Europe Holiday 2013: Day 10 Friday 7 June

We left Avignon at 4.15am so did not watch our departure!
Since getting up we were busy watching little towns and a huge lock.

Our ship is 110m long and fits tightly in the locks as we have about a foot each side - very cosy. The lock at Bollene is one of the biggest rise/falls in the world , built in 1953, the ship rises 76 feet in 7 minutes! It is very strange standing on the top deck and looking up to the level of the river. We have been through many lochs day and night but none so spectacular as Bollene. It does produce a lot of hydro electric power as well.
Beryl did not like being in our cabin on the upper deck when in lochs as it is very claustraphobic and damp.
The upper deck furniture and shade structures including the railings etc were lowered for most of the trip so far, as the water level was quite high and we only just cleared the bridges after lowering the Wheelhouse.
At lunch time we arrived in Viviers and we walked along a beautiful avenue of Sycamore trees to get into town. We then climbed up through the quaint little cobbled streets to the large castle (originally the Bishops Palace) on the hill top (of course) and a very interesting Church - the Cathedral of St Vincent where we were treated to a great organ recital. The church was built in 12th century and the huge tapestries on the walls (6mx3m each) were added in the 17th century and still look great today. Fascinating. Our guide was not so good today and did not impart much knowledge - nor did we impart any tip!
We finished our walk on top of the battlements with a great view over the whole area, then made our way (without guide) back thru the town and back to the boat and we settled in for dinner while cruising to Tournon.