The day after Christmas we went back into Avignon to hit the Palais des Papes, and I'm really glad we did! I can honestly say this was the most interesting thing we did on the trip. 

First the background. There were two palaces built in Avignon while the Popes resided there -- 1309 to 1376. (Maybe there were seven Popes during this time, maybe counting the "antipopes" there were nine... church historian I am not!) These are creatively known as The Old Palace and The New Palace, and they are adjoined around a large square. 

The visit comes with a tablet and headset, but this is hardly your generic museum guided tour! For in the Palais des Papes the administration has gone way beyond expectations! 

As you're following the numbers posted, you will come upon pedestals labeled "Time Portal". Your tablet will alert you to the proximity of the Time Portal with a distinctive riff. Hovering your tablet over a Medallion on the pedestal, your tablet will scroll through years until it stops on the year to be discussed (1334 for example). 

Then the tablet shows you 3D representation of the room you're in as it was at that time, with commentary to tell the story, and sound effects for color. Raise your tablet, and you can see the decorations on the walls, paintings on the ceiling beams, the fire in the enormous fireplace, the feast being enjoyed by the Pope and his guests. Hear the cracking of the fire, wine being poured, doors closing, horses clopping. This was a very cool experience! 

And this is in addition to the usual museum type information posted on walls beside artifacts. 

Also, museum management has decided to juxtapose modern art with ancient wonders throughout the entire space. 

A fascinating and informative use of two hours! Fabulous! Do not miss this one!