lunch after which Dan and I headed back out intent on enjoying our last full day in France. Dan strolled back inside the walled city and I walked across the bridge and enjoyed a long walk and the view of Avignon and Pont Saint-Bénézet from the former Kingdom of France. It looked like the backdrop of a medieval fairy tale. I met a French lady also enjoying the view and we took one another’s picture with the walled city behind us.

At dinner we were reminded that day light saving begins in Europe TOMORROW, our fly day. We were cautioned to request a wakeup call in case our electronic devices fail us. Good at following directions, we did just that.

If all goes according to plan we’ll transfer to the airport around 7:30 tomorrow morning for our flight to Frankfurt where we’ll layover for five hours and then catch our fight home. In the spirit of WWII I’m planning on watching One Life, the true story of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who pulls off a Schlender’s List sort of miracle. I won’t spoil it for you with more details. Also on my list for the flight is Temple Grandin, another true story but this one is a mash up of autism, science, and humane livestock handling. Both films have happy endings so no worries there.

From wake up to going through our front door should be about 22 hours. Doigt dans le nez!