We checked out of Ville de Haussmann and our Blacklane driver took us on a short tour of some of the Paris icons before dropping us OO at Gare de Lyon beside the elevator, then we went up to Hall 3 where all trains to Marseilles depart.

Our train has no designated platform or gate designated as at 11.18am, but then is designated as Gate G. We hurry quickly to the gat, then along the platform to carriage # 1, but the fun begins because we are in the upper /top level needing to get our cases to the upper level.

We are assisted by a strong younger man, who gratefully carries our two heavy cases up the stairs and deposits them in the luggage rack. We were most grateful.

Our seats are carriage 1 seats. 85 and 86 in very comfortable arm chairs and it is designated as a calm and quiet area. The train departs exactly on time and we are quickly flying along at 200km towards Marseiles. We are the first stop at Avignon TGB after some 3 hours from departure. Simply an amazing way to travel .

We depart the train with assistance of the same person , who carries both heavy cases down to the lower level. We are most grateful it has made our task so much easier. We then have to chose the local train from Avignon TGV station to Gare de Avignon or take a taxi. This is an easy choice and cost to our hotel ( Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis, Avignon, in a comfortable Taxi is Euro 15 plus tip. It is the easy and comfortable way to do it.

So 10 minutes later we enter the walled town of Avignon, down a side road and we then stop in front of a former monastery and we are advised to enter. It is a beautiful old world monastery building now converted to a 4 star hotel. We check in to find our room 007 is a modern contemporary room consisting of bedroom, separate toilet and small efficient bathroom and enclosed balcony with Louvre windows.

We quickly unpack required gear. All has gone well.

Ken decides to go for a walk, Jeanette has a sleep and catches up on Facebook updates.

This is beautiful city and Ken walks for almost 3 hours right through the township, observes a parade of people dressed as ancient warriors, then up tonthe spectacular Pope’s Palace, down through a variety of side streets and alley ways all depicting amazing architecture.

Then he exits the walled city area, walks across the bridge to take photos of the wall, Then the river and the river boat terminal.

Following this back inside the walled city, passed the Town Hall and finds an Irish pub to have a cold cleansing beer.

From here a short walk, back to our hotel.

For dinner we decide to eat In and the restaurant is an inspired choice serving a range of tapas plates. We enjoy a lamb dish, a knoche dish, one of anchovy’s with a glass of local wine. It was different and very enjoyable. Ken finishes with a pistachio dessert.

A terrific totally different meal. We return to our room, feeling well sated. It has been another brilliant day with excellent TGV train trip from Paris to Avignon. Hotel is totally different but very good.