Oct 9-p.m.-Avignon+Pont-du-Gard

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Saturday, October 9 (cont.). We were on our own when we came out of the Papal Palace and decided that the fastest way to see a lot would be on the little choo-choo train. It first took us past Notre Dame Cathedral, up the hill behind the Palace. There was a terrific view of the old bridge and of the large tower that marked the far end when the 22 arches were intact. It had been a remarkably long bridge. In the distance, on the hill beyond both channels of the Rhone, we could also see medieval Fort Saint Andre, built by Philip IV (15th century), and the 14th century Carthusian Monastery just behind that.

Avignon tourist train

Saint Benezet Bridge from hill

Saint Benezet Bridge

Every town has its carrousel

Coming back down, the train took us almost the full length of the city, through Place de l'Horloge, down wide and narrow streets, past the Saint Benezet bridge, and finally back to Place du Palace where we had started. By then it was 12:30 and we walked back to the ship for lunch. We had signed up for the optional tour to the old Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard, so we would not have any more free time in Avignon.

The bus left for Pont du Gard at 2:30 and arrived there about 3:10. We were wondering if we had made a mistake by giving up free time in Avignon to see the aqueduct, but our concerns were soon put to rest. Built about 50 A.D. to bring water from Uzes to Nimes, the aqueduct was three levels high, about 150 feet, where it crosses the Gardon River. Interestingly, the modern bridge nearby was recently destroyed by a flood, but this 2,000 year old stack of stones stood firm.

We walked all the way across and back on the lower level, then took a path down to the river for a great view of the whole structure. I even climbed the hill on the near bank, looking for still another view. Bad move! Not only could I barely see the aqueduct through the trees, there were so many different paths that I got lost. I finally found my way back to civilization, far from where I started, by heading downhill whenever I could.

Pont du Gard Aqueduct

Refections of the Aqueduct

Mural in Pont du Gard Museum

Jane was already in the museum. That turned out to be just as interesting as the aqueduct itself. Exhibits showed the building methods, tools, and equipment used by the Romans. Unfortunately, we were rushed to get back to the bus by 4:30. Then we sat there for another 35 minutes because a few of the group were late. The bus got back to the ship at 5:35. I ran back about half a mile up the river to take pictures of the old bridge under good lighting conditions. It had been very hazy when the ship took us there in the morning.

Saint Benezet Bridge

Avignon behind its walls

At 6:30 we all assembled in the lounge for disembarkation instructions and our final port talk. The Captain's dinner was at 7:00, concluding with the traditional parade of flaming baked Alaska. We listened to Paolo, an Italian tenor, sing in the lounge until 10:00. He was very good.

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