The first (and last) French man to be chosen as Pope of the Catholic Church moved the home of the Popes from the Vatican in Italy to Avignon in France in the 14th Century. The church, building and owning not only the Palace of the Popes, but the entire region, caused this city to thrive as the center of the Catholic world from 1309 to 1403. Touring this palace takes one through a maze of passageways, quarters of all levels of people working to support the Church and the City, and various chapels. The Palace of the Popes is a city in itself, but the City of Avignon has taken on a life of its own. It annually holds a theater and drama festival for the month of July. Musicians, mimes, clowns, and actors travel the streets advertising the multitude of plays being featured in various venues throughout the city. We enjoyed a stimulating, educational, and enjoyable day in this city.
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