If you are in Provence, Avignon is a city you shouldn’t miss. From the jaw-dropping majesty of the Palais des Papes, which attracts well over half a million paying visitors each year, to the serenity of the historic Pont d’Avignon, there’s plenty to see. It’s easy to walk around, and you’ll find plenty of things to do, whether you stay for a couple of days or a couple of weeks.
Avignon is situated on the River Rhône, and the city centre is surrounded entirely by 4.3 kilometres of stone ramparts, built in the 14th century. These fortifications, still intact and classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, are the legacy of a time when the city was under constant threat of siege.
A little history
Avignon was a Roman stronghold known as Avennio, but it began life around 5,000 years ago when settled by the Gallic tribe known as the Cavares.
In 1309, Pope Clement V chose Avignon, a flourishing trade centre now under the control of the French, as the location for the papal residence, partly due to its central location within Christendom. A logical location, you might suppose, but it also meant the papacy overturning 1300 years of tradition by deserting Rome.
Seven popes lived in Avignon over a period of 60 years. The fourth of these pontiffs, Clement VI, actually purchased the city in 1348. The papacy remained in Avignon until 1377, and the city continued to be a papal residence during the Great Schism.
The French National Assembly seized Avignon in 1791, and the Palais des Papes was damaged.
The papacy has long returned to Rome, but their legacy in this southern city is unmistakable.
The splendours of Avignon
Avignon is worth a visit if only to see the Palais des Papes.
Just nearby, there’s another opportunity you won’t want to miss. Take a walk on the Pont Saint-Bénézet. It’s probably better known as the famous and historic Pont d’Avignon.
Streetscapes
Avignon has some really interesting places that can be discovered on foot.
Rue de Teinturiers, once a textile centre, now lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes, comes alive after dark.
Avignon has numerous squares where you’ll find places to cure your hunger and slake your thirst. The stunning Place Crillon, Place de l’Horloge, the city’s main square and the nearby Place du Palais will be visited by most, but there’s also Place Pie, and Place des Corps Saints, Place Saint-Didier, and Place des Carmes too.
Religious buildings
Near the Palais des Papes is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon, built in the 12th century and renovated in the 15th and 17th centuries. The restored bell tower is topped with a gilded lead statue of the Virgin Mary that can be seen from a distance.
The Saint-Pierre church was built in the early 14th century and features impressive woodwork, paintings, and an altarpiece. Unfortunately, no visitors can enter to see these marvels.
Across the Rhône is the splendid Gothic Notre-Dame Collegiate Church and Cloister.
The Penitents Gris Chapel is a Baroque chapel famous for its extraordinary stereotomy of vaulted ceilings, and houses paintings by Mignard and Parrocel and a fine golden Glory by Jean Péru (17C) above the altar.
Museums and galleries
Avignon has a strong cultural side, with splendid museums and galleries dotted within the city walls.
Collection Lambert is for contemporary art lovers. The museum has major works of major modern art lovers spanning the last eight decades or so. The museum also offers exhibitions and other programs.
Musée Angladon features works by Modigliani, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, and many other prestigious artists.
Musée Louis Vouland isin a magnificent 18th-century private mansion. Here, you will see furniture, porcelain sets, tapestries, chandeliers, and other pieces of decorative art from the 17th and 18th centuries.
All of these charge an admission fee, but Avignon has five free museums
Plenty more to enjoy in Avignon
Near the Pont d’Avignon are the Rocher des Doms, beautiful, peaceful gardens overlooking the Rhône. Constructed in 1830, this greenspace offers excellent views of the surroundings.
The annual Festival d’Avignon is the most popular cultural event on the calendar. It happens every July in La Cour d’Honneur in the grounds of the Papal Palace and other venues around the town, and attracts in excess of 100,000 people every year.
For a superb way to relax and see the town from the water, you can choose a river cruise to suit any budget or calendar.
We also recommend taking a Gourmet Tour. It’s a four-hour tour that allows you to sample local food and wine from the beautiful Rhone Valley vineyards nearby. You can also get to know the layout of the town.
If you enjoy the bustle of indoor markets, visit Les Halles. For dining and people-watching, try one of the many cafés and restaurants on Place Crillon.
Look at these Francy That! articles:
5 Interesting Facts About Avignon
There’s always something new to discover in this fabulous city.
Four million visitors a year can’t be wrong!
Information
LOCATION: Vaucluse – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 580km (360 miles) to the SSE
POPULATION: 90,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Avignon Provence
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Avignon (TGV)
TOURIST INFORMATION: 41 Cours Jean Jaurès
MARKETS: Les Halles – daily, except Mondays
MUST SEE: Palais des Papes; Pont d’Avignon; the museums.
