Day 13, 6 July. Palavas Les Flot – Avignon. 20kms
Once again it rained overnight, but we remained dry. We had some noisy campers next to us which
Linda “shushed” in the middle of the night, with a positive outcome.
We had already decided we would catch the train to Avignon,
so packed up and headed to the station at Montpellier. Had a bike path all the way and when we
managed to find our way around the station, get tickets etc we had a few hours
to wait for the train.
The train trip was only 1hr 20mins, with lots of passengers
and we were shoved into the entry/exit spot to obstruct everyone wanting to use
the loo and generally move around the train.
Old Avignon is a completely walled city dating from the 12th
century. As with most of the old cities, there is also a “new” city which dates
back to the 18-19th century.
On arrival at Avignon we were met with a barrage of posters
literally stuck everywhere advertising their International Cultural Festival
which is huge. There were people
everywhere. The festival appears to be a
mix of music, theatre, comedy, busking, circus and anything else people may
want to watch. It was a bit of a shame
that we arrived at this time, as it really did deface a beautiful city. Posters stuck everywhere were obviously the
accepted way of advertising the 1200 performances of one sort or another held
each day for the three weeks of the festival.
We found our way to the campground, within walking distance
of town, more domestic duties, then proceeded to watch hundreds of backpackers
flood into the campground. Backpackers =
noise, so there were lots of earplugs used in our tents for both the nights we
were there.
The campground overlooks the Pont d’Avignon which the song
“Sur le Pont d’Avignon” relates to. We
sat and had dinner at the restaurant at the campground and enjoyed the view.
Day 14, 7 July.
Avignon - Avignon. 0 kms
Clem and Lesley did a tour yesterday which included Pont du
Garde, Vaucluse la Fontaine, Rousillion and Gorde.
We had decided on a rest day for everyone today. We each set off and did our own
sightseeing. First stop was La Poste to
send stuff home.
Visits for everyone included the Pope’s Palace, Linda and
Steve did a trip to Menerbs, Rousillion, Gorde and The Abbaye Notre-Dame de
Senaque where monks produce all sorts of produce from lavender. Otherwise, the day was spent just enjoying
the general impromptu performances in the town.
After enjoying the stunning view from the restaurant the
night before, we decided to eat there again tonight. Another earplug night as the festival got
into full swing today.
The daily temperatures have been in the low to mid
30’s. We often set off in the mornings
with the temp about 26 degrees.
Day 15, 8 July. Avignon – Mazan. 52kms
Headed out of Avignon for Mazan where we will base ourselves
while some of us attempt to climb Mont Ventoux, which is one of the famous
climbing stages of the Tour de France.
Lesley and Linda have chosen to view it from afar (someone needs to look
after the camp!)
We had a pleasant ride in the country today, with generally
spectacular scenery of the Luberon Valley.
Some slow climbs were included to get those attempting the assault into
a little more condition. It was hot and still and the pool at the campsite was
a welcome sight. We have encountered a
rocky site again for the tents, a little more grass would be appreciated!
We’ll have a “three star camping” meal tonight and the guys
and Chris will get ready to head off tomorrow to climb Mont Ventoux.
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