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Published: October 1st 2007
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AVIGNON 19th May 2007 (Saturday Sunshine and 29º)
Today we jump into the FFF and cruise a few of the local attractions.
First on our list is the town of Orange (pronounced Or-arn-je), which is 30 kilometres north of Avignon. There are two reasons why we are visiting:
1. I grew up in Orange (NSW Australia) and I want to hang out on the City outskirts and have my picture taken with the Orange city limits sign. This will be matched with a similar photo from my hometown - I don’t fully understand my reasoning here either.
2. Orange is home to one of the best-preserved Roman Amphitheatres in the world.
Or-arn-je is much like its’ Australian namesake - it is peaceful and pretty on this sunny day in spring. The locals are out having brunch and there is a good vibe around Orange.
First stop is the Triumphal Arch, which is an absolute beauty. We talk to some Gypsies who are travelling in Caravans (of course) and move off in search of the Amphitheatre.
This attraction is a wonderful surprise. We get our tickets and audiophiles and spend the next 90 minutes being transported
The Triumphal Arch - Orange
It is indded a Triumph that it is still here and still in very good nick. back to the heady days of the Roman Empire. It is a wonder that any of this venue is left standing - in the 2027years it has been standing it has seen innumerable wars, various attempts to burn or tear it down and at one stage it housed several thousand people who built their homes within it walls. Not only is it still standing it is in my estimate nearly 80% complete. Because it is so well preserved, you can easily get a feel for the tragedies & comedies that were played out on balmy spring evenings hundred of years ago.
We jump into our Chariot and head south looking for Pont de Gard. This amazing three-tiered aqueduct was built by the Romans in19BC to transport water 50 kilometres to Nimes. It runs through tunnels and over valleys and rivers such as the River Gauche pictured here - the fact that it is still standing after 2000 years is testament to the Roman’s building skills.
A pleasant hour or two is spent walking over under and around the viaduct. There are lots of tourists here but the locals still enjoy the place with many swimming in the large
The Roman Ampitheatre
A true testament to the Roman's and their architecture. It is still standing (nearly complete) after 2027 years. deep pools formed by the river flowing under the arches. We watch as some kids, egged on by their mates, jump off the lowest tiers into the River Gauche. The crowds cheer as he jumps and surfaces safely.
We push onto Les Beaux de Provence. This village and Castle (remains) are set high on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles Mountains and would have been easily defended in troubled times. The village has a spectacular position overlooking the plains to the south. Its names refers to its site — in Provençal, a baou is a rocky spur.
Unfortunately for us we arrive at 7:10pm, this is ten minutes too late to get into the Castle proper. We spend some time looking around the village and taking in the big views and head back to Avignon.
Dinner tonight was at La Bol D’or (The Golden Bowl) Chinese Restaurant. They didn’t understand the concept of us sharing meals as we do in Oz and so we managed to swaps plates at half time much to the amusement of other diners. It was fun ordering Chinese Food in French. Ou est la Dim Sim?
Stroll home to the Central
Pont de Gard
The three tiered viaduct over the River Gauche near Avignon. and am hungry again an hour later. Some things never change.
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