For the last excursion, we went to Avignon which in my opinion was a fitting end to an excellent trip. When we arrived it was a hot day, easily reaching the high 80's but that did not take away from the splendor of the location. The first site was a quick glimpse of the Pont d'Avignon also known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, an ancient Roman bridge well-known throughout all France as a children's song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon. However, we had to continue on as today was a short trip and there was plenty to see. We continued on to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d'Avignon or Cathedral of Our Lady of Doms also known as Avignon Cathedral. Like many other cathedrals in Southern France had Romanesque and Gothic influences with a massive golden statue of the Virgin Mary at its peak. Afterwards, we headed to the apex of our trip, the Palais des Papes, the Papal Palace which was home to popes for most of the 14th century. On its exterior was an expanse of towers and gargoyles which were awesome in stature. In its interior, we as a group could not resist exploring with a various faded painting, sculptures and intimidating halls more akin to hangars. After an exhausting trip, we enjoyed sweets at a nearby ice cream shop before heading to Montpellier probably for the last time. In retrospect, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that opened my eyes and can do the same for whoever wishes to see the greater world. And I say thank you to all that made it possible.
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| Pont d'Avignon |
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| Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d'Avignon |
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| Interior of Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d'Avignon |
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| Statue of Virgin Mary |
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| Citadel Group walking down the streets of Avignon |
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| Picture behind the Pont d'Avignon and the Rhone river |
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| Front of the Palais des Papes |
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| Cour d'honneur |
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| One of the many damaged murals within Palais des Papes |
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| The Grand Chapel |
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| One of many gargoyles on the exterior of the palace |
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| Two tombs of the Avignon papacy |
