Final Up to date on twelfth April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
A metropolis as soon as referred to as Avenio through the Roman period on account of it being so windy, Avignon is a walled metropolis within the South of France. Nestled within the coronary heart of Provence, this fairytale metropolis is dwelling to the celebrated Palais des Papes, together with magnificent structure, intriguing historic sights and a maze of solar soaked cobbled lanes which might be positive to steal your coronary heart!
Right here’s your final information to essentially the most epic issues to do in Avignon, in addition to high suggestions and what to know earlier than you go.
The place is Avignon?
Avignon is situated on the left financial institution of the river Rhône. It’s located within the coronary heart of Provence in southeastern France. The Provençal metropolis is in the neighborhood of Orange and is the capital of the French division, Vaucluse. It has a inhabitants of simply over 92,000 folks.
What’s Avignon identified for?
Avignon is named ‘La Cité des Papes’ (The Metropolis of Popes) and celebrated for its colossal sized palace that looms over town. In reality, it’s dwelling to the biggest surviving Gothic palace in all of Europe, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Famend for its architectural magnificence and stuffed with loads of surviving medieval treasures and hidden gems, there’s quite a bit to like about this enchanting pocket of Provence.
Additionally, if you happen to occur to be visiting Avignon throughout July, then you definitely’ll be simply in time for the annual Pageant d’Avignon. Showcasing a variety of performances and cultural occasions, it has been ongoing since 1947, because of this it’s the oldest existent competition in France.
Greatest issues to do in Avignon
Pont d’Avignon
The long-lasting Pont d’Avignon is definitely not a full monument, however somewhat what’s left of a bridge which washed away through the Center Ages. Constructed between 1177 and 1185, the bridge initially consisted of twenty-two connecting arches, attaching Avignon with the beautiful city which lies on the other aspect of the water, Villeneuve lez Avignon.
The bridge is understood worldwide as a result of standard well-known French nursery rhyme ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ which is discovered and sung by French kids throughout l’Hexagone and dates again to the Fifteenth-century. In reality, it contributed to creating it one of the well-known bridges in all of France!
As we speak, you’ll be able to stand on the bridge for a small price and wander alongside its cobbled stays, having fun with views overlooking Avignon. Your guided go to contains an in-depth audioguide, which is able to take you thru the historical past of the bridge, in addition to the story of the broader metropolis.
Les Halles d’Avignon
This conventional lined market has been a gathering place for the folks of town for over a century. Residence to an enormous array of contemporary produce together with, baked items, regional delicacies, domestically sourced fish and olive stands bigger than life, whereas wandering round you’re positive to be tempted because the air is stuffed with mouthwatering aromas.
This nineteenth century conventional French market was made well-known by all those that have written about it and depicted the delights it holds, together with authors equivalent to Peter Mayle and Jean Viard.
Opening occasions: Tuesday – Sunday, 6AM-1:30PM weekdays and open until 2PM on weekends.
Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)
Of all of the locations to go to in Avignon, the Palais des Papes is well essentially the most well-known. As its title would counsel, the fortified residence was the abode of seven successive popes through the 14th-century when the ecclesiastical males fled Rome on account of uncertainty within the Center Ages.
Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Website since 1995, Palais des Papes is taken into account one of the essential items of Gothic type structure in Europe and is of nice historic significance for the papacy.
As we speak, you’ll be able to really step again in time by visiting the 2 historic palaces, many courtyards, and by admiring the painted rooms all through the complicated. The rooftop of the complicated presents improbable views onto the River Rhône, together with the Pont d’Avignon.
Acceptable for all ages, upon arrival you’ll be given an interactive pill with headphones to borrow (that is included within the value of your ticket) giving guests the complete alternative to discover every room in additional depth. General, the Palais des Papes is likely one of the finest issues to do in Provence.
There’s quite a bit to see, so you’ll possible want round 2 hours to go to. Admission begins from €12, however you’ll be able to add on a go to to the gardens and/or Pont d’Avignon, which prices slightly additional.
Opening occasions: Open each day from 9AM-7PM
Jardins du Palais des Papes
The backyard of the Palace of the Popes lies beneath the citadel’s fortified partitions and is a secret inexperienced house amidst the hustle and bustle of the maze of cobbled lanes and slim streets that make up Avignon’s historic metropolis centre.
With fantastic views of the Papal Palace in all its glory, in addition to being a stone’s throw away from all of Avignon’s main points of interest, there are benches on which to sit down and loosen up, or maybe even take pleasure in a picnic with mates through the summer season months.
Notre-Dame-des-Doms d’Avignon
Often known as Avignon Cathedral, it’s located subsequent to the Palais des Papes and is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon. Constructed within the late twelfth century, the basilica is in-built a Romanesque architectural type.
Parc Rocher des Doms
A preferred spot for a promenade, the Rocher des Domes park is a leafy inexperienced house that may be reached from the steps main from the cathedral Notre Dame des Doms.
Within the park you’ll be able to immerse your self in nature and watch the world go by, stuffed with leaf shaded pathways, a tranquil pond and a number of other benches to sit down again and loosen up on. When you’re having fun with life within the Provencial panorama, why not learn a ebook set in Provence!
