Avignon
Avignon
Guide of the Vaucluse
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 is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protected by its ramparts, the old town has preserved magnificent testimonies from the past. Built in the 14th century, the Popes' palace is an essential place to visit of the visit. 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 gathering paintings and sculptures; the Monnaies town house and its baroque facade of the 17th century; 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 more particularly on the Saint-Bénezet bridge, which is better known under the name of Avignon bridge.
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 theatre plays, concerts and dance. The "Off " festival offers numerous shows in the whole city.
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