Avignon

Avignon, a city in southeastern France, sits on the banks of the Rhône River. Its walled old town contains winding medieval streets and active squares. Visitors can explore the Palais des Papes, walk on the remaining arches of Pont Saint-Bénézet, and enjoy the annual Festival d'Avignon. The city serves as a gateway to the Provence region.

Palais des Papes: A 14th-Century Papal Residence

The Palais des Papes dominates Avignon's skyline. This Gothic structure served as the papal residence in the 14th century when seven popes ruled from Avignon instead of Rome. You can explore over 20 rooms, including the Pope's private chambers with frescoes depicting hunting and fishing scenes. In summer evenings, a sound and light show projects colorful images onto the palace's facade.

Pont Saint-Bénézet: The Incomplete Bridge

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, known from the French children's song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon," now stretches only halfway across the Rhône. Four of its original 22 arches remain standing. You can walk onto the bridge and visit the small chapel of Saint Nicholas on its third pier. From the bridge, you'll see the river and the city walls.

Exploring the Walled City Center

Avignon's historic center, encircled by 14th-century walls, invites exploration. Begin at Place de l'Horloge, the main square with cafes, the city hall, and the opera house. As you navigate the narrow streets, you'll find hidden squares and small shops. On Rue des Teinturiers, you can see a canal and old water wheels, remnants of the city's industrial past.

Les Halles: Fresh Local Produce

Les Halles, Avignon's covered market, opens every morning except Monday. Over 40 stalls sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties. You can taste local delicacies like tapenade or buy ingredients for a picnic. The market's exterior has a vertical garden designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, with over 30 plant species.

Festival d'Avignon: A City-Wide Theater Event

Each July, Avignon hosts the Festival d'Avignon. This theater festival brings hundreds of performances to venues across the city, from large halls to small cafes. The festival's "In" program includes curated shows, while the "Off" program features over 1,000 independent productions. If you plan to visit during this time, book accommodations several months in advance.

Rocher des Doms: A Hilltop Park

The Rocher des Doms, a park next to the Palais des Papes, sits atop a hill overlooking the city. You can walk through gardens, past ponds and statues. From the park's western edge, you'll see the Rhône River, Pont Saint-Bénézet, and the surrounding countryside.

Museums: Art Collections

Avignon houses several museums with varied collections. At the Petit Palais Museum, located in a 14th-century cardinal's palace, you'll find Italian primitive and Renaissance paintings. The Calvet Museum displays fine arts and archaeological artifacts, while the Angladon Museum has works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Modigliani.

Local Cuisine

Avignon's restaurants and markets serve Provençal cuisine. You can try regional dishes like daube (beef stew), ratatouille, or aïoli (garlic mayonnaise served with vegetables and fish). The nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape region produces red wines. You can visit local wineries for tastings or drink a glass at one of Avignon's wine bars.

Day Trips from Avignon

From Avignon, you can easily explore other parts of Provence. Visit the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, walk through the villages of the Luberon, or see the lavender fields of Sault (in bloom from June to August). The city of Arles, with Roman ruins and connections to Van Gogh, is a 20-minute train ride away.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Avignon by TGV train from Paris in about 2.5 hours. The city has two train stations: Avignon Centre in the old town and Avignon TGV outside the city (connected by shuttle). You can walk to most places within Avignon, but local buses run to outlying areas. If you want to explore the surrounding region, consider renting a car.