Orange - off with his head.

Monday 28th April 

Time to head north and check out a different part of France. A long drive planned for the day to Lyon - a touch under 300k and more than we would normally do in a day, but we've got a bit of ground to cover. We don't use the tollroads - you see more travelling on the lesser roads - but maybe today we should have. It's a slow trip when you have to slow to 50 for every town, 70 for road junctions, 80 as the normal road speed, 90 if you're lucky and get a bit better road.

We left early and first stop was Orange to visit the ancient theatre - 1st century AD. A couple of things to chuckle over. 1. The statue of the emperor has a removable head so when the emperor  changes they just need to replace his head. 2. Spectators are separated by their classes - big wigs at the front, and then the peasants including prostitutes, beggars, commoners, and foreigners (ha ha) at the top in the nose bleed seats. The acoustics are amazing - at the top you can hear clearly what is being said down below.

Ancient theatre
- built into the side of the hill to give the foundations for the seating.

Odette was interested in the next act.

Statue in the centre is the emperor with the removable head.

On the road again and searching for a relais for lunch - right on time at 12 we spotted one. Very nice lunch and well set up.

On to Lyon. First part of the drive was not too bad,  but the last 100k was pretty awful - lots of trucks and traffic. Anyway finally in Lyon at 4pm and checked in to hotel which is quite nice - lovely lady on reception. Not keen to go out looking for tea so we've had pizza here in the hotel.

The sculptures are of successful athletes from Lyon, and their sports.
(And irises - Rob's garden favourite).