Things to do in Lapalud

Finally checked out two of Avignon's most iconic landmarks in the South of France! On one side is the Papal Palace, the massive mansion of the former popes, and on the other is the famous Pont d'Hôtel de l'Étoile (the broken bridge from the children's song). Both are just a few minutes' walk apart, and buying a combined ticket is even more cost-effective! 🏰 Papal Palace (Grand Papal Palace) It's breathtaking from afar. The massive stone walls are solid and imposing, befitting its status as the world's largest Gothic palace. Seven popes lived and worked here, making it the center of power in medieval Europe. The interior has numerous rooms, and the free tablet-based guided tour is incredibly useful. It recreates the rooms' original appearance, showing surviving old frescoes, a huge banquet hall, and the popes' bedrooms. Although most of the furniture is long gone, leaving only the stone walls, you can still imagine the grandeur of the Papacy in its heyday. You absolutely must climb to the rooftop terrace! It's an unparalleled viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône River and the Pont d'Hôtel de l'Étoile, along with the red rooftops of the old town – perfect for taking stunning photos. A friendly reminder: If you're not interested in medieval history, this might feel a bit empty, but those who love exploring old buildings will adore it. 🌉 Pont Saint-Bénézet (commonly known as the Pont des Beaux-Arts in Avignon) Legend has it that a shepherd boy was guided by a divine oracle to build this bridge. Originally, it had 22 arches, but the Rhône River flooded it year after year. After a massive flood destroyed most of it, the locals decided the repair costs were too high and simply gave up, leaving only four arches. 😂 It's the inspiration for the French nursery rhyme "On the Pont des Beaux-Arts in Avignon"! Standing on the broken bridge, feeling the river breeze, watching the water flow by, and with a small chapel nearby, you can explore this short stretch in about half an hour. Although you can no longer cross to the other side, its ruined state adds to its charm, and the view of the Papal Palace from the bridge is a superb angle. 💡In summary: The Papal Palace offers a rich historical atmosphere and panoramic views, while the Pont des Papes (the bridge over the Papal States) provides romantic photo opportunities and perfect for recreating childhood memories. The two complement each other perfectly. After exploring the Papal Palace, wander into the old town's alleyways and find a small café to relax – this is the true way to experience southern France. I recommend buying a combined ticket for the Papal Palace and the Pont des Papes; this allows you to leisurely visit both places in one day, and half a day is sufficient.