Sur le pont d’Avignon, on y dance, …
I learned this well-known song from my mother when I was a small child. However, it would be a few more years before I visited Avignon in 2006. At that time, I was on a language trip in Montpellier in southern France for six weeks and went on numerous excursions. I have particularly fond memories of Avignon. Not only the famous bridge, which is actually called Pont Saint-Bénézet, but also the fantastic Papal Palace made a lasting impression on me.
Avignon was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century and during the Western Schism until 1417. The magnificent buildings still give an idea of the splendour with which the popes appeared at that time. But the city itself around the palace is also delightful, with many medieval alleys and countless restaurants to stroll around and enjoy.
To whet your appetite for France and its beautiful cities such as Avignon, why not enjoy a little mental journey to this beautiful city with my Avignon photo gallery!
Avignon in Bildern
The Papal Palace surrounded by greenery, seen from the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Pont d'Avignon.
A small alleyway in Avignon – isn't it idyllic?
The Cathedral of Avignon, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d'Avignon, and its tower with the golden Virgin Mary. The statue weighs 4.5 tonnes!
Cafés and small shops everywhere.
Old walls and beautiful leaded glass panes.
Old stones against a magnificent cloudy sky.
A close-up view of the cathedral tower with its golden statue of the Virgin Mary. The imposing architecture is impressive at every turn.
I used to be that young... 😅 Here I am sitting above the central square in Avignon. At the tender age of 24, by the way.
The Place du Palais, which is a must-see in any Avignon photo gallery. We were really lucky that the city wasn't too crowded on that September day.
Finally: the famous bridge of Avignon, the Pont Saint-Bénézet. In the 14th century, the Rhône formed the border between France and the Papal States. The bridge connected the two states. After being damaged several times by wars and floods, the bridge was abandoned in the 17th century. After further damage by floods, only the four bridge arches that still exist today remained.
At the city wall on the way from the bridge into the city.
It almost looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, doesn't it?
Unfortunately, I often hear that other people ‘don't like’ France. I've never been able to understand that. I love this beautiful country with its many facets, the language, and I also find the people wonderful. Avignon is one of the many gems that France has to offer.
If you haven't had enough of France yet, you can also read my report on Strasbourg ! 🙂
