There is a mix of new and old.
We parked at the Centre-Ville train station parking lot just outside the walls and walked into the city through the « Porte de La République «.
We wandered along the Main Street in the direction to Place de L’Horloge (referred to as the heart of the city, here you’ll find the Town Hall and Opera House built in the 19th century).
Some street entertainment ...
The Hôtel de Ville / Town Hall
We continued on to the Palace Square ... where we hoped to be tourists on the “Petit Train”.
We climbed on the waiting train, there seemed to be some kind of delay ... finally, after much discussion between the driver and ticket seller it was determined the train’s brakes were “caput”!
Everyone off the train ...
Palace of the Popes
It was extremely hot and humid. We wandered back to Place de L’Horloge finding a café/restaurant with front row seats to view the activity in the square for some refreshments and lunch.
Now we were ready to try the train again ... away we went for an interesting narrated 45-minute train ride.
And yes it was a good thing they check the train’s brakes as some of the tour climbed high above to the Rocher des Doms Gardens.
This hill overlooks the Rhône and was where the first inhabitants of Avignon settled over 5000 years ago.
Wonderful views and beautiful gardens ...
Can you see the Pont d’Avignon (Saint Benezet Bridge) ... UNESCO World Heritage site, built between 1171 and 1185?
Famous for the nursery rhyme song “ Sur le Pont ...”
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond.
On the bridge of Avignon
We're all dancing, we're all dancing
On the bridge of Avignon
We're all dancing round and round.
In the winter of 1668, most of the bridge was destroyed by an icy flood.
There are only 4 arches remaining.
The original bridge was significant in size spanning a half mile with 22 arches.
The water fountain in the gardens.
The train took us through narrow streets in various neighbourhoods and squares.
One of the many shaded squares.
I was in awe of the beautiful buildings and architecture.
We had full day with some sight seeing, a little retail therapy and a leisurely lunch.
