We slept in! We did make it down for breakfast by 9:30am and out and about by 10:30am. We decided to take the Rick Steves walking tour of Avignon after a stop at TI (Tourist Information). They did not have the particular Michelin maps we wanted there so our first detour was to FNAC where we found what we wanted with just a little help. We have the two suggested maps for driving in the area, so John is feeling very confident. We shall see. After that we began our tour for the day.
First we went to the Palace Square and on to the Musee du Petit Palais. 
It was interesting but we have seen a lot of religious art so we didn't stay there too long. It was a good thing too as they close at 1pm, though we could have returned later in the day, we did not. I mainly wanted to see the Botticelli painting they had and we did that along with the 15-16 different rooms. From there we walked up to the park at the top of the hill behind the Palace of the Popes, Parc des Rochers des Doms, for the panoramic views of the Rhone River and valley, the broken bridge, the city, St. Andres Fortress, limestone covered Mont Ventoux, and much more. While in the park we stopped at a sweet, friendly cafe and had an "American" lunch of a hamburger, chips, salad, and a coke light. It was simple and delicious, though it was not as fully cooked as we expect our hamburger to be. Now off we go down the hill to walk part of 
the ramparts and head out to St. Benezet Bridge. However, after the walk down the mountain and ramparts we decided another detour on the tourist train was in order. This departed and returned to the same spot at the bridge so that would work out well for us. The ride was somewhat interesting, but walking gives better views and photographs, and keeps one more in touch. This little train was fine for resting the feet though! Now we were off to the bridge and the English audio tour that was included in the price. Again, we had lovely views and impressive breezes from the center of the river.
After that we headed on the walk back toward the Palace of the Popes. 
We detoured again at two fabric stores with kitchen linens that I wanted to inspect. I selected a few towels I liked but still have a couple more shops to look in before I make a decision. Now we are off to the Palace as time is growing short. The tour was interesting, again an audio tour in English so one can go at their own pace. However, we are getting tired and there are hundreds of stairs so we are somewhat relieved when the tour is over. Now we have new decisions to make, what to eat for dinner?
We stopped at our first choice in restaurants but they do not serve until 9pm. On to the next choice of 
cafes near our hotel. We don't want to back track and want to stay in the correct direction. We chose a pizza cafe in the open air and made our selections. This was a three course meal again, but the portions were huge and we could not possibly eat all the food ordered. We could have easily shared one meal, live and learn. As we ate another couple came and sat next to us. They were from Australia and after talking we discovered we are staying in the same hotel. We are somewhat refreshed after eating but certainly ready to go to bed.
The Passion Pass: You pick this little booklet up free at the TI office. As you visit sites listed in the pass you receive discounts. We saved around E$20. today with it.
Our Hotel: It is a lovely and quaint place. The establishment owners 
could not be more gracious or caring. Our room is spacious and we have WiFi and all other comforts. However, the hotel is noted in the book to be "12 quiet rooms" (see rooms in photo) and while the rooms might be quiet outside our window is anything but-young people late and night and delivery trucks for the pub next door in the morning. However, we do not regret our choice and suspect a room in the back would be perfect. At least we have double windows to close and keep the sounds out, but we also like the fresh air. I love the lavender scents everywhere!
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