Road Trip 2024 Day 14 - The Journey back to Benidorm from Teruel via Chelva and Taverns de la Valldigna 351km
Its been another amazing road trip and we have driven in 5 different countries, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy and Andorra, but its now time to head home back to Benidorm.
After enjoying our standard Spanish breakfast of Tostada con tomate y queso and a coffee, it was time to get on the road, as usual the Sat Nav was set to avoid all motorways and tolls and a lot of the journey was on the CV-35 also known as the Autovía del Turia, which took us over some wonderful mountains with stunning scenery.
Road Trip 2024 Day 14
We had a brief stop in Chelva located in the province of Valencia, this was a lovely place which has a rich history, with roots tracing back to the Iberians, Romans, and Moors. This cultural blend is evident in its architecture and layout. The town is divided into distinct historic quarters:
Arab Quarter (Arrabal): Reflects the town's Moorish past with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses.
Jewish Quarter (Azoque): A testimony to its once-thriving Jewish community, featuring unique structures and a fascinating layout.
Christian Quarter: Developed later, showcasing more modern architectural influences, which is where we found ourselves in a lovely square where the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
The church is a prominent landmark, showcasing Baroque design, and serves as a focal point for religious and cultural activities in Chelva.
This region of Valencia has a vibrant tradition of textile arts, including crochet and the streets were adorned with crochet streamers, made by local residents.
The Casa Consistorial de Chelva, or Chelva Town Hall, is a historic building located in the heart of Chelva, situated in the Plaza Mayor, this serves as the administrative center for the municipality.
Historically, the site of the Casa Consistorial holds significant importance. The main gate of the old castle was located in what is now the Plaza Mayor, where the town hall stands today. Over time, the castle underwent various transformations, including its conversion into a palace and later into an inn in the 19th century. Currently, the town hall and other buildings occupy this historic site, incorporating remnants of the original castle structure.
This is an area which could be worth more exploration on a future road trip.
Road Trip 2024 Day 14
Our final stop of our journey was lunch at Tavernes de la Valldigna, situated approximately 54 kilometers south of Valencia. It is the largest town in the Valldigna valley, a horseshoe-shaped area bordered by mountains to the West and the Mediterranean Sea to the East.
The town itself sits is renowned for its excellent beaches and scenic mountain routes, again another area to explore at a later date, possibly during the summer months as its close to one of our other favourite places Cullera. But for now its on with the journey back home to Benidorm, and thats another amazing road trip completed. We still really enjoy these as everyday is like the start of a new holiday and you never know what exciting places you will find along the way.
Just shortly after our visit (15th October) on 29th October Tavernes de la Valldigna faced challenges following a DANA (an Isolated Depression at High Levels producing large amounts of rain in a short period of time), this caused significant flooding and damage. The La Goleta beach area was particularly affected, and local authorities are actively coordinating aid and restoration efforts for the community.
And its now back to Benidorm and the end of this years Road Trip. Next years may be slightly different, as we may re-visit our favourite places from previous years, spending 2 or 3 days in each, really getting to know them properly, rather than just quick one nights visits.
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Road Trip 2024
Total cost of 14 nights' accommodation - 775.49€ (including tourist tax in some areas). Average coast per night = 55.39€
Additional car parking expenses - 17€, most places we stayed offered on street, or private FREE parking.
Total Diesel cost - in the region of 200€
Best accommodation - Night 5 Hôtel des Moulins - 61.62€ including city tax, FREE parking onsite.
Worst accommodation -Day 7 B&B L'Avelan - La Trinité 80.23€ including city tax. The room itself was lovely but being in someone elses house we felt trapped.
Favourite place visited - Cannes, day 7, we both loved this place and would like to visit again in better weather
Most disappointing - Saint-Tropez day 6
Best surprise along the way - Day 3 The Empúries Roman City Ruins at L'Escala and day 6 the medieval village of Le Castellet
What we found different this year - Most other road trips we have taken has been during the summer months (apart from last year), what did we find were the pros and cons of a Road Trip in October:
Pros - Accommodation was easier to find and most with free parking.
Accommodation was much cheaper, we got some really good deals.
