Avignon to L'isle sur Sorge

We were a little concerned about getting out of Avignon on the main roads but our fears were unfounded as the Route de Lyon and the road to Pernes la Fontaine both had wide and smooth cycle lanes. It was easy riding along the flat. For most of way and the day was overcast early in the morning. As the day wore on the clouds cleared and it became very hot.

 We stayed a while in Pernes, after cycling around the old town and having some drinks at a local cafe, and then took a signposted cycle route to L'isle sur Sorge over the hills to the east. We had not planned this route beforehand and it turned out to be quite hilly and very arduous in the afternoon heat. It was over 30C. We had a few stops for water along the way and then had a long downhill section at the end.

 

This took a toll on our hands as the road was very rough and there were several hairpin bends. We had to brake a lot on the descents as it was unsafe to go any faster. The run into L'ilse sur Sorge was pleasant though as they have built a brand new tree lined cycle path to enter the town. It is not really a 'little Venice' as the tourist office describes it, but it does have a lot of canals and water wheels and is a lovely place to stop and look around the many shops and attractions.

 In the evening we ate by the river and had a lovely meal even though it started to rain, with thunder and lightening ad had been predicted.