| From Normandy, we travelled to Avignon, France, via
Paris, escaping both the rain and the tragic drama involving Princess Diana which unfolded
in Paris just hours after we passed through the city. |
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| Avignon 31/8/97 |
Avignon 31/8/97 |
| This is Pont St Benezet spanning the River
Rhone, originally dating to the 12th century, but restored on various occaisions since as
the Rhone has taken its toll. |
The Catholic Papacy established itself in self-imposed exile in
Avignon early in the 14th century as political conditions in Rome became unfavourable for
them. This is the Palace of Popes, which was in use by various Popes spanning 100 years. |
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| Avignon 31/8/97 |
Avignon 31/8/97 |
| The River Sorgue forms this canal that runs through part
of Avignon. |
A goose in Avignon.... actually a Cape Barren Goose,
a native of Australia, which is being held prisoner here in France: |
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| We travelled to Arles, capital of Gaul during Roman times. |
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| Arles 1/9/97 |
Arles 1/9/97 |
| The amphitheatre, dating from the end of
the 1st century, is still used to this day for events such as bull-fights and concerts. |
Romans buried their dead outside the city walls. This is a
corner of one of the hundreds of sarcophagi just outside the old walled part of Arles. |
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| Arles 1/9/97 |
Arles 1/9/97 |
| The stone facade of the Eglise St Trophime, carved in
1190. |
This skull-and-crossbones adorns one of the sarcophigi
inside the Eglise St Trophime. |
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| Arles 1/9/97 |
Arles 1/9/97 |
| Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles for a time in 1888. It was
here that he sliced off part of his left ear. Below is a cafe he painted (Cafe de Nuit),
with a copy of the original work displayed in the forground. |
Street scene, Arles. |
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| Tarascon 1/9/97 |
Tarascon 1/9/97 |
| Between Arles and Avignon lies Tarascon, with its
imposing 12th century castle. |
The view at the top of the castle, complete with
gargoyles! |
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