The papal City of Avignon, though ancient with history, became a Mecca in the early thirteenth century when Pope Clement left Rome and chose the city as the new center for Christianity. The City walls are over 4 km tall and are built to include walking room for the soldiers who use to guard his holiness.

The cathedral on the left and the Palace Du Palais on the right are clearly medieval. Their Gothic interiors are grand and ornate, though only the Cathedrals admission is free. The Notre Dame Des Doms, pictured below is home to the tombs of several apostate popes, the public is welcome here also, though I did not have the chance to attend personally.

Back in the town center, or the Clock Tower Square, there is much food and festivities. A nicely shaded and greened place to sit and dine, one can observe the local sculptures and galleries. Kiddies ride the carousel and parents stand along side holding ice creams and shopping bags.

Up above the town via Fort St. Andre, are some lovely 13th century Italian style gardens. From here you can see the Rhone river below and the Saint Benez bridge, or the le pont d'Avignon. The bridge was built by a shepherd boy after hearing an apparition in the late twelfth century. Slowly but surely, the boy proved true to his cause and the towns people pitched in to help. It has inspired surrealists such as Renue and Mattise.