Less Traffic on the roads.
Easier to park in the towns and cities.
Much more comfortable walking around in the cooler daytime temperatures.
Cons:
Because we covered a significant distance within a limited timeframe, we were unable to spend extended periods in any one location. As a result, while we visited many places, we didn’t have the opportunity to fully explore them.
Not enough daylight hours to do the amount of sightseeing we normally do.
Unpredictible weather, we had a lot more rain than normal especially in France.
Chilly at night.
Some towns/Cities were so quiet they had no atmosphere.
Would we do a road trip again this time of year? yes, but the lack of daylight hours was still a problem, with us arriving at a lot of our destinations in darkness. As we are now finding the heat too much during the peek summer months the next trip will be taken during May, June, or September. Watch this space.
Road Trip 2024 day 13 Albarracin to Teruel 332km
After last nights stay in Lleida and thinking we would come straight home, but not wanting to cut our holiday short by a day and with such a disappointing end, we scoured the booking sites for somewhere to stay tonight and found what looked suitable in Terul, but before going there we are going to visit a place that has been on my list for quite a few years, Albarracin, so its on with the journey for what will be out last nights stay before heading back to Benidorm.
A pretty uneventful journey to Albarracin with just the odd coffee stop along the way, we first found out where our accommodation was situated and headed to explore Albarracin, which was about 30 km away.
Albarracín, is often regarded as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, and is a small medieval town in the province of Teruel, within the autonomous community of Aragón. Nestled in the Sierra de Albarracín mountains, this enchanting town captivates visitors with its well-preserved historical architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a destination that feels frozen in time, offering a unique glimpse into Spain’s past.
Albarracín was an important strategic location during the medieval period:
Islamic Influence: The town was part of the Taifa of Albarracín during the Moorish rule in Spain.
Christian Reconquest: It became a key defensive stronghold following its capture by Christian forces in the 12th century.
The town’s architecture reflects this blend of cultures, with Moorish fortifications and Christian influences coexisting harmoniously.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
The Old Town - This is the area that everyone, including us visits and it is a labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets lined with traditional houses many with pinkish-hued facades, wooden balconies and ornate iron details.
The streets are irregular, with small plazas and archways, creating a magical, medieval feel.
No cars are allowed in the historic center, which is why it never comes up when we are searching for accommodation, as one of the few requirements we have is, that where ever we stay must have parking facilities, however this does make this area perfect for exploring on foot, and there are photogenic corners and hidden alleyways at every turn.
Albarracin Walls (Las Murallas de Albarracin) - These dramatic medieval wall that date back to the 10th century, rise steeply from the hills that surround the town.
Casa Jarreta Azagra - This 17th century building is the only blue house in the old city, and is available to stay as the interior has been turned into a modern 3 bedroom accommodation, this is another well photographed house here.
Alcazar of Albarracin - this is a Moorish fortress built in the 10th century and is perched high on a hill for defence reasons.
Cathedral of Albarracin (Catedral del Salvador) - This is a 16th century cathedral with a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and the bell tower dominates the towns skyline.
The cathedral is part of the Episcopal Palace which houses a small museum showcasing religious art.
Julianeta House - A historic house with a quirky, distinctive, irregular shape with walls that appear to lean inward, following the natural contours of the narrow street it stands on. This is one of the towns most famous and certainly most photographed buildings.
The town’s main square, known as the known as the Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by arcaded buildings and offers stunning views of the Guadalaviar River below.
A prominent feature of the square, is the Ayuntamiento (town hall) this is a traditional 16th-century building with an arcaded façade.
The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by historic buildings with stone walls, wooden balconies, and terracotta roofs. Many of these buildings have been preserved in their original medieval style.
Albarracín is famous for its traditional craftsmanship, including wrought ironwork and wooden furniture, locally made textiles and ceramics are also popular souvenirs, but on our visit there was only one shop open, luckily I was able to buy a fridge magnet for my collection, which has grown vastly during this road trip.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
Albarracín is a real gem in Spain, offering a mix of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and cultural richness that makes it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking something truly unique.
The surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nature, not that we did any of that, but the autumnal colours were spectacular.
