Jun 27-Jul 2: Nevers, Avignon, Provence, and Bédoin

You might notice this post covers a bit more ground than our typical update. In addition to Caitlin’s rear rack issue, Andrew also developed a skin condition which became increasingly painful (we’re a family-friendly blog here at BFB so we’ll spare you the details). The severe heat we went through days prior was the primary factor. So, when we arrived at Nevers, it was clear we wouldn’t be riding for the next few days. Instead of staying in Nevers, which was a pleasant but smaller town, we decided to take a train to Avignon, the direction of which we were headed anyway. That would give us ~5 days to remain on schedule with our July 4 rendezvous with Caitlin’s dad to climb Mont Ventoux three times (among other rides in the region).

We had a pleasant – and fast! – train ride to Avignon, connecting through Lyon, and arrived to our terrific Airbnb in the early evening. Andrew was about to schedule a doctor’s appointment for the forthcoming day or two, but instead (fortunately) decided to bike (painfully) to the urgent care in the evening. The prescription worked almost immediately.

We spent the following two days walking around Avignon, seeing the Palais de Papes (seat of the Pope during the 14th century) and Pont Saint-Bezenet. We then rented a car and visited Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct constructed in ~50AD, a Roman amphitheater in Arles (90AD), a street market in Apt, Lacoste, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

The final few pictures below are from Jul 2, when we had a short 40km ride to Bédoin from Avignon.