Additionally discovered inside the confines of the Rocher des Doms park is a winery which boasts of fantastic views over the Pont d’Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Although the winery might seem as if it has been in situ for hundreds of years, the row of vines overlooking the River Rhône had been really planted within the Nineties.
Wander across the cobbled streets
Reality be instructed, the most effective methods to get to know the inside metropolis (which is surrounded by fortified partitions) is to wander across the maze of cobbled lanes and permit Avignon to disclose itself to you. This fashion, you’ll come throughout all types of wonderful boutiques, bistros, and exquisite structure.
Rue des Teinturiers is taken into account to be one of the picturesque streets of town, following a small channel of the Sorgue, it presents a serene and tranquil spot to stroll alongside.
Cosy cafés
As with loads of locations while you go to, a few of the finest moments are after we take a second to sit down at a restaurant and revel in a baked delight as we mirror on our environment and take pleasure in letting the world cross by.
Personally our favorite café in Avignon was Café Tulipe, serving an array of specialty espresso and scrumptious desserts in a vivid and open house, there are additionally a number of out of doors seats if you happen to occur to be visiting when the solar is shining!
Listed here are just a few different high recommendations for cosy cafes in Avignon (based mostly on web-reviews):
- Cafés au Brésil – A boutique type espresso store serving the style of Brazil! A stylish cafe that can immediately hit you with the scent of espresso as you stroll in, you too can buy beans to take dwelling.
- Milk Store – Tucked away on a aspect road, serves bagels and different baked items in addition to espresso and smoothies/milkshakes.
- Regusto – The spot to go for a refreshing ice cream to take pleasure in as you wander the cobbled streets and take in the magic of Avignon.
Cloître des Carmes
A former Carmelite cloister, this was the primary venue after the Palais des Papes that was invested in by the Pageant d’Avignon. Constructed through the 14th-century, the cloisters had been restored within the 1900s and are actually a quiet house to loosen up, full with their very own secret gardens!
Musée Louis Vouland
For a barely totally different view of tradition in Avignon, go to the small seventeenth and 18th century ornamental arts museum. Set inside a hôtel particulier, you’ll be able to go to the gathering which incorporates an exhibition of Parisian furnishings, faience from Marseille and Moustiers, in addition to tapestries and work.
Opening occasions: Closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday 2PM-6PM
Couvent des Cordeliers
For many who love slightly little bit of medieval historical past, the most effective secret spots in Avignon will be discovered within the type of the outdated convent of Franciscans. The brothers arrived within the metropolis in 1226 and, as was customary of the time, they constructed their church exterior the unique fortified partitions.
Constructing of the church was accomplished within the mid-14th-century. Nonetheless, all this modified after the French Revolution when the ecclesiastical constructing was confiscated and bought off. As we speak, you’ll be able to look forward to finding only one tiny chapel, a picturesque façade and a crumbling bell tower is all that continues to be.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
The most effective and but little-known day journeys from Avignon will be discovered simply throughout the water from the walled metropolis within the type of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon. Simply one of many prettiest cities in Occitanie, the stroll to this off the crushed path city is simply forty minutes, whereas the bus or a automotive trip takes even much less time.
As soon as on this fairly city, you’ll quickly uncover spectacular views of Avignon and the encompassing Provençal countryside. You’ll be able to go to the cultural attraction Fort Saint André, a surprising 14th-century fortification the place you’ll be able to meander alongside the ramparts. The primary a part of city features a centuries-old collegiate church full with cloisters.
How lengthy do you want in Avignon?
There’s quite a bit to see and discover in Avignon, so ideally you’ll have no less than 3-4 days to see all the primary sights. This additionally permits for sufficient time to benefit from the metropolis at leisurely tempo, as you completely ought to do when visiting the South of France! For those who solely have a short while within the metropolis, take a look at our advised someday in Avignon itinerary.
Avignon additionally makes an incredible base for exploring the broader Provence area and, if you happen to’re trying to benefit from the native space, we advocate taking one or two of our advised finest day journeys from Avignon.
The place to remain in Avignon
As one of many largest cities in Provence, Avignon has no scarcity of fantastic lodging choices to go well with virtually any price range and style. For those who’re visiting through the peak season, then it’s finest to ebook your house to remain as far forward as you’ll be able to to be able to safe your house at your required place to remain. Listed here are a few of the finest locations to remain in Avignon
Finances: For these visiting the south of France on a price range, this well-reviewed B&B presents free parking and Wi-Fi. Although not situated inside Avignon’s metropolis partitions, therefore the lower cost of the lodging, it’s not too far to stroll to Avignon’s predominant points of interest. Verify costs and availability right here.
Mid-range: This four-star lodge is located a 9-minute stroll from Avignon Cathedral and facilities embody air conditioned rooms, a bar and restaurant on website, and free parking. Verify costs and availability right here.
Luxurious: The crème de la crème of staying in Avignon is undoubtedly this five-star lodge, which boasts highlights equivalent to each day housekeeping, a detailed proximity to the Palais des Papes, and a concierge service. Verify costs and availability right here.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the couch along with her latest knitting mission (and Rico her cat!) you could find her out and about on lengthy walks. At present residing within the magical metropolis of Edinburgh, she appears to be like ahead to travelling and seeing extra of the world!