Teruel, - A city in Aragón, Spain, is famous for its Mudejar architecture, medieval charm, and rich cultural history. It is often referred to as the "City of Mudejar" Mudejar is a blend of Islamic and Christian architecture) Teruel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has to be one of Spain's most underrated cities as it is a real hidden gem with unique architecture, relaxing squares and a lovely medieval centre.
Finding a central car park was easy and we found ourselves just a couple minutes walk from the Plaza del Torico which is the main square in Teruel, a bustling and historic focal point of the city. It's named after its center-piece, the Torico Fountain, which features a small bronze bull ("torico" means "little bull") perched atop a tall column. Despite its modest size, the bull is a beloved symbol of the city.
This square is surrounded by early 20th-century Modernist buildings, adding a unique charm to the historic setting. The main buildings are Casa de la Madrileña (the blue building in the photo above), and Casa Ferrán. These houses feature decorative ironwork balconies, intricate façades, and vibrant colours.
The square is also lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking up the atmosphere and even the rubbish bins are smartly dressed here in Teruel.
The square serves as a gateway to many of Teruel's main attractions, including the nearby San Pedro Church, Mudejar towers, and the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla.
Teruel Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla): Known for its exquisite Mudejar ceiling, the cathedral is an architectural highlight.
Torre de El Salvador: An iconic example of Mudejar art, this tower offers panoramic views of the city and showcases intricate Islamic-inspired patterns.
Its exterior is adorned with intricate brick patterns and ceramic tiles, creating geometric motifs typical of Islamic art. These patterns symbolize infinity and spirituality.
The tower was built in the 14th century as a bell tower and watchtower for the adjacent Church of El Salvador.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
Torre de San Martín: Another UNESCO-listed masterpiece, this tower features stunning brickwork and ceramic details. The tower was constructed in the 14th century, around 1316, as a bell tower for the Church of San Martín.
The Torre de San Martín follows the typical Mudejar design of a square tower with two concentric walls. The staircase is housed between these walls. The tower’s facade features intricate geometric patterns made of brickwork and glazed ceramic tiles. The motifs include diamonds, zigzags, and interlaced arches, symbols commonly found in Islamic art. Windows: Its windows are framed by pointed arches, adding to the overall elegance of the design.
Escalinata del Óvalo (Oval Staircase) A monumental staircase built between 1920 and 1921 by architect José Torán de la Rad, blending neo-Mudejar style with practicality, it was designed to solve a practical problem, linking the railway station at the base of the hill with the historic city center at the top.
The staircase has 120 steps and features multiple levels and terraces. and is flanked by elaborate balustrades and decorated with reliefs, arches, and ceramic tiles.
The fountain here is an elegant and integral part of the staircase, enhancing its charm and historical ambiance and makes a great spot for photographers.
The Town Hall of Teruel is not just an architectural gem but also a symbol of the city's civic heritage and cultural vitality. Its historical charm, combined with its role as a living institution, makes it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Teruel.
Aqueduct of Los Arcos - This is is a magnificent example of Renaissance engineering and is one of the most significant historic landmarks in the city. The aqueduct was constructed between 1537 and 1558 under the direction of French architect Pierres Vedel. Its purpose was to address the city's growing demand for water and to replace the older water supply system. It also served as a bridge for pedestrians.
The aqueduct stretches for approximately 150 meters and reaches a height of about 25 meters at its tallest point.
If you love seeing something different around every corner then Tereul is definitely a place you need to visit and we will certainly be returning on a future road trip, as we certainly did not see everything in this wonderful city on just a short visit.
Road trip 2024 night 13 accommodation - Hostal el secreto, Situated 4km from Tereul 48.60 with FREE parking.
We had a slight problem getting into this accommodation, although we had provided our arrival time when we arrived there was a note on the door asking us to phone the owner to gain access, we tried this and the phone was put down on us, tried again and were told our key was waiting for us in the bar/cafe next door, why this instruction was not just placed on the note on the door we don't know, but that would have made much more sense.
Although this hostal was situated in a quite busy industrial area, the whole building was very clean, and our room very spacious, with full bathroom a desk with 2 chairs which is unusual and comfy beds and even heating which would necessary in this area during the winter months.
