European Adventure 2013

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A very hot and humid day dawned. We need to fill this day in with activities prior to joining our much-anticipated barge/bike trip at 6pm. We climbed to the top of Philippe Le Bel Tower built at the beginning of the 14^thCentury to control access to the Avignon Bridge. It had wonderful views over the Rhone Valley. We spent some time at a smallish local food market in the town square then wandered down to a large “flea market” that turned out to be hot & fairly uninteresting. After searching unsuccessfully for a shady spot to spend some “down time”, we ended up going back to our car & turning on the air-conditioning before heading to Avignon on the other side of the River Rhone where we found some shady trees under which to have a lunch of local produce. Followed this with a coffee on the banks of the River Rhone with a view of the famous Pont D’Avignon.

An afternoon visit to Val de Benediction Chartreuse Monastery in V-L-A, founded in the 14^th Century, provided some interesting insights into the life of Carthusian monks. The land was originally owned by Pope Innocent VI who bequeathed this land to the Order. We learned that V-L-A has more historical sites per m² than any other city in Europe!

Headed down to our barge Soleo around 5pm but as there was no-one allowed on board until 6pm, we were able to meet some fellow passengers who’d also arrived early. Everyone on our boat is “mature-aged” & very friendly…Americans, Germans, Brits, Swedes & us. A few other Aussies from Perth are on another boat moored next to us for a similar trip. The boat is very well-equipped and the cabin is cool, cool, cool…such a relief!!

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Photos

Villeneuve-les-Avignon
Le Tour Philippe-le-Bel

Villeneuve-les-Avignon
View of the Rhone from Le Tour Philippe-le-Bel

Villeneuve-les-Avignon
View of Fort St Andre from La Chartreuse du Val de Benediction Monastery

Villeneuve-les-Avignon
In a Monastery Garden