Our first excursion was into Avignon proper, which actually has lots of things to do. 

It has a long history, including a period in the 14th century when seven popes lived here due to the election of Frenchman Clement V as Pope, who refused to move to Rome. ... and then there's the famous bridge. 

After running the guantlet of roundabouts we finally arrived at a parking lot proporting to be at the Papal Palais and Pont Saint-Benezet, and we came out of the parking to find ourselves on a huge wind-swept piazza filled with about 10 other people. 

We walked over to a vista where we could see the bridge, up to a beautiful garden, and then down into the town to eat before tackling the Papal Palais. 

After lunch we strolled through the windy, windy little streets trying to find the Papal Palais and ducked into a bar for a warm drink... which became a vin chaud and a great hour talking to a fun Canadian couple (they're so nice, and thanks for the drinks!)

And then we wandered the Avignon Champs Elysees before dissing the palais and heading (through the roundabouts) home to the kids.

A golden Maria

Barr and The Bridge

Papal Garden

... and again

... and again

The Rhone

Pont d'Avignon

... again

Barr at the Opera

Lonely Santa

Magenta flocked tree

shoppers