Monday, May 24, 2010

Sunday afternoon at Place de l'Horloge, Avignon

Avignon is about 40 km southwest of Sablet, snuggled inside ancient walls along the Rhône River. The largest town in the Vaucluse, Avignon is best known for its Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace) and Pont St. Bénezet (the bridge made famous in the ditty “Sur le Pont d’Avignon, on y danse, on y danse…”).

Avignon is very old; full of history, art, music and activity. You can literally spend hours wandering the narrow streets inside the fortified walls without getting bored. We have been to Avignon quite a few times but feel like we have barely scratched the surface of this town.

Avignon has many pedestrian only streets and shops of all kinds. On Sunday, most shops are closed, so we come to Avignon and go to Place de l'Horloge and grab seats at one of the many cafés.


Place de l'Horloge is a long square in front of the Hôtel de Ville with terrace cafés lining both sides. Streets at the top end of the Place de l'Horloge lead to the Place du Palais and the Palace of the Popes.

Sitting at a café is a great place to watch people.

Shirley relaxing on a sunny day under a big umbrella in front of the Hôtel de Ville.


Young and old love the "Belle Epoque" carousel that can be found at the top end of the Place de l'Horloge.

Random street graffiti on a wall on the Place de l'Horloge.

I am not sure we will ever get tired of coming to Place de l'Horloge.

1 comment:

  1. What a beautiful carousel! Any chance it will be operating in winter?

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