Avignon France 🇫🇷 Arrival & First Impressions
Annette & I really enjoyed our time in Avignon and the Provence region in France. When we arrived from Barcelona, it was a little rainy and cool, but we made our way to our Airbnb after a little detour. I punched in the wrong address in Google Maps (not the first time for me, unfortunately). After walking for a little while, I figured it out and got us back on the right path to our accommodation. Our stay was very close to everything and just inside the old city walls.
Avignon has a very long history (there is a reason Annette calls me Mr. Obvious), but what really sets it apart and gave the city its architecture and city walls was the fact that the Papacy of the Holy Roman Empire was moved here from 1309 to 1376. Pope Clement V moved the papacy in March of 1309. The Popes ran the church from here until 1376 when the papacy was moved back to Rome.
Our first evening and the next day were rainy and cold, but we were greeted by such friendly people that welcomed us and were helpful which warmed our soul. We found a boulangerie across the Rhône River, La Magie du pains. (The Magic of Breads.) What a lovely place and what a surprise it was for us. We walked in and heard country music playing in the bakery. Nothing says welcome to France quite like hearing Achy Breaky Heart playing. 😂, Chloé the shopkeeper, was a trip and loved country music. It was a pleasure meeting her and interacting with her the few times we bought bread and treats during our visit.
Our interactions with everyone there were very pleasant, the hospitality and kindness were wonderful. A simple bonjour goes a long way here in France.
Annette & I had a few day trips that I will write about soon enough. Our second year of travel has started as a wonderful experience so far.
Just a bit cool and raining our first morning in Avignon. It did not dampen our excitement of exploration.
Chloé was wonderful and we appreciated her taste in country music. We enjoyed meeting her very much
wonderful people here in Avignon
The rain did not dampen our desire to explore this wonderful city.
