DAY 67 - FONTVIEILLE TO ARLES

We headed out this morning through plantations of melon, apple and olive.

Heading out among the olive trees 

There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 

Not a cloud in the sky

After about 5 kilometres we came to the village of Fontvieille. We walked through the attractive old part of the village. Fontvieille is mostly known for its connection with Alphonse Daudet, the author of Letters From My Windmill, a short story collection which we had read during the preparation for our trip.

Watching the passers-by in Fontvieille 

Bust of Alphonse Daudet in Fontvieille 

Past the village, we followed the signs leading to Daudet's windmill. 

Daudet's windmill 

We had decided to detour from the GR653D (the long-distance walking path we have been following) to visit the ruined Roman aqueduct and mills at Barbegal. They were well worth the detour. 

Ruins of Roman aqueduct at Barbegal - well worth the detour

On the aqueduct 

Provence - olive grove, blue sky, Roman ruins, Australian tourist

The route from the ruins into Arles was uninspiring. When we rejoined the GR, it took us along the verge of the busy main road, and then on a major commercial road into the town.

A rare off-road section of the GR653D between Fontvieille and Arles

Once in Arles, we found our way via the Roman amphitheatre and theatre to our chambre d'hôte. 

The Roman amphitheatre at Arles

After a bit of a rest, we went out and wandered about the town.

Catching some late afternoon sun at the Van Gogh Café 

67th day in France, first urinal 

Tourist taking a photo at the Van Gogh Café 

Day:  67

Distance: 21.6 km

Walking time:  4hrs 25mins

Elevation gain:  269 metres

Cumulative distance:  1661.93 km