I am a Francophile and I speak French. I am interested in French history, especially that of the Late Middle Ages. The defensive walled town of Avignon has always fascinated me. These elements provided a cornucopia of  conflict and friendship for my first novel, "And they danced under the bridge". The  St.Benezet bridge once linked Avignon to Villeneuve and the regions beyond. Originally a wooden structure, later stone, I found it was only 16 feet across on top - too narrow for dancing. The nursery rhyme, Sur le pont d'Avignon, begins with sur - on - yet other versions start with sous - under. It is more logical, and practicable, that it was under the famous arches that some dancing and also buying, selling and other questionable activities took place.