Today was dumping rain! Torrential! As much as I loved the city and our guide (who actually lives in Avignon himself!) the rain certainly had an effect on how much time we spent exploring.
Regardless of wet feet, we only had one day in Avignon and the city is RICH. Rich in culture, in memories, in tradition! Once inside the 14th century defensive walls of the city, the narrow cobblestones twist and turn with history on every rue and quartier.
The Palais des Papes looks down on you regardless of where you are in the city, a consistent presence. I suppose depending on your viewpoints that could be comforting or otherwise. I choose comforting. An easy loop through the city will take you not only to the Palais de Papes but also to the St. Pierre cathedral and the oldest house in Avignon, Maison du Quatre de Chiffre.
A Visit to Palais de Papes
In total, the construction of what is now known as the Palais des Papes took 17 years to complete. The “Old Palace” was built between 1335 and 1342, followed by the “New Palace” between 1342 and 1352.
Today, the Palais des Papes stands as one of the largest and most impressive Gothic palaces in Europe, dominating the skyline of Avignon and serving as a powerful reminder of the city’s importance during the 14th-century papacy.
Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape
Just 30 minutes outside Avignon lies the legendary wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Within the nearly 7,900-acre boundaries of this historic appellation are more than 300 wineries, all operating under strict production standards designed to preserve the quality and tradition the region is known for. The result is some of the most celebrated wine in France — rich, full-bodied reds crafted from generations of expertise and deeply rooted winemaking traditions.
Set beneath the ruins of the former papal château that once overlooked the valley, the vineyards thrive in conditions uniquely suited for exceptional wine production. The famous rocky terroir, known as galets roulés, absorbs heat from the Provençal sun during the day and slowly releases it overnight, helping the vines mature evenly. Combined with balanced rainfall and the powerful Mistral winds, the environment creates vines that are intentionally stressed yet remarkably resilient.
The vines themselves are pruned low to withstand the harsh winds and concentrate their energy into producing intensely flavorful grapes. Nearly 95% of the region’s production focuses on red wines, with only a small percentage devoted to whites.
And the payoff is delicious.
Enjoy a tasting at Maison Bouachon, founded in 1898. Not only are the wines delicious but the tasting was very educational! Explaining the region, the grape varietals, the tasting techniques. I learned more from this tasting that any other tasting that I’ve done!
Learn more about this wine region here!
After our trip to Chateauneuf du pape, back to the boat for dinner, and then back out again to brave the rain for a private classical concert organized by our Cruise line. Umbrellas up, we truck back through the walls to Chapelle de l’Oratoire for a candle light experience. The acoustics of the chapel make the music from the piano, violin, and flute come to life, wrapping you within the experience and excluding everything else. An experience truly relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.
