Palais des Papes – Journals from Abroad

If you are someone who wants to realize your fantasy of running around a medieval castle, Avignon is the place to visit. Avignon is located on the left bank of the river Rhône. It is a gorgeous, ancient town with medieval walls enclosing the town center, and within it, le palais des papes (the Papal Palace or the Palace of Popes). Like many French towns, the center is a maze of narrow streets scattered with little boutiques and cafés, with cobblestone paths and murals on the beautiful yellow clay which the south of France is known for.

Image of a street in Avignone city center with buildings on either side and one in view down the center — Avignon City Center

View of the city of Avignon from the roof of the Palais des Papes framed by two stone columns — Town of Avignon from the roof of the Palais des Papes

Avignon is known for the period of Avignon Papacy, from 1309 to 1376, during which there were seven successive popes living in le palais des papes, instead of residing in Rome. While I was there, I was able to take a tour of le palais des papes. It was absolutely incredible! I was stepping back through time, walking the echoing halls, running my hand across the cold carved stones.

Two towers outside the Palais des Papes with gothic architecture — Outside the Palais des Papes

A gothic tower on the roof of the Palais des Papes framed by two stone columns — Roof of the Palais des Papes

My favorite rooms of the palace were not allowed to be photographed, but they were covered from floor to ceiling with religious murals, telling stories about saints and other figures. Another gorgeous room was tiled in earthy yellows, rusty reds, and faded blues. The palace had so many levels and staircases; I was easily turned around and would’ve gotten lost if not for arrows indicating the flow of the tour.

Image of the flourishes on the carved stone on an archway entrance to a stairwell — Carved stone in the palace

Image of the sun coming through the window in the Palais des Papes with stone benches on either side of the window — Golden hour in the Palais des Papes

Image of two doors within the Palais des Papes with carved stone framing the two doors — Doors in the Palais des Papes

After visiting the town center of Avignon, we headed to the Pont du Gard, a roman aqueduct built almost 2000 years ago, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aqueduct crosses the Gardon river and is the tallest preserved Roman aqueduct. I found that its grandeur is something that cannot really be captured on camera. If you are ever in the south of France, I would highly recommend visiting this site, because it is something that can only really be experienced in person. The sheer size and antiquity of the aqueduct was humbling. There are a few trails on either side of the bridge that can give you a better view. I hiked one side up to a viewpoint. The group of about 20 that I was with fell silent and we sat there for probably a half hour in that calmness, taking everything in. It was a beautiful experience.

Image of the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. It is framed by trees on both sides with the three tiered aqueduct in the center. — View of Pont du Gard from the trail

Image of the Pont du Gard from below, with the aqueduct stretching across the image — View of the aqueduct from the from the second tier

Until next time,
Natalie