Dreary wet and misty start to the day, but the weather cleared as we got down onto lower ground. Countryside has certainly change since we entered Provence. Now very dry and scrubby with olive trees, lots of grapes but, unfortunately, none of the much touted fields of lavender! Skirting Montpellier, we stopped at a McDonald's for breakfast and booked a hotel on-line, at Avignon, for the night. Then went touring around and called in at the village of Chateauneuf de Pape. Nearly got the car stuck when we pulled over to park, but a nice frenchman helped us get out. Then we went up to the old chateau ruins and took in the views, sampled some grapes and picked a cap-full of wild blackberries.

Next on the intinerary was a visit to the old Roman town of Orange. Very hot, but we braved the steamy conditions and took in the huge ampitheatre. It's been partially renovated and is still in use - very impressive for a 'ruin'. A quick visit to their small museum then up to their gardens via a lot of steps. By now we were getting very hot so Ian cooled Tom off with a bottle full of water. Headed back down to the car with a stop for a cold drink, before going to find Orange's very own Arc de Triumphe - not quite as big, but still impressive and certainly easier to access. Headed to the hotel and collapsed for a bit before walking down the road for dinner at the Buffalo Grill. Dinner entertainment consisted of watching an overhead thunderstorm, killing ants and watching the two dogs at the next table - yes, they take their ghastly pets everywhere with them!