Pont du Gard and Avignon April 25th

We covered a lot of ground today - by bus and on foot!  Four buses and 13.44 km later we have had an amazing day!  We took a bus to Nimes and saw some of the surrounding countryside along the way.  The poppies were glorious - in the ditches, along the roadside and in flowerbeds.  We had an hour's wait before the bus to Pont du Gard so had some time to walk up to the amphitheatre.  It really is a magnificent structure and has stood the test of time!

From Nimes it was a 40 minute bus ride and then a bit of a hike to Pont du Gard.  Again, one isn't prepared for the overwhelming sight that awaits as you round the corner! It is incredible the things that have been accomplished without the benefit of power tools and technology!!

Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct built on three levels of arcades.  It is the highest in the Roman world (48 m.) and spans the Gardon River (275 m).  It is, understandably, on the Unesco World Heritage site.

And, of course, there is always the reward of a view! This is the Gardon River valley.

From Pont du Gard, we caught another bus to take us to Avignon.  The ramparts and crenellated walls are amazing and it has a wonderful medieval flavour before you even step through the gates! 

We began our tour by walking the perimeter of the wall and marvelling at the detail and intricacies of the towers and gateways. 

Avignon became the Vatican of the north in the 14th century when tensions in Rome sent Pope Clement V to Avignon.  From there, the walls were constructed to keep out marauders lured by stories of papal wealth.

 

One look at the view of the Palais des Papes from outside the walls and it's no wonder they needed protection!

Le Pont d'Avignon is another World Heritage site and dates back to the 12th century and the legend of a shepherd who was inspired to build a bridge.  The locals said it would never be done and St. Benezet was granted miraculous strength to lay the first stones.  The original bridge was a 22 arch, 3000 foot long span from the Papal territory to what was then the beginning of France.  Floods and war have taken their toll on the bridge and much rebuilding has removed all remnants of the original bridge.  Today, there are only 4 arches remaining and, with so many tourists clamouring to be "sur le pont", there is not much space to dance!!  Much more room sous le pont! 

The Palais des Papes was just that - a palace!  The extravagance is incredible!  One could stand for hours just to take in the exterior details!  The wealth and decadence of the 12th and 13th century Vatican was quite evident!

We wandered along the streets heading back to the bus station.  People and trees and shops and amazing architecture - far more ornate and decorative than many of the cities I've seen.

So a full day with so many "to dos" stroked off my wish list.  I can't believe all I have seen and done in such a short time.