Exploring, Again.

I think everywhere we have been there is nearly always one day when I go off on a big explore of the surroundings, and today was the day for Avignon.

So I headed to the west side of the old town, out through the Porte De L'Oulle, and over the River Rhone. I was on the other side of the river looking back at the old town in about 15 minutes. Today, one of the main things that I wanted to do was get some good photos of the Pont d'Avignon (also known as the The Pont Saint-Bénezet).

Views Of Pont d"Avignon

It is amazing to think that this bridge was built between 1177 and 1185...apparently only 4 of the original 22 arches still survive....when first built it was over 900 metres long...incredible. It always amazes me the enginnering that mankind used to do hundreds of years ago, I think that we would have trouble rebuilding some of these structures nowadays, even with all of our technology.

Walking Along The Bank Of The Rhone

As I walked passed the bridge I could see the free ferry service just a few hundred mertres away which would be my passage back over the river.

Here Comes The Ferry

Back To Avignon

After getting back to the old city side of the river, all that was left to do was to walk into the old town....or so I thought. I actually had to climb quite a few steps to get back up to the town...hey, I am getting quite fit now, so off I set.....

I got all the way to the top in no time, taking two steps at a time, I was only a little out of breathe when I got to the top.....the only problem I was sweating like a fat man in a patisserie.....and I should know!!

At the top of the stairs is the beautiful gardens of Rocher Des Doms that are directly behind the Papal Palace. There are some amazing views up here across and down the River Rhone.

View Down To Pont d'Avignon

View Over To Villeneauve Lez Avignon

View Over To Papal Palace

The gardens themselves are not overally large, but they are very pretty and very nice to walk through. The park was actually full of young families having a nice day out.

Views Around The Rocher Des Doms

So from the gardens it was a short walk back to the Papal Palace and our apartment, now I can rest my weary feet.

 

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