Avignon

We started the day with the 7 am stretching class on the top of the boat before breakfast.

We walked to the remains of the Saint-Bénézet Bridge for photos. It was built in the 1200’s and abandoned in the 1600’s due to repeated damage from river flooding.

Then we climbed up to the gardens behind the pope’s palace. We looked for birds, but did not see many. The mistral was gusting to 35+ mph, so I expect the birds were hiding from the wind.

We visited the Cathedral next to the palace.

Then we went down to the painting exhibition. There was a Victory Day presentation in the square in front of the museum.

We went back to the boat for lunch.

Walked on the island opposite the town after lunch and then back to the town. We tried to find an open pharmacy, but all were closed for the Victory Day holiday. We came back and got cleaned up for supper.

Supper on the boat was the “French meal”. I finally figured out that nutrisweet was in many things that I didn’t think it was in, like the orange sauce on the duck. I’m now talking with the restaurant manager every day to figure out what I can have or they can do special for me.

The boat left at 11 pm for Viviers. We passed through 8 locks overnight, but the crew was really quiet, so we slept soundly.