Sunday, March 24, 2024

 SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2024

Today is Palm Sunday. In Avignon, they give out Olive Branches instead of palms. We kept seeing people walking around with a ribbon tied olive branch. I went into the church right next to our favorite restaurant L’Epicierie. It was beautiful inside. I found the source!

Next off to the D ‘Halles for some fruit and vegetables and lunch things. 

We are meeting Steve and Jeff's new BFF from the car show, Johan at 1:00. He is going to give us a tour of Avignon outside of the wall. 

What an afternoon! Johan was such a nice kid. He is 36! He was so knowledgeable about the history of Provence. First he brought us to Fort et Abbey Saint Andrè. It sits high on the hill  right across the river from Avignon. Johan explained that Avignon was the Popes domain. To show his power, the king had to build a higher place for France. Kind of a French Salute to the Pope. This was not an opulent palace for the the king. It is a military base. 

Steve and Jeff walked on the top of the wall of the castle. 

Then Johan brought us to Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It is a charming medieval village. Over time, they have covered up the ancient walls, or used them as support for renovations. It’s was really charming. Sunday is a quiet day. Nothing was open and few people were there.

As we were leaving Steve noticed a fountain. Johan showed him how it worked.

Back to Avignon. We thought the tour was over. When we got back to town. Johan suggested an aperitif. We kept asking him if we were keeping him from something he said no. He was a wonderful source of knowledge. Johan studied and taught history. His English was very good as he had studied in Canada at McGill. He showed us where the medieval walls ended. You can tell because the road is straight. Most of the other roads are winding. He took us to his favorite part of town. Streets we have walked down before but didn’t frequent. Now we know the best patisseries, what to order, ice cream, and restaurants to go to that aren’t tourist spots. We stopped at a bistro for a drink. Steve was going to have a beer. He said he would have a a 1664. We had read that was the most popular beer in France. Johan actually wrinkled his nose and said No! He called it the doctors specimen. They brew their own beer and he suggested one with anise. His favorite ice cream shop was right across the street. He said it was the only shop in Avignon where they make their own and have many different combinations of flavors. They even make lavender. Sadly not until April 15th. On the way he showed us how some of the buildings on a certain streets are tilting, like the Tower of Pisa in Italy. It’s because there was a moat underneath 

Back home to our humble abode. Cobble stone walking is tough on the joints. Light dinner, cards, and bed!

Bonne Nuit!💤💤💤