I heard Avignon is one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval destinations which sounded intriguing. Avignon is known for the largest and most important Gothic building in Europe, the Palais des Papes. Of course there are several more museums, galleries, cathedrals, etc. but I was most excited to visit the Palais des Papes.
On a hilltop in Avignon, the Palais des Papes is one of the biggest 14th-century Gothic buildings in existence, complete with ten huge 50-meter high square towers and covering a total of 15,000 square meters or 50,000 square feet. This huge stone structure was home to at least seven Popes escaping Rome and the political unrest between 1309 and 1377. The highlight for me was the Chappelle St-Jean. The frescos of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist were painted between 1345 and 1348.
Sightseeing took all day but tomorrow I am going to go to some markets I heard about. There are covered food markets, flower markets and flea markets that are pretty popular that I want to check out. There is also a chain boutique called Souleiado that sells reproductions of 18th and 19th century Provençal fabrics that sounds interesting. Always have to make time for a little shopping!
After such a long day, I made my way to my hotel. I’m staying at the Hotel d’Europe. It has been around since 1799 and I am sure it has been remodeled since then! Guests such as Charles Dickens and Jacqueline Kennedy have stayed here so this five-star hotel is sure to be comfortable!
I’ve checked into my fabulous hotel and am ready to get a bite to eat and enjoy some French cuisine. The hotel has a great restaurant but they also recommended the Hiely-Lucullus. I was told the restaurant serves fresh ingredients that are imported daily that are cooked to perfection! I soon learned they were right! I ordered the grilled scallops with black truffles and celery puree. It was delicious. A first for me to experience celery puree but I would have it again. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
It has been a very long day and I am ready to go back to the hotel and relax. I’ve got a long day planned tomorrow. Walking through all the museums, and cathedrals and the history throughout France is exhausting. My feet need a rest!
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