With the cough almost gone, a pretty good sleep again as we cruised into France's second largest city, although at 6:25am, it was still dark when the alarm went off.
After a very light breakfast we headed for the atrium at our pre-arranged time of 7:50, as we were due to be allowed ashore at 8am.
We soon met Marian, our charming young tour guide and we were soon on the road, heading straight out of town, heading west.
First stop was Avignon, known to most of us from a song we were taught as children. We were there well before the usual swag of tourist coaches and Marian had arranged the discounted price of €11 each, that included access to the bridge itself and also the Popes' Palace in town.
The bridge no longer crosses right over the river (read up on your history to find out why).
After a stroll to the centre of the river, we headed into town, where there was a marathon run of some sort. Marian took us through the palace and as always, snippets of information are retained, but for us, the photographs usually tell a bigger story. In several sections of the palace, there were impressive wooden architectural models and the history surrounding the Papacy, its method of collecting monies (and where from) are also interesting. The local street musicians seemed to have some respect for each other. The two accordionists in the main square weren't interrupted by the guitarist, then round a corner later, was another accordionist and bass player. All very pleasant.
On then to Gordes where we managed a snack lunch. Paula got stuck into her mille feuille (sp) - vanilla slice I can spell - whilst I made a start on a slice of pizza. Another small town (very small this time – more of a village) but some charming buildings again and good views down the valley.
For our cycling friends, who may well read this, Gordes is a fair climb, probably out of their range, but we were very impressed to see the local cyclists all ate salad for lunch…
On then to another interesting village – Roussion (I think). This is famed for the ochre produced from the local rock and the other local produce is lavender. Whilst I managed a fig ice cream (that is a first), one of our group sampled the local lavender ice cream specialty.
Our last stop for the day was a bit of an anti-climax – a winery. Apparently no booking had been made, but we managed a wine tasting anyway, consisting of one white, one rose and one red. I am no wine buff and rarely drink it, but I didn't like any of them, yet I was the only one of our group who made a purchase - two bottles of apricot nectar, made by one of the winery's employees! Sorry, but La Citadelle winery didn't impress any of us with its product.
Back to the ship for 5pm, by which time, most of us were fading anyway. After sail-away we had dinner then to the atrium, for the first coffee of the day with M & M. With a sea day ahead, no rush for bed, but I did manage to watch a bit of the Marx Brother's movie "A Night At The Opera" before turning out the light at about midnight. Who said that Princess has up to date movies on board?
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