Around 1 am, we arrived in Viviers which is a small, quiet village. When we started our walking tour, we could see the Cathedral high above us on a cliff. We walked down a promenade from the ship with trees on either side to village. Our guide pointed out different architectural features and we wound our way UP and through the town. We soon arrived at the doors of the cathedral where an organist awaited us. This cathedral is 1/8 the size of Notre Dames in Paris. The guide said that the cathedral had been on that spot since 450 AD. Of course, he added, the first one burned, rebuilt, second one .., third one.. The current one was built in 12th century with additions and subtractions since. The organist played a short concert and then we started our steep, circuitous route down the hill. (Taxis rides were available for those less-sturdy souls.) As we neared the ship, the cruise director met us with a small drink of anise-flavored liqueur. Then we were invited to try our hand at a game of pétanque --similar to Bocce ball but played with smaller balls and on a gravel field. Shortly after noon, we set sail again. This afternoon, we passed through several locks including a 75' one --the biggest on the Rhone. Forgot to mention that yesterday we could see the Alps in the distance. We have docked at Chateauneuf du Pape.
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