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Historical, fragrant, poetic and sunny, Avignon is to Provence what theatre is to art : one of its most beautiful jewels. A perfect destination for a Provençal getaway, Avignon can be visited and enjoyed to the rhythm of its exceptional heritage and the warmth of its inhabitants. This fortified town, also known as the "City of the Popes", is a town full of history, which you will love to visit with family, lovers or friends.

City of art and culture in the heart of the Vaucluse, only 30 minutes from Arles and Orange, Avignon is one of those great French cities to see at least once in his life. Full of history and full of life, every year it attracts tourists from all over the world to admire its magnificent monuments. Theatres, museums, cinemas, restaurants, shops, Avignon is a small town full of places to visit, so much so that you won't know where to start. To begin this stay, why not visit the Pope's Palace ? The most famous building in Avignon, it is also the one you will not want to miss because it is so imposing. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this emblematic fortress of the 14th century amazes its visitors thanks to the beauty of its architecture and its historical stones. Majestically erected above the city, this palace and its four towers is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France. Having served during the 14th century as the residence of the pontiffs, Avignon has seen 9 popes march on its lands, each having contributed to the development of this dazzling palace. The largest Gothic palace in the West, it has more than 25 rooms and ceremonial rooms used to host official ceremonies, but also private apartments of popes, terraces, chapels and magnificent ramparts from which the views over Avignon are breathtaking. For a beautiful overview of the Palace, cross the Daladier Bridge to admire it from a bench by the water on the Chemin des Berges, or sit on the terrace of one of the many cafés located on the Place du Palais. From one of the ramparts located in the gardens of the palace (the Jardin des Doms), you will have a magnificent view over the Rhône and the famous Pont d'Avignon. The Pont d'Avignon was built in the 12th century and is a major attraction of the town. Damaged and rebuilt many times during the floods of the Rhône, only 4 of its 22 original arches remain today so don't be surprised if the bridge finishes its race in the middle of the river ! You can nevertheless, as the song says, go on the bridge to dance "all in circles", and admire unique points of view on the Palace of the Popes, the Small Palace (former residence of the archbishops today museum), the ramparts and the Fort Saint André. Just next to the Pope's Palace is the Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral in Avignon. Also built in the 12th century, it is famous for its bell tower on which a huge golden Madonna sits, dominating the Rhône valley from the Rocher des Doms. Its perched English garden is one of the most beautiful in the world, with its olive trees, wisteria, fountains, statues and lakes.

Everything here is done on foot. Take a stroll along the Hôtel des Monnaies, take the Rue de la République and stroll through the cobbled streets dotted with medieval houses and wealthy mansions dating from the Renaissance : Avignon has more than 130 built between the 15th and 18th centuries. The Hôtel particulier de Sade, the Hôtel des Laurens and the Hôtel de Brancas are among the most prestigious, as is the Hôtel du Marquis de Graveson located at 12 Place Crillon. After having a coffee in the shade of one of the trees on the beach of l'Horloge, with the music of the old carrousel as the background, take a tour of the city ramparts : in fact, Avignon is one of the only towns to have kept its ramparts almost intact. Four kilometres long, they consist of seven immense gates and 39 towers.

A lively and lively city, Avignon is famous for its many festivities. In July each year, the city celebrates theatre in all its forms during the Avignon Festival. Founded in 1947, it is today one of the most important contemporary art events in the world, attracting many visitors every year.

Capital of the Vaucluse and the Côtes du Rhône, Avignon has had a reputation for good food for several centuries. Gourmet and curious delicacies gather around its best tables to taste the most famous Avignon specialities, from croustade to berlinguettes, including crespeou, papaline, Avignon daube, goat's cheese, shad and local wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape which will seduce the finest palates. The little extra that makes all the difference : most restaurants have "vegetarian" and "vegan" indications on their menu, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy Avignon both for its historical attractions and its delicious gastronomy.

More information about the region :

Provence

Vallée du Rhône

Activities and Events

Discover many paintings and the masterpiece of the Renaissance: Botticelli's Virgin and Child.

A relic of the influence of 14th century Christianity, it is the largest Gothic palace in the world.

You can dance there but you can also walk there! Today only 4 of the 22 original arches remain.