Corndogs + Avocados

The TGV took us at around 135 miles per hour south from Paris to Avignon through vineyards and olive orchards. From there we explored a bit of Provence.

The next morning was Easter Sunday. We attended mass at the surprisingly understated Notre Dame des Doms cathedral next to the Palais des Papes inside old walled Avignon . It’s a beautiful church built in the 12th century. During the politically and religiously turbulent years around the 14th century, the popes took up the French’s offer for a safe place to live and moved to Avignon.

Today at school I asked one of the religion teachers if he could shed some light on why a series of popes and antipopes lived for over 100 years in France instead of Rome. “Ah, that was a colorful page in history.” Sadly, he didn’t clear much up.

I love the angels.

The music of the mass was wonderfully medieval. A pipe organ welcomed in the worshipers and set the tone. An older gentleman with a rich baritone voice led the congregation and the small choir in song after song. I bungled along as best I could by reading the lyrics printed in French on our program.

This video is from right before the mass started. It’s really bad because I was trying to be discreet. Oh well, you get the idea.

Luckily, I had read John 20 the night before so I was able to follow the priest’s homily (nearly dictated the story from scriptures). Any time I understand what someone is saying in French I get really excited.

Shots of the Palace of the Popes next to the church.

After mass we had some free time. Most shopped. I spent my time on some of my favorite activities, eating pastries and sipping fruit juice and reading. Wahoo! The lovely chocolatey thing below was called “Success”. Amen.

The place I ate is on the left with the red awning. This view is looking down Rue St. Agricol.

A courtyard off the beaten path.

I did succumb to the shopping bug, however, when I saw the soap. Well, when I smelled the soap.

Off to the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct built by the Romans in the first century AD.

Graffiti.

Wandered the area around the aqueduct. Flowers were just starting to bloom.

Even though it was a little cold and windy, folks were out in force picnicking and playing. It was wonderful.

One man band video coming as soon as I can figure out why it isn’t working.

But more wonderful than that was the organic (”biologique”) goat cheese I bought there. I was going to eat it with some bread later in the evening but instead devoured it alone in the bus on our way to Nimes.

In Nimes we toured the amphitheater (I recommend the audio tour), the Tour Magne at the top of the fabulous garden (Jardins de la Fontaine), and the Maison Carrée.

No dogs allowed.

(Tour Magne.)

(Maison Carrée)

Old Avignon at sunset.

The next day we had a few hours in Aix en Provence wandering, site-seeing and eating. Then off to Nice. That will be the last France Trip installment as soon as I can get to it.