Carpentras to Avignon

A hot day was forecast again, but fortunately it was cloudy when we left Carpentras. We did not go the direct route to Avignon as the roads looked like they would be busy. Instead we cycled west and then north to Chateaunef du Pape and then further north to the bridge over the Rhone and then down the west bank to cross into Avignon from Villeneuve lez Avignon

 It turned out to be a lovely day after we left the main roads and there was plenty of shade from the trees that lined the route. The villages here are very pretty and many are located on hilltops with old towers and chateau in the centre.  As with our previous trips to wine growing areas the cafés have been replaced by 'caves' offering wine tasting and selling their produce. 

Chateuneuf du Pape seemed to have whole streets lined with these outlets. We bought fruit along the way from local markets and sat with the locals for refreshments as the day started to get very hot. 

As we crossed the road bridge into Avignon we saw the famous old bridge and were surprised that it was a bridge to nowhere, only going part the way across.

 We are staying in the city for a few days visiting art galleries and museums and sampling the local cuisine. Our bikes also need new brakes so we have left them at a shop for repair. The steep descents have taken their toll and we don't want to risk any accidents.