3 days in Provence

Arrived in Avignon on Wednesday after a 6 hour dash on the autoway, 130 km/h speed limit, but 110 if it's raining. Phew.

Walked the Pont and explored the walled city of Avignon.

Thursday. Toured around the Avignon region.

Visited the "new city" Villeneuve-les-Avignon. This is the town that was at the other end of the Pont, when the bridge had all its arches. Had coffee in the open air market. It is 11am and those gorgeous, old French men are sipping vin blanc, reading gossip magazines and greeting their friends with much laughter.

Visited the Theatre Antique in Orange. This huuuuuge amphitheatre is thought to have been built during the reign of Augustus Ceasar 27 BC-AD 14.

You can see the army personnel on the stage where they are setting up for a festival. Isn't it fabulous that the emperor is still up in his perch, bringing his presence to current day performances?

Wandered through Vaison-la-Romaine and Seguret. Both medieval, fortified cities. The residences are inside these beautiful stone, turreted buildings that line narrow, cobbled walkways that, every so often, open into a courtyard surrounding a well.

Friday. Visited the weekly market at Carpentras - full of Provencal goodies. Wandered around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. A tiny town at the end of a valley encircled by sheer stone walls.

Saturday. Breakfast at Villefranche-sur-Soane. Their pups have their own parks, but these are pooh parks! Then back to Pareeeeeeeeeeeeeee.