The cafe next door was a great addition and was very popular, we popped downstairs for a drink as it was our last night and Derek would not be driving, we also had breakfast here before leaving on the final leg of this years road trip, back to Benidorm.
Never be afraid to stay in hostals, as they are just as good as many hotels we have stayed in, they just don't generally offer the same amount of services ie lifts, pools etc, just don't get them mixed up with a HOSTEL which are more geared to the younger generation with shared bunk rooms and toilets. At our age one of our must requirements wherever we book is a private bathroom.
This was a pleasant last nights stay and would make a great base to explore the area more if we were ever back in this area.
Tomorrow it is time to head home to Benidorm.
Road trip 2024 Day 12 - Loupia, Andorra and Lleida 294km
Sunday 13th October and this was our final day in France, and as we had already driven in Spain, France, Monaco and Italy, we thought why not add another country to the list and drive through Andorra before heading back over the border into Spain
The French Pyrenees are a stunning mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain, stretching approximately 430 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay) to the Mediterranean Sea, we drove over the Catalan Pyrenees stretch, which is the easternmost section of the Pyrenees mountain range and the route provided us with some stunning natural landscapes along the way.
Road Trip 2024 Day 12 - Andorra
Driving from France into Andorra was not difficult, yes there is a border control and they do pull the occasional car over to check but we drove through without any problems. This is now our second visit to Andorra, as we spent 3 nights here back in 2019 on our 2nd road trip.
Andorra is a small, landlocked principality nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Despite its size, Andorra is a popular destination known for its tax-free shopping, world-class ski resorts, and breath-taking mountain scenery even this time of year, before the first snowfall.
Road Trip 2024 Day 12
Andorra is considered a micronation. In fact, it is considered the 6th smallest state in Europe and the 16th in the world.
Some of the hairpin roads as you enter Andorra can be a bit daunting, but these are very popular with cyclists.
Many of these ski slopes are used by mountain bikers out of ski season which typically runs from late November to early April, depending on weather conditions and snow levels.
And of course the architecture is very different here, in recent decades, Andorra has embraced modernity, incorporating contemporary designs and materials while maintaining harmony with its natural surroundings, using a lot of wood, stone and glass with quite bold and innovative buildings often inspired by the surrounding mountains.
Andorra la Vella is the capital and largest city of Andorra, serving as its economic, cultural, and political hub. It’s located in a high valley at an elevation of 1,023 meters, making it Europe’s highest capital city.
It is renowned for its tax-free status, the city offers a wide range of goods, including electronics, fashion, perfumes, and luxury items, our short visit here was to fill the car up with cheap diesel, buy some cigarettes and a new camera, being a Sunday, the shops were only open until 14:00hrs, so we did not have much time to shop around but having been here before we knew exactly where to park to get to the main high street, which saved us some time.
We also enjoyed lunch here of hot chilli burgers in one of the many restaurants available in the town centre.
The official language spoken here is Catalan, although Spanish, French, and Portuguese are also widely spoken, so we found it difficult to remember what language to use.
Feed and watered and shopped out it was time to continue on our journey back over the Spanish boarder and head to our overnight accommodation which we had booked in Lleida.
A lovely coffee stop along the way, with the back drop of stunning scenery and more importantly coffee at Spanish prices again.
Our next stop was Lleida - Located in the Catalonia region of Spain, is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and strategic location on the banks of the Segre River. It’s one of Catalonia's oldest cities, blending Roman, medieval, and modern influences. As the capital of the province of Lleida, it serves as a gateway to the Pyrenees.
We arrived quite late and it was dark so headed straight to our hotel. After checking in we decided go out and explore, but for the first time ever in Spain we both felt incredibly uncomfortable and unsafe walking around, we did find an area that felt slightly safer and stopped for a glass of wine and a few croquetas but could not get back to the hotel quick enough, I did not even take the camera out, which shows you how unsafe we felt.
Road Trip 2024 Day 12
To be quit honest we really did not like this city, not sure if it was due to just picking the wrong area to stay in so we may be willing to give it a second chance is in this area again on a future road trip it again if in this area on another road trip.
