Avignon

Guide of the Vaucluse

Travel Guide > France > Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur > Vaucluse > Avignon

City of the Popes from 1309 to 1376, the historic heart of Avignon is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protected by its ramparts, the old town has preserved magnificent reminders of its past. Built in the 14th century, the Popes' palace is an essential place to visit while you are there. This fortress was the residence of the popes in the 14th century and is a magnificent Gothic palace split into two parts: the Old Palace and the New Palace.

The Palace square is also surrounded by other prestigious buildings, such as the “Petit Palais” (Small Palace), the former archbishops' residence which is now a museum housing a collection of paintings and sculptures; the Monnaies mansion and its 17th-century Baroque facade; but also the Notre-Dame-des-Doms cathedral built in the 12th century.

The Doms rock, which is the very origin of the city, is a pleasant hilltop garden offering a beautiful view of the River Rhone and especially of the Saint-Bénezet bridge, better known as the Pont d'Avignon.

The Horloge square, with its plane trees and its café terraces, is a very pleasant and lively place, especially during the Avignon festival. The Teinturiers street is very picturesque and is great for a walk along the River Sorgue and its pretty paddle wheels.

In July, the famous Avignon "In" and "Off" festival, is a great moment with good entertainments. The "In" festival, which takes place in the main courtyard of the Popes' palace, is dedicated to plays, concerts and dance. The "Off " festival offers numerous shows in the whole city.

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LOCALISATION IN THE VAUCLUSE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Right in front of Avignon on the opposite bank of the Rhone, discover Villeneuve-les-Avignon, with the Chartreuse, the Tour Philippe le Bel and the Fort Saint-André open all year to visitors.

Palais des Papes

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