Avignon
We were very keen to visit Avignon but decided not to take Anja the 500 kilometre round trip from Lyon. After the warnings about boat security in Lyon we preferred not to go from there but instead headed back North to Jassans-Riottier and caught a train from nearest railway station, Villefranche, across the river and about 3km by bicycle. The trip to Avignon via Lyon took just two hours; the return trip was three hours because we stopped at more stations but we as a result we were able to get a better glimpse of these towns than we did from the TGV which travels at up to 400kms per hour.
Avignon exceeded our expectations. We admired the walls that surround it, the famous bridge, the Pope's Palace and the gardens on the North (Rocher des Doms) with sweeping views over the Rhone and beyond to the Alps. We walked down to the banks of the Rhone, which flows just beyond the town walls.
Continuing our return North we spent a night in Macon but then were reminded on the difficulty of stopping on this part of the Saone. Our intended stopping place of Tournus was full and we did not find any alternative so we just kept going, ending up at Franges, just inside the Canal du Centre, where we had spent several comfortable days before making the trip South. We were very tired after a 10 hour day during which we covered 71 kilometres, a record day for us but one we do not want to repeat if we have any choice. There were, however, only two locks. Over the next two days we made our way to St John de Losne, back to where we bought Anja last year.
Pictures show:
Avignon surrounded by ancient wall and towers Avignon garden Horloger Rhone at Avignon Sur la Pont at Avignon Oleanders Huge statue (5 tonnes of lead) Avignon Popes' Palace Avignon walls
Best Regards, Penny and Dave
