Avignon

During the 14th century the Pope moved from Rome (where he was being harrassed by all sorts of power struggles) to Avignon in Southern France (he happened to be French...). For the next hundred years or so the Popes lived in Avignon.

We spent the day there on Monday touring the huge palace. It's an amazing place with monsterously big dining halls and reception areas. Plus it was filled with tourists.

Avignon is famous for the bridge that currently goes halfway across the Rhone river. The children's song, "Sur le pont d'Avignon". Check out the third photo below for a view of the bridge from the city walls...

Some photos...