It took us about three and a half hours to reach Avignon from Cluny, after our breakfast and saying goodbye to the owner of La Pierre Folle where we stayed. We had opted for a little bit of luxury at L’Hotel Mercure which is situated on the opposite side of the road to the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet, about which was written the well-known song:
🎶
Sur le pont d’Avignon, l’on y danse, l’on y danse
Sur le pont d’Avignon, l’on y danse tous en rond
🎶
Le Pont d’Avignon
Arriving just after 2pm, we were able to check in, drop off our bags and immediately venture into the breathtaking beauty of this walled city which was the seat of the catholic popes in the 14th century. Next to the grand and immaculately preserved Palais des Papes is a square bustling with restaurants, cafes and entertainment, all surrounded by a labyrinth of roads, lanes and alleyways, with photo opportunities on every corner. Before fully touring the city, we made the obligatory visit to the Pont-St Bénezet, costing €5 admission complete with audioguide. It doesn’t fully span the river, after a number of unsuccessful attempts to complete it were thwarted by the river washing away the final stretch on each occasion.
One day alone (which is all we had here) doesn’t allow you to fully explore everything it has to offer, but we made the most of our time. In the evening, after dining in the Place du Palais des Papes, we walked around the labyrinth of alleyways, taking photos for our ever-increasing portfolio, but also with a keen eye out for pickpockets and thieves after being followed at one point by an unsavoury sort who was clearly up to no good.
Palais des Papes
Tomorrow, we head for the Mediterranean coast. After driving over 600 miles so far from Calais, we will be looking to settle for three nights at a beach apartment to read (Melanie) and write (me), and to generally relax.
MARK D PRITCHARD writes... 