We started the day with a bus ride to Avignon. Our guide, Elsa, met us in the square in front of the Papal Palace. Because of factional strife in Rome, Pope Clement V moved the papal court to Avignon in 1309. Here it remained until 1376, during which time his successors built the palace. Its heavy fortification was vital in defending against rogue bands of mercenaries.

There are really two palaces, the first built by Benedict XII (1334-42) and the second by Clement VI (1342-52). The two together cover an area of almost 150,00 square feet.

The older palace is simpler in design.

The newer palace is more flamboyant, built in more of a Gothic style.

The interior was stark, since it had been used as a barracks for 2000 soldiers at one time. From our tour of the interior we could see some of the fortifications as well as the statue of Mary on the nearby Cathedrale de Notre-Dame-des Doms.

After our tour of the interior, we could get a better view of the Cathedral and part of the palace.

This is a closeup of the statue of Mary at the top of the Cathedral.

We then had time for lunch and some free time to look around the city (and shop?) We started in the main square opposite the palace.

This is one of the dozens of restaurants in which to eat in the square.