I left Arles, and moved onto the ‘big river’, the Rhone. This is going to be somewhat challenging, as the current runs against the direction I have to go, and is from 2-5 km/h.
Petit Rhone on the right, and the Grande Rhone on the left.
The famous bridge from the city walls
This makes for slow travel at times. after a few hours of stemming the current, I arrived in Avignon. A fabulous place to visit, and so much history. The city was not damaged in either world war, so much of the character and buildings are as they have evolved over the last thousand years, or so. There have been a number of popes who set up residence in this city (instead of Rome), and their palace, churches, and fortifications are central in the city. Fortunately, the mooring requires passage right by these places, and you get the results! The famous bridge is no longer complete, and boats are forbidden to pass under the remains. The song
Sur le pont d’Avignon / On the bridge of Avignon
L’on y danse, l’on y danse / We all dance there, we all dance there
Sur le pont d’Avignon / On the bridge of Avignon
L’on y danse tous en rond / We all dance there in a ring
might have been a challenge as the original bridge was so narrow. The remnants today are from one of the many rebuilds, but the bridge was finally abandoned in the 17th century
one of the guard fortresses
one of the towers in the city (and the obligatory bell tower!)
Avignon was also an important center of defense, though the river made that challenging as there are several channels and islands. However, there are also many fortifications guarding the river approaches to the city.
Saint-Bénézet Bridge at Avignon
the palace of the Popes, with their chapel on the left
if you look very carefully WCToo is alongside almost in the center of the picture
Pictures of the impressive Rhone valley, and the commanding position of the site.
