The grand tour of France in a motorhome September 14th - day sixteen

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Boy oh boy did I get bitten last night when trying to stargaze. I’ve woken with big red itchy bites on my neck. To make matters worse, the promised boat on the river, a mere 10-minute walk from the site (Camping du Pont d’Avignon) hasn’t turned up and after a frustrating wait of 30 minutes for around thirty of us, we have all opted to walk back along the river and over the bridge into the city. A pleasant 30 minute stroll as it so happens with excellent views of the ancient washed away bridge and exterior of the fortress walls. (I did email the captain whilst waiting and his rapid reply was a ‘sudden decision to cut the service back to only Friday’s and maybe Saturday’s for the rest of the year’. All done with no warning to tourist sites across the city!)

We stroll down through the old streets to the tourist info centre and stop off for coffee where we get right royally ripped off....4.5 euro for a coffee that was half a cup.

 Not the start in Avignon I was expecting to be honest! But, I soon lose my gloomy demeanour. We amble old streets, following the various trails on the tourist map. On one street corner we are quietened by the discovery of bullet holes all across the exterior of several buildings. Very poignant and humbling, evidence of a resistance ambush against the invading forces during WW2. A chance straying off the path and through a narrow passageway leads us to a stunning church interior - huge domes, amazing old renaissance stained-glass windows; a cool, dark, flickering candle lit and very contemplative experience.

Today is hot and humid. Storms are coming but the accompanying cloud reduces the intensity of the sun which brings relief to all. We end up walking seven miles just through the streets and gardens within the walled city, admiring old buildings and ancient canals with giant water wheels for a long-forgotten eighteenth-century textile industry. The water wheeled area is a maze of small cobbled streets with honey coloured limestone buildings that gleam in the sunshine; adorned with colourful wooden shutters. Lots of street cafes and its clearly where the locals go to take their lunch breaks.

 Avignon is impressive. High quality shops and designer boutiques, hidden squares and cafes down tiny alleyways. Our overall first impression is a good one.

Back at the campsite, the evening is warm and muggy and we are doing some planning for the next two weeks. We have booked another two nights. Tomorrow will be the papal palace and museum and the day after exploring local towns and surrounding areas by bike.