This part of our journey is a case of the ok, the good and the great (in that order). I realise that this isn’t the actual film title but this works better.

Avignon, France

Avignon looked really good from the Google reviews, and it was a little bit of a tale of two cities (oh goodness, another film reference!). The campsites were reasonably plentiful but the Air style sites looked a little insecure so we plumped for a site in the middle of the island on the edge of the city. The site was reasonably basic but functional. We chose it based on its proximity to the historic city. It was an inspired choice as we had the option of walking 20 mins, cycling 5 mins or taking the free ferry across from the island to the city.

Avignon, France

On our arrival we decided to take the cycling option to the city and cycled along the cycle trails, around the outside of the city walls. We visited the Tourist Office to find out if there were ant local wine tours as Sarah had established that we were only a few miles from the origins of my favourite wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We were pleased to learn that there was a half day tour the following afternoon that had space for us both, so we booked our place and carried on our cycle tour around both the inside and outside of the city walls. It was pleasantly warm so a really nice few miles out and about.

There following day we again decided to venture out on the bikes to Villeneuve-Les-Avignon. We were greeted with a lovely local market, a castle and much quieter experience than the main city the day before. It was a lovely morning riding and seeing the sites. We also decide to collect some bread for our lunch, so carried this home in my backpack - it looked seriously funny!

Villeneuve-Les-Avignon castle, France

Bread carrying backpack, Villeneuve-Les-Avignon, France

After our little morning outing, we returned to the van with enough time to park the bikes, make some lunch and walk back to in to the city to join the tour.

When we arrived back at the tourist office to meet our guide, we were greeted by a well dressed guide (Benoit) with his Mercedes people carrier. We jumped on in and quickly exited the city. On the way to the first stop, our guide, Benoit, told us all about the history of the region and the wines. It took a little time for him to arm to us, but as soon as we engaged with him about more detail, his manner soon changed.

The view from the chateaux, Chateauxneuf-du-Pape, France

The tour itself was really enjoyable, and we learnt so much about the production of wine including the standards that were required to qualify, the type of grapes used in the area, and the history of many of the family run vineyards, so of which have been in the family for generations.

Needless to say, I bought a few bottles to bring home both red and white.

Evidence of my shooping exploits, Avignon, France

A hotel in the midst of Chateauneuf-du-Pape