Avignon and Back 2017

We had no particular plans for today at all, other than to visit the Indoor Market in the town centre, and hang out. So that's what we did. I didn't take any pictures of the market, unfortunately, but it was packed with cheese, veg, lovely meat products and a couple of incredible fishmongers. So we bought some bread, ham and cheese for lunch, imaginatively. Bedroom Window View 1 Bedroom Window View 2 Then we hung out in the cafe opposite the market, drinking coffee and talking bollocks - no change there then. That used up a few hours... Oh yes, and after that, we went off to find a barber's for Jim, who likes getting his hair cut whilst on holiday for some reason. We found the one that looked good, with an appropriate number of hipsters on the case, but they were appointment only, so Jim booked in for five o' clock. Cafe Bollox Back to the flat for lunch and nap and other activities, then we wandered back towards the barber's. Jim was well pleased...

Nimes, Baux de Provence and back Ron's bike still needed a new tyre, and we'd located a Ducati dealer in Nimes, with an appointment at 9 am - early start for a 45 minute ride. The guys were really helpful, and Ron opted for the full set replacement. An hour later, and the usual joshing about how much better a BMW would be, especially as they happened to have a used 1200RT on the lot, and we were away. Result. Where to now?? Ron's Noo Tire Well, last year Jen and I had been in Toulon, not so far away, and had found the town of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the Carrieres et Lumieres show. This seemed like an opportunity not to be missed, so we headed east over to the repurposed quarry (carriere) in the  nohills of Provence. Simply, Ron and Jim were stunned by the astounding visuals, sound and immersive experience. This year's show is Bosch, Euler and Arcimboldo, and was brilliantly done. We entered during the finale, which involved a recorded live performance o...

Rather than sit around all week, we decided we'd go for a ride out, and selected Vallon-Pont d'Arc as a good destination. There and Back A Very Cool Lunch While this seemed like a good idea, it was blisteringly hot. Good ride, but hot! Did I say it was hot? Fortunately Jim spotted a boulangerie staffed by some nice ladies which had serious air conditioning. We sat in there a long time, in fact, a splinter group almost broke away in favour of just sitting there until it got dark and was appreciably cooler before going home...

No travelling today, time to hit the town! Le Palais des Papes seemed like a good start. But first, we have to stand on the steps outside and admire the view, which includes the ubiquitous statue mime, standing there in 35 degrees. God alone knows how he does it. Jimmy supporting the local talent The Palais is an enormous place, built in the 14-15th centuries for the 6 oppose who lived in Avignon, and then mistreated throughout the following, especially post-Revolution, centuries, until a huge reno in 1905 and still ongoing. There was an exhibition of African art going on inside as well, hence the various unusual non-ecclesiastical statues... View into the old courtyard Ron at rest Classic view "Behind every big man is a bigger woman" Above door bat - Jimmy ducked!! Main cathedral hall - huge! After all that kulcha, time for some lunch. Where better than back at the bolthole - trip to Carrefour Expr...

Day 3 - Moulins to Avignon So here we are in Avignon. We ended up taking the autoroute and tolls towards the end, which was pretty hard going, especially as the temperature was incredible, with no relief to be found at any speed. Bad times. Flat exterior The flat is lovely, although getting to it was a bit of a struggle. The AirBnB lady was very sweet, but we couldn't work out where she was, and didn't really understand the requirement to park in the underground garage outside the town walls. Got there eventually though. The garage has a tunnel that goes under the walls and emerges in the middle of town - cool. In fact, it was most welcome :->. The flat is on the 2nd floor, above the oldest restaurant in Avignon - Hiely Lucullus. Maybe we'll try it out at some point. The land lady lives in the flat above, which is handy. There are three bedrooms, with incredible high ceilings, it's a classic French city building! Living Room My Bedroom  ...

Day 1 - Reading to Meaux Hi So here we are, two days in, and it's been more exciting than we could have hoped or dreaded! Yesterday we had no problems with the shuttle and all that, apart from Ron forgetting his credit card so the checkin lady was confused. The ride was great, with lunch consisting of some huge buns stuffed with ham, chicken etc., obtained at the boulangerie and eaten outside the cafe that provides lots of coffee. Marv. Day 1 - Dinner in Meaux So that was good. Today, after a fine lunch of sandwiches in a Le Relais, and another break, Ron discovered he had a puncture in his rear tyre. Not good. The chap living beside the stop spot was good enough to lend us his air compressor, but it couldn't keep up with the sizeable hole in his tyre. Off to the local garage - nope, can't help, but you could try the Moto Center in Cosne-sur-Loire. Turned out that Ron has breakdown insurance, so he called them while Jim and I took the action option and beetled...