Road Trip 2024 - Night 12 Accommodation - Ramon Berenguer IV - 47.22, including city tax, parking was an additional 8€
The Ramón Berenguer is located in the commercial and financial centre of Lleida, opposite the train station and the AVE (Spanish high-speed train network) terminal. The hotel was located on Lleida's Rambla de Ferrán.
We had booked a double room, which was quite spacious and had everything we needed for a one nights stay, there was a cafe outside and even this did not feel safe at night.
We were thankful that the car was parked in a secure garage attached to the hotel.
The whole area did not have a nice atmosphere at all, and although the hotel was more than adequate, we could not wait to get away in the morning.
Planning our next nights stay we could not really find anywhere suitable, but did not want to what had been a fantastic holiday on a sour note, looked again before leaving and found somewhere just outside Teruel.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 11 - Nimes to Loupia via Carcassonne 261km
Heading closer and closer to the Spanish boarder each day, this will be our last night in France.
Although we were only travelling just over 260km to our next overnight stay in Loupia, it was quite a long journey for us, and we travelled on a small stretch of road we had driven on earlier that week, which is quite unusual for us, we even ended up stopping for something to eat just minutes away from our overnight accommodation on day 4 in Montpellier, and it was still raining here, so we are destined not to see much of Montpellier.
Our first destination that looked interesting on the map was the Lac de la Cavayère, often referred to as "Carcassonne's Lake,"
This artificial lake was created in 1988 to provide a leisure area for the region, the lake has since become an integral part of Carcassonne's outdoor attractions.
Spanning about 18 hectares, the lake is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills and Mediterranean vegetation, including pine forests and garrigue (scrubland).
This time of year the area was deserted, but it would be a very popular place during the summer months as it has designated swimming areas, an inflatable water park with slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses, its also popular for paddleboarding and kayaking etc
Our next stop of the day was Carcassone Medieval Village, we had commented to each other how quiet everywhere was on the journey, we soon found out where everyone was, all in Carcassone.
The Medieval Village of Carcassonne, also known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a remarkably preserved medieval fortress in the Occitanie region of France. This was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is a stunning example of medieval architecture.
The site of Carcassonne has been inhabited since Roman times, with remnants of its Roman walls still visible today.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 11
In the 19th century, architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc meticulously restored the cité, preserving its medieval charm for future generations.
The cité is encircled by two massive sets of walls, stretching nearly 3 km, with 52 towers. These defences made it a nearly impenetrable stronghold in medieval times.
Entry to the cité is through impressive gates, the Porte Narbonnaise, with its iconic towers, walking through these gates, really is like stepping back in time.
The Place Marcou is a charming square where visitors can relax at outdoor cafés and enjoy the medieval atmosphere, this was exceptionally busy area, considering the weather was not that great.
There were numerous restaurants, all very busy serving traditional Languedoc cuisine, including the famous cassoulet, a local specialty, most restaurants had tempting menus of the day listed on chalk boards at quite reasonable prices, but even though we were not that late into the afternoon (15:00), non of these were available, so as we had been dying to try some traditional French Onion Soup we thought that would tide us over but 19€ for a bowl of soup seemed an extortionate price, and all the restaurants were closing, which seemed a bit strange considering the amount of people wandering around.
French meal times seem to be very different to Spanish, which we have found difficult on this trip and the only option left to us here was a baguette and an ice cream.
Medieval Streets - The cité’s narrow, winding streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and artisan boutiques offering local crafts, souvenirs, and regional delicacies.
Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) - This central castle within the cité was built in the 12th century by the Trencavel family, rulers of Carcassonne, this was open to the public, but there were large queues for tickets so we carried on wandering around the streets.
The basilica is a fascinating mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with intricate stained-glass windows that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Cemetery of La Cité de Carcassonne is a serene and historical burial ground located just outside the fortified walls of the Cité de Carcassonne, near the Porte d’Aude.
This cemetery, dating back to the 19th century, was a peaceful place that contrasted with the bustling medieval village and offers insight into the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
The cemetery features a variety of ornate tombstones, mausoleums, and crosses, showcasing 19th and 20th-century funerary art.
