Sur Le Pont D'Avignon

Not disappointed to be leaving Viareggio, we decided to head back into France taking the A12/A10 autoroute all the way round to Cannes. Though quite exensive in tolls there was much compensation both in terms of ease of driving and, more significantly, spectacular views across the med as the road weaved through clear stretches and impressive tunnels. The views improved further as we travelled along the Cote D'Azur looking down on Monaco, Monte Carlo and Nice. We stopped for the night at Le Bar-sur-Loup, 30 km north of Cannes at a delightful site, Les Gorges du Loup, once more in the ACSI site book.

The following morning we avoided the autoroute choosing instead the N7 all the way to Avignon. The French consistently maintain their N roads to a high standard providing a sensible alternative to the toll roads. Perhaps there are some lessons we could learn here! Our TomTom had proved invaluable throughout our travels if a little wayward at times. We had long learned to take advanatge of Jan's excellent map reading skills as a necessary complement to the electronic gadgetry.In Avignon though the SatNav proved quite mailicious. Whilst searching for the site we found ourselves in the middle of the old town where even cars were embarrassed to travel. Eventually, through luck more than good judgement, we found the site. Bagatelle is located close to the old centre and within a seven minute walk of the town across the bridge from the I'lle de la Barthelasse.

That evening we strolled from the site and walked up the river with supberb views of the Papal Palace and, of course, Le Pont D'Avignon.

The following day we spent the day visiting the bridge and touring the Palace. What a wonderful city this is! We would certainly recommend taking the well signposted tour from Bridge to Palace
which meaders through the old town

 and if the mood takes you visiting the commercial sector for a touch of shopping.
Sadly, the following morning we found ourselves once more on the road, gradually travelling homeward bound.