Another place we visited was Avignon. I was, of course, familiar with the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon ..." as well as the fact that it had, at one time been the seat of the papacy. Also, in the advance notes on this excursion, there was a mention of the "Château Neuf du Pape". I was aware of this as a French wine, and pleased that we would be visiting this winery; and, beyond that I had not been aware of the fact that there had been, actually, not only a wine of that name, but also, such a château. And, beyond that, and on a somewhat different level, I discovered physically, what up till then, had only been a name.
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Palais_des_Papes During the years 1309 to 1376 seven of the popes ruled the Catholic...
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Model of "le palais des Papes" This model of the papal palace is seen here from a different side to...
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One of the interior courtyards . . . . . . of the present palace. The fact that some of my photos reveal...
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Interior court yard It was from the decorated window, above the large gate that the popes would...
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Interior Coutyard
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Scriptorium The fire place at the right, seems to have been lit here, not so much to keep...
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Room with the barrel roof (ceiling) This, I believe, is a view in the opposite direction from the fire place.
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Another huge space The height of the ceilings in all oft these spaces was most...
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Statue of Charles IV de Bohême-Moravie He was crowned German Emperor in 1355. He was a supporter of the...
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La Grande Chapelle It was here, in this chapel, that the popes worshipped.
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The Avignon Popes' private chamber Photograph from: WWW.palais des Papes.com
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The Opera Theatre in Avignon The sign on the right side of the building announces that on April 18...
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Avignon's City Hall Located right beside the opera theatre
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Le Pont d'Avignon - today! Beside the Palais des Papes (visible in the top right hand corner of...
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Though not a sight of great importance, . . . It was touching to see this duck "maman" and her ducklings...
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Le Chateau Neuf du Pape. This is all that is left of the summer residence of the Avignon popes. And,...
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Wines, aging in these enormous casks While not, perhaps the highlight of the day, it certainly was a very close...
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And on our way home to Aix en Provence . . . I, at least, was delighted to see the many vineyards which promised...
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