There are memorials dedicated to soldiers who fought in various conflicts, reflecting Carcassonne’s ties to French and regional history.
Many of the graves belong to families that have lived in the region for generations, offering a glimpse into the local heritage.
Carcassonne with its fairy-tale setting and historical significance make it one of the most captivating destinations in France, perfect for exploring and experiencing the romance of the Middle Ages, but we have also visited many other wonderful medieval villages which were not as touristy as here, so lovely as it was, it was not our favourite medieval village.
Leaving Carcassonne behind, it was just a short 40 minute drive to what would be our last nights accommodation just outside the town of Loupia.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 11
Road Trip 2024 - Night 11 (12th October) Accommodation La Forge des Cyprès 64.08€ Including city tax, parking and breakfast.
We had booked a large double room with private bathroom, we knew it was in a large house set in the countryside, so were quite prepared to share the kitchen, dinning room, large terrace etc with other guests, what we did not expect was to have the whole house to ourselves.
We were met by the owner who lived close by and were shown around the house and given what had to be the largest room with the most stunning views over rolling fields and vineyards from our own terrace.
The house was massive, with large kitchen, with everything we could possibly need for our breakfast left in the fridge for us, including eggs.
We loved everything about this stay. If you enjoy peace and tranquillity, this is the place for you and it would be just perfect for a large family or group of friends, and for the summer months, there was a pool, garden and large terrace, but you definitely need your own transport as access was via quite a rough road, but the views alone made this place sensational.
The host was very accommodating and helpful, we mentioned that we would like to go for a traditional French meal that night and he made a few suggestions, one being in the nearby village of Villelongue-d'Aude, although he had not been there himself, other guests had recommended it.
The small village of Villelongue-d'Aude was just a short drive away, and comprised of stone houses, narrow streets, and a central square, with small church all typical of the Languedoc region.
We parked in the small public car park and found the La Taverne du Château restaurant easily, this restaurant was situated in the vaults of the Chateau itself and was beautiful.
The hosts could not do enough for us, although there was not a great deal of choice on the menu, all ingredients used were sourced locally, we enjoyed a tuna pate starter, pork with local mushroom sauce and a cheese board with a selection of locally made cheeses, a coke for the driver and a white wine for me and coffees to round off the meal, the bill came to 66€ which for France was great value, and the service and quality of food was fantastic and who should turn up, but our landlord and his family.
All in all this has been the perfect last night in France, and one we will certainly remember.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 10 (11th October) From Les Arcs to Nimes with a visit to Avignon 230km
Time to start heading even closer to home (Benidorm) and nothing really exciting along the way this time, no unexpected Medieval towns, just a couple of coffee stops as we head towards a visit to Avignon and our overnight stop just outside Nimes.
Avignon - A city in Southeastern France located on the left bank of the Rhône River, and is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
The historic center is enclosed by well-preserved medieval ramparts. These walls were built in the 14th century to protect the city during the time when it served as the seat of the papacy, Avignon is often referred to as the "City of the Popes." as seven popes ruled from here for nearly a century.
We were able to find a very handy car park, which gave us direct access to the cities main square. The Palais des Papes Square a vast cobblestone square, which was a lively place and even though we are in France an Italian market was taking place, giving it a lovely atmosphere.
The square seemed to be the starting/ending point for the cities sight seeing train, but there was a massive queue and people were packed in like sardines, so we decided to just have a wander around on our own.
There were plenty of cafes and restaurants surrounding the square as well as some magnificent historical buildings, the most impressive being the Palais de Papes.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 10
The Palais de Papes (Palace of the Popes) is a massive Gothic structure and was the residence of the popes during their exile from Rome between 1309 and 1377. It’s one of the largest and most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and was listed in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Palace was built in two main phases with two distinctive segments, known as the Palais Vieux (Old Palace) of Benedict XII and the Palais Neuf (New Palace) of Clement VI.
Next to the Palais is Avignon Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms, (Avignon Cathedral).
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral showcases classic Romanesque architecture with its robust walls, rounded arches, and simple yet imposing design.
