Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city of the département of Vaucluse, and is on the banks of the Rhône river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000.
Understand
Avignon is famous as it is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' or the palace of popes, is the world's largest Gothic edifice. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown.
Its early history is much older than the popes, however. Avignon occupies a strategic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places.
It is estimated that about 200,000 people live in Avignon, 16,000 of which live 'intra-muros,' or within the ramparts built in the 14th century.
The city is now sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless.
History
Avignon has been continuously inhabited since the stone age, when troglodyte inhabitations were built in caves in the Rocher des Dames, a massive outcropping of rock rising over the banks of the Rhône. Today, a public park with benches, views over the surrounding countryside, a café and playground is on top of the Rocher.
The Romans had a presence in Avignon, though the walls they built lie buried somewhere under the modern streets. Vestiges of the forum can still be seen, lying unassumingly near the Rue Racine and the Rue Saint-Etienne, to the west of the city.
Then, in medieval times, the town grew to an important center of communication and trade. The stone bridge spanning the Rhone was one of only three between the Mediterranean and Lyon. It was undoubtedly for its strategic location and ease of travel that it was chosen by the papacy as home within the then kingdom of Provence. The presence of the papacy made Avignon into a city of great political and economic activity. The old city wall, now visible only as a street that circles the very center of the town (changing names 5 times in the process!) was much too small and a larger wall, still visible today, was necessary to protect its bulging population. Wealthy Cardinals built extravagant palaces known as livrées both within Avignon and across the river, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
The city teemed with activity and building as architects, builders, artists flocked to the town. At that time, within the city walls there were over 100 churches and chapels - many of which have been transformed since then into everything from shops to a movie theater! The wealth and activity generated by the presence of the papacy spilled out into the region, so that even small villages nearby boast a rich architectural past.
Getting there
By plane
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By train
Avignon lies on the TGV line from Paris to Marseille, about three hours from Paris, Gare de Lyon. It is also served by numerous local and regional services.
Local and regional trains call at the central station, outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town. TGVs call at Avignon TGV, about 2km out of town. A regular bus ("TGV Navette", €1.20 in August 2005) links the TGV station with the square outside the post office, just opposite central station.
A weekly Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Avignon operates every Saturday in the summer. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
Traveling around
A map of the city, lists of hotels in all price ranges, restaurants, ideas for nightlife, and daytrips to the surrounding countryside can be found at the Office de Tourisme, 41 cours Jean Jaures (in the main street, which begins just inside the walls across from the regular train station).
The city itself is small, and all sites are easily walkable.
See
A popular tourist destination is the Place du Palais, just next to the Place de L'horloge, though the casual tourist may find these places shockingly expensive, and flooded during the summer months with tourists. Within a short distance in just about any direction are the smaller squares frequented by the locals, and much lower prices. Recommended is the Place Pie, with its covered market (open 6AM to 1PM everyday) which sells fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and produits du pays.
Pont d'Avignon
Le Pont Saint-Benezet is a ruined bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages - before the arrival of the Papacy - perhaps partly to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where the church authorities had installed themselves because of Avignon's then-infamous dirt and lawlessness.
The legend of the bridge's building is that a local shepherd, Benezet (a dialect form of Benedict) was inspired by angels to build a bridge. When his appeals to the town authorities proved fruitless, he picked up a vast block of stone and hurled it into the river, to be the bridge's foundation stone. Convinced by this demonstration of divine will, the bridge was swiftly built. The poor shepherd boy was canonised, and his chapel remains on the surviving portion of the bridge.
If the bridge was divinely inspired, the Deity must have quickly changed his mind, because before long the bridge became unsafe and, following numerous floods, mostly derelict. Originally, the bridge had 22 arches, reaching across to the tower of Philippe le Bel via the mid-stream île de la Barthelasse. Only 4 of the 22 arches now remain. A multilingual audio tour of the bridge explains some of the local history.
The well-known song "Sur Le Pont D'Avignon" (on the bridge at Avignon) refers to the bridge. The bridge itself is far too narrow for dancing or festivals - the original text of the song was "Sous (under) le pont d'Avignon", referring to the festivals and entertainments staged on the île de la Barthelasse. The current version was popularised by a 19th century operetta, whose librettist clearly assumed that 'sous le pont d'Avignon' would have meant in the river.
Museums
Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from Modern Art Museums to museums housing artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman days.
Things to do
Think Outside the Watermelon offers private English-language walking tours led by local residents.
If you are confident about biking, there are a lot of places to bike to.
Events
Theatre Festival Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival . For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists. The festival is an excuse to turn any room with enough seating into a 'salle de spectacle' and the city is host to a wide variety of entertainment. The gem of this festival are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, but this is considered by many French and European thespians to be a crowning achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, of course, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in (eg) English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theatre give the city a marvellous feeling.
The International Congress Center was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year.
Eat
Mid-range
Restaurant l'Orangerie Place Jerusalem. This is an impressive small restaurant just a few minutes walk from the tourist-center Place de l'Horloge. Style is Provencal/Corsican. In Summer it has tables on the Square, the rest of the year it has four tables and bar on the ground floor and a few more upstairs. The Chocolate Torte is thoroughly Recommended.
Splurge
Restaurant Christian Etienne - a well known Provence chef, his restaurant is right next to the Palais des Papes. An excellent vegetarian menu is available.
