That means that everywhere you walk you will be approached by a woman in angel wings or a man in drag, or a trio of showgirls or jazz playing quartet - all entreating you to take one of their flyers and come to their evening show.
In the afternoon things kick up a notch as they close off the Main Street of the walled city and the performers come out in force. On every corner or spare bit of space you'll find classical guitarists, jazz bands, jugglers, pianists, trumpeters, vaudville performers, schoolgirl choirs. Its as exciting as it is bewildering.
Our hotel is across the Rhone river and away from the madness, but close enough to see the giant ferris wheel on the opposite bank and head into town whever we like. It was quite warm when we arrived, but the Mistral was blowing so strongly that you didn't notice the heat and instead concentrated on keeping your possessions strapped securely and your hair out of your eyes.
We walked into town to get some lunch and took our picnic to a little park to eat in a sheltered corner. Our picnics have become a favourite group activity. We head out together to the supermarket and trawl the aisles looking for delicious treats. People call out as they consider purchases: "shall we get cherries or blueberries?" "Do you want brie or some of that washed rind?" "OMG I just found Lindt rasberry ganash - it will go perfectly with a red, can someone pick up a bottle of pinot?" Lunch isn't a quick snack on the run, its an epic event where everyone sits around companionably, passing cheese and baguettes and pouring bottles of wine. Between us, we have a packet of serviettes, multipack of wine glasses, a bottle opener and knife for cheese and salami.
Next we walked down to the river to walk out onto the famous Avignon bridge. I wrote about it on my last visit last year so I won't go into it now except to say that it was WINDY! I was very glad to be wearing trousers.
Then we climbed up one of the towers to the gardens above. These were closed due to rain last year so I was glad to see them. The wind was even stronger on the outer edges of the park, but reasonably sheltered once you got in among the trees. We wandered around for a bit and then made our way down the other side of the hill to the Pope's Palace where the group seperated to do our own thing. Some of us went into the Pope's Palace (see last year's notes) before finding a cafe for a coffee and a sit down. Then we wandered the streets and watched the street performers till it was time for dinner.
We ate at a little sidestreet cafe and enjoyed creamy pasta with truffles. The food was very simple, but absolutely amazing and it was the best truffle pasta I've ever had. Finished up with Creme Brulle, and a jug of wine and we were all very happy and tired.
Avignon is a charming city and its great to be back.
It was a bit windy!
Come to my show!
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