Over time, additional features, such as the Baroque-style chapels, were added, reflecting changing architectural tastes.
As the seat of the papacy during the 14th century, the cathedral houses the tombs of popes such as Pope John XXII.
One of the most iconic features is the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop the bell tower, added in the 19th century. It gleams brightly and is visible from afar, serving as a symbol of Avignon.
Also in the square is the Musée du Petit Palais, which was a former archbishop's residence and built in the 14th century, and is renowned for its exceptional collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
Hôtel des Monnaies was another notable building on the square, this Baroque-style structure was once the mint for papal currency and now serves as a music conservatory.
Just a short walk from the Palais de Papes is the Place de l’Horloge, another busy area of the city. The square’s name, means "Clock Square," comes from the clock tower here which is one of the central landmarks.
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall): - The 19th-century City Hall is another of the square’s most prominent structures. It features a beautiful façade and houses the iconic clock tower, complete with a carillon and mechanical figures known as "jacquemarts," which strike the hours.
Next to the city hall was the Opéra-Théâtre d’Avignon, a 19th-century opera house, a stunning building with ornate neoclassical architecture that hosts a variety of performances, including opera, theater, and concerts.
What we loved here was the 19th Century carousel, this charming and nostalgic attraction added a whimsical touch to the square.
Known as the "Manège d'Avignon". The carousel features intricate, vintage designs, it is richly decorated with painted panels, mirrors, and golden accents, making it an ornate and eye-catching centerpiece.
This square is surrounded by lively cafés and restaurants, shops and boutiques offering souvenirs, crafts, and local goods
Walking into quieter the area of Avignon old town, you are surrounded by narrow, cobbles streets, cafes and traditional Provencal buildings.
In this old town area we came across The Basilica of Saint-Pierre, another stunning example of Gothic architecture and an important historical and religious site in the city.
The church was originally founded in the 7th century but was rebuilt in the 14th century during the time of the Avignon papacy. It was further enhanced in the 15th century.
Basilica Status: It was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica in the 19th century, signifying its importance within the Catholic Church.
French Road Trip 2024 Day 10
One of the main things that Avignon is famous for is the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)- Famous for the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon," this iconic medieval bridge built in the 12th century originally spanned the entire 900m over the Rhône River, but due to damage from flooding over the centuries today, only four of its original 22 arches remain along with the Chapel of Saint Nicholas.
This was a very busy area, and there is a small museum at the site, the entrance fee was 5€ not a lot, but after doing a lot of walking we did not feel it would be worth the extra effort and there was a massive queue for tickets.
Avignon - The bridge to nowhere....
One of the other places we we wanted to visit was the Parc Rocher des Doms, which is perched on a rocky hill above the Palais des Papes. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens with Mediterranean plants, flowers, and shaded trees, charming statues and fountains and a small pond with ducks and swans
luckily before walking up dozens of steep steps to the entrance a local passer-by informed us that it was closed, but we did find this lovely small church along the way, sadly we can find no information on it.
Avignon is a wonderful place to visit and we only explored a small area, there would be many more wonderful places to see here, but it was now time to continue our journey to Nimes and our overnight accommodation.
The drive provided us with some lovely scenery of local vineyards with acres of vines along the way.
Although we have driven miles in Provence we have been surprised at the lack of Lavender fields, we knew it would not be lavender season but did expect to see more than 2 lavender fields along the way.
We arrived in Nimes quite late so did not get time to explore this city, it will be on the list for another road trip.
Road Trip 2024 - Night 10 (11th October) Accommodation La cigale et la fourmi, Nimes. 57.96, including city tax and FREE parking.
We had booked a double room with bathroom and were pleasantly surprised to be given the king room, which had a large double bed and a single bed. The private bathroom was spacious and we had access to a kitchen and bar area with free coffee making facilities.
We even had access to our on small private terrace which even had a BBQ.
The owner and his family lived upstairs and were very friendly, but gave us our privacy, this would be a lovely place to stay in the summer as it also had a pool and garden area.
Parking was provided outside the property but we were given access codes to the gate.
We would definitely consider staying here again if in the area.
Tomorrow we will be spending our last day in France.