David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Avignon, France in 1999

In the summer of 1999 my church Choir made a concert tour of Switzerland and France. One of the places we spent the night was the city of Avignon, France. Naturally, I had a camera with me and took pictures. Here are some selected photos from that visit. But first, a little background.

Avignon is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France, on the left bank of the River Rhone. Between 1309 and 1377, during the Avignon Papacy, seven successive popes resided in Avignon and in 1348 Pope Clement VI bought the town from Joanna I of Naples. Papal control persisted until 1791 when during the French Revolution it became part of France. The historic centre, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Pont d'Avignon, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

And now for some pictures.

Saint Benezet's Bridge
N07--Saint Benezet's Bridge by David Casteel, on Flickr (no longer in use, only part remains)

Sidewalk dining is popular
N16 by David Casteel, on Flickr

Part of the City Wall
N08 by David Casteel, on Flickr

The Carousel at Place de l'Horloge
K14a--carousel at Place de l'Horloge by David Casteel, on Flickr

Opera d'Avignon
K16a--Opera d'Avignon by David Casteel, on Flickr

Temple Saint Martial
N10--Temple Saint Martial by David Casteel, on Flickr

Hotel des Monnaies
K36a--Hotel des Monnaies by David Casteel, on Flickr (across the plaza from the Papal Palace)

The Palace of the Popes
K21a--Palais des Papes by David Casteel, on Flickr

K17a--Palais des Papes by David Casteel, on Flickr (main entrance)

M01a--Palais des Papes by David Casteel, on Flickr (interior courtyard)

Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral
K18a--Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms by David Casteel, on Flickr (adjacent to the Papal Palace, unfortunately being cleaned)

K20a--Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms by David Casteel, on Flickr (statue of Virgin Mary atop the cathedral)

K23a--cross, Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms by David Casteel, on Flickr (cross at the cathedral)

N05--chapel, Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms by David Casteel, on Flickr (one of the chapels)

L07--organ, Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Organ)

Place de l’Horloge at night
I27--Place de l'Horloge by David Casteel, on Flickr (a favorite dining spot)

K29a by David Casteel, on Flickr (a Mime)

Saint Pierre Church
I25--Saint Pierre Church by David Casteel, on Flickr

I26--St. Pierre by David Casteel, on Flickr (main entrance at night)

Clock Tower
K28a by David Casteel, on Flickr

Jardin para los Muertos (Garden for the Dead)
K27a--Jardin para los muertos by David Casteel, on Flickr (entrance gate)

View of the city
M03a--view of Eglise Saint Pierre by David Casteel, on Flickr (featuring Eglise Saint Pierre)

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

A fabulous set of photos. Love these old buildings and statues. So happy that they were spared in the many wars of the past. Mahao for sharing.

kpsk_sony

There are many blessings obtained from singing in a church choir, these are a few.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

Very nice posting.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Another wonderful tour, David, you do get around.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Catching up on responses. Thank you all for commenting.

JoAnneK01, nice to see you. You’re welcome—I like to share. Thanks for the nice approval.

kpsk_sony, you are right! I’ve been singing in church choirs since I was 9 years old (75 years). I have also sung with several different secular choruses over the years, including one here in Dallas until a few years ago (for 27 years). It and my church choir both make tours every 3 or 4 years, the first one in 1989. I’ve taken photos on every one I went on. Until 2004 my pictures were mostly on Ektachrome slides, and the digital scans of them aren’t great. I think some are of sufficient interest to post, anyway (such as these). Thanks for viewing.

Tdearing, thank you very much! I’m pleased you enjoyed my photos.

Hi, UTMike! Thanks for your compliment. Yeah, it’s amazing how many places can be visited beginning in 1960 if one has the desire.

jrcarpe Loc: Jacksonville,AR

Sir these photos are awesome. You are a true master of the camera.

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

Thanks for the historical background and photo tour. It certainly is a place I'd like to visit someday.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Great tour David!

just.a.guy

David you never disappoint. Thanks

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

jrcarpe, thank you very much. I am not a master of the camera--these pictures aren't even of particularly good quality (poor scans of slides) but they're what I had.

mr spock, thanks for coming. It was a nice town. You're welcome--I enjoy sharing.
Live long and prosper.

phlash46, I appreciate the nice compliment--glad you enjoyed it.

just_a_guy, nice to see you. Thank you very much for the nice comment. You're welcome.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, David.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

angler and Earnest, thanks to both of you for the nice comments. I'm pleased you liked the set. I'm working on a similar one for Cahors, France.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Very nice set.