Barbentane, L'Isle de la Sorgue and the Vaucluse Fontaine

As mentioned before it was blowing a gale on Sunday, with strong gusts. We decided to drive to a couple of the nearby top tourist spots. L'Isle de la Sorgue is the Venice of Provence being situated on the Sorgue river withs a number of canals and a market on Sunday. By the time we got there the market stalls were closing but walk around showed a very attractive centre with water flowing swiftly in the canals and a number of water wheels still working to lift the water from one level to another. We discovered an area of antique shops selling the usual overpriced goods. Next it was a short drive to another tourist draw card, the Vaucluse fountain. This is quie spectacular, where a large river comes streaming out from the massive towering cliffs. Naturally there were lots of other tourist and hordes of stalls to tempt you. I climbed to the source whilst Valerie enjoyed a coffee overlooking the fast flowing river a bit lower down. We voted this a good choice to visit. The fountain area was protected from the strong winds but once we got out a bit they were as strong as ever and gusting wildly, making the car move around. Somewhere along the way back, on exiting one of the numerous roundabouts I misjudged a turn and hit the kerb hard with both RH wheels. The winds were the same overnight and on Monday and the locals confirmed that it was the Mistral, but should been gone by now. Not only is it cold but can nearly blow you over. On a visit to town centre ( not very impressive) Valerie noticed that a front tyre was damaged. A visit to a nearby tyre place confirmed that it shot - new tyre required. They could not supply but sent me to another place in Avignon. When I finally found the place it turned out to be a Renault dealer. They did not have the required type and size in stock, but fitted the spare and quoted price which was more than I had even dreaded. A moment's inattention! I await a phone call. I ventured into the old part of town later. It is old and not at all pretty. I can't remember when I was last so cold - it is like the bleakest part of an Adelaide winter - and this spring? We expect to take a bus into Avignon tomorrow and to have to rug up. More soon