Avignon:  April 8, 2014

On Tuesday morning we drove to Avignon, an attractive city (pop.180,000) on the banks of the Rhone.  Its chief claim to fame is that it is where the papacy was situated during the so-called "Babylonian Captivity" (1309-77) and the Great Schism (a period when there were two popes/anti-popes) lasting until 1417.  The Palais des Papes is a vast palatial complex overlooking the river.  More pictures from within to follow.  We also crossed the Rhone and ascended to Fort St-Andre, built by John the Good in the 14th century as a warning to the papal armies not to trespass on his land.
Click here for a few pictures.