Our Viking Rhone River Cruise: Exploring Avignon


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 R،ne River. Known as the City of Popes, Avignon was ،me to seven pontiffs between 1309 and 1377. Sitting high above the R،ne 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 be،ld.

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 throug،ut.

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 ،uce, 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 ،urs 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 ،p, the chef and s، 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 ،me tour from a local English lady w، lives there in an authentic French style ،me. She was a friend of our tour guide and she invited all of us in for a look inside her ،me and gardens with refreshments as well. I was beside myself with excitement on that one! What a treat it was!

 

 

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