Come along with us today as we do a walking tour of Avignon and also a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard, a remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct and bridge. Avignon is a charming city on the Rhone River. Known as the City of Popes, Avignon was home to seven pontiffs between 1309 and 1377. Sitting high above the Rhone River, the walled Old Town is full of cobblestone streets and historic architectural gems.
Pont d’ Avignon, the city’s well known bridge and a beloved 15th century French song about the bridge, On the Bridge of Avignon is still sung by children all over the world.
Avignon
The formidable walls of Avignon.
Walking through Avignon on a walking tour was very enjoyable, with many sights to behold.
The Pope’s Palace
We had the pleasure of a tour through the Pope’s Palace and the Avignon Cathedral, both outstanding architecture of French history.
Inside the Palace of the Popes.
Stunning murals on the walls.
Original tiles found in the palace.
Beautiful and intricate art throughout.
Inside the Avignon Cathedral. It was spectacular!
Strolling Avignon. We really loved this charming city.
We went in one of the markets in town, with beautiful produce, fish, bread and so much more. It was a feast for the eyes!
All the fresh fish you could imagine.
Mark, outside ont he street.
Outdoor cafes are everywhere.
Pont du Gard
Built in the 1st Century AD, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard stands 164 feet high and 1,181 feet across and is the tallest of all the Roman aqueducts. It contains 50,400 tons of soft yellow limestone, with individual blocks weighing up to six tons. These were precisely cut to fit together by gravity and friction, with no need for mortar.
The Roman aqueduct was built in three tiers of elegant arches to enable the flow of water from 31 miles away. Engineers devised this winding system that brought water from the Fontaine d’ Uzes. The route took 27 hours to traverse and delivered about 8,800,000 gallons of water a day. Isn’t that remarkable?
We loved walking across the bridge and seeing this amazing specimen up close.
The expanse is immense and amazing.
It’s truly remarkable to see this in person!
A road bridge was added onto to first level in 1746, and you can see the addition here. It allowed traffic to move over the bridge.
This is a sight we’ll never forget.
Selfies in front!
Another view of the Pont d’ Avignon bridge.
When we returned to the ship, the chef and staff had prepared a delicious taste of Provence for dinner that night. It’s a style of cooking that’s simple, intensely flavored with fresh local ingredients. I really enjoyed this tasting of regional foods and love that Viking offered this special night of local cuisine.
Next week, you’re in for a treat, as on one of our excursions in the village of Viviers, we were treated to a home tour from a local English lady who lives there in an authentic French style home. She was a friend of our tour guide and she invited all of us in for a look inside her home and gardens with refreshments as well. I was beside myself with excitement on that one! What a treat it was!
Rhoda,
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos and information on all the wonderful places you visited! Soni K.
Such beautiful pictures, Rhoda! Thanks for sharing your wonderful cruise with us! Looking forward to seeing more.