Drink
(gay club) , +33490851491, 11PM-5AM, 10 rue du Limas, near place Crillon, The best gay and straight friendly club in town, open 7/7, full every night with shows, house and cruising area. Entrance is free of charge all year except July (5€ including a drink) alcohol:8€ soft drinks:5€ beers:7€
frequented in summer by most of theatre festival artists and celebrities. The place is small but on two floors with a smoking area inside. Second floor there is a backroom, first floor a small bar (mostly gay male) with videos. Ground floor dj's, main bar, and a small dance floor. Most people arrive after bars closing hour (1:30AM) so come here later, it's a must! Very friendly staff (1st floor bartender speaks good english)
Sleep
Budget
Auberge-Camping Bagatelle Ile de la Barthelasse. This Hotel/ Hostel and Camp Site is situated on Ile de la Bathelasse in the centre of the Rhone . This is perhaps the best place to stay on a budget. It has great facilities and offers perhaps the best view of the center of Avignon. Carries a basic menu restaurant. Another benefit is that is placed directly between Avignon and the opposite town Villeneuve-les-Avignon, both begin within 10 minutes walk. Cost €16.56 with complimentary breakfast.
Hotel de l'Atelier 5 rue de la Foire. €65
Hotel d'Angleterre 29 Boulevard Raspail (10 minute walk from bus and train station). €40, some rooms with bathroom. Small hotel located within the city walls. Has a small private car park. Its use is free of charge if you can find a place for your car.
Hotel le Medieval 15 rue Petite Saunerie €60
Avignon Hotel Monclar **, 04 90 86 20 14, 13-15 Avenue Monclar, just behind the central station, which faces the main avenue of downtown and the bus station, Family run hotel overlooking a flowered garden, within a private carpark. Internet wi-fi available in the whole building. Recently renovated rooms with the typical Provencal style. 7 languages spoken. Private taxi service.
Hotel Boquier Avignon, +33 4 90 82 34 43, 6 rue du portail Boquier, in old city, near the tourism office, A charming hotel in a XVIIIth century house.
Mid-range
Mas du Clos de l'Escarrat Route de Carpentras chemin de l'Escarrat. €80 Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Avignon Le Colbert* Provence France ''--Charming Provence two stars hotel Le Colbert* Hotel Avignon in the heart of the medieval city few minutes of Palais des Papes, provencal and individual air conditioning room from € 78-- 7 rue Agricol Perdiguier--+33 4 90 86 20 20
Au Saint Roch, +33 6 90 16 50 00, +33 6 90 16 50 00, 9 rue Paul Mérindol, 84000 Avignon, South West from the middle age city, Nice hotel with a very quiet garden.
Splurge
Hotel d 'Europe 12, Place Crillon. €350. 5-star
La Mirande Hotel 4, place de la Mirande €400 and up. 5 star hotel housed in a 700 year old converted townhouse.
Buy
, Antique market
Get out
The surrounding region is full of interesting sites, There are three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Arles is full of Roman and Romanesque monuments and worthy of a full days exploration. 17mn from Avignon by TER.
Orange just a short train ride to the north is home to one of the finest Roman Theatres in Europe
Le Pont du Gard is about 30km to the West it is probably the finest Roman aquaduct still in existence, and a great place for hiking and canoeing.
Other notable sites nearby are:
Nimes which has a huge Roman ampitheatre and a famous Greek Temple
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a short train ride north and is home to some of France's most famous vineyards
Aix-en-Provence, town of water - town of art, founded by the Romans.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city of the département of Vaucluse, and is on the banks of the Rhône river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000.
Understand
Avignon is famous as it is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' or the palace of popes, is the world's largest Gothic edifice. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown.
Its early history is much older than the popes, however. Avignon occupies a strategic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places.
It is estimated that about 200,000 people live in Avignon, 16,000 of which live 'intra-muros,' or within the ramparts built in the 14th century.
The city is now sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless.
History
Avignon has been continuously inhabited since the stone age, when troglodyte inhabitations were built in caves in the Rocher des Dames, a massive outcropping of rock rising over the banks of the Rhône. Today, a public park with benches, views over the surrounding countryside, a café and playground is on top of the Rocher.
The Romans had a presence in Avignon, though the walls they built lie buried somewhere under the modern streets. Vestiges of the forum can still be seen, lying unassumingly near the Rue Racine and the Rue Saint-Etienne, to the west of the city.
Then, in medieval times, the town grew to an important center of communication and trade. The stone bridge spanning the Rhone was one of only three between the Mediterranean and Lyon. It was undoubtedly for its strategic location and ease of travel that it was chosen by the papacy as home within the then kingdom of Provence. The presence of the papacy made Avignon into a city of great political and economic activity. The old city wall, now visible only as a street that circles the very center of the town (changing names 5 times in the process!) was much too small and a larger wall, still visible today, was necessary to protect its bulging population. Wealthy Cardinals built extravagant palaces known as livrées both within Avignon and across the river, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
The city teemed with activity and building as architects, builders, artists flocked to the town. At that time, within the city walls there were over 100 churches and chapels - many of which have been transformed since then into everything from shops to a movie theater! The wealth and activity generated by the presence of the papacy spilled out into the region, so that even small villages nearby boast a rich architectural past.
Getting there
By plane
Jet2.com FlyBe.com
By train
Avignon lies on the TGV line from Paris to Marseille, about three hours from Paris, Gare de Lyon. It is also served by numerous local and regional services.
Local and regional trains call at the central station, outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town. TGVs call at Avignon TGV, about 2km out of town. A regular bus ("TGV Navette", €1.20 in August 2005) links the TGV station with the square outside the post office, just opposite central station.
A weekly Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Avignon operates every Saturday in the summer. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
Traveling around
A map of the city, lists of hotels in all price ranges, restaurants, ideas for nightlife, and daytrips to the surrounding countryside can be found at the Office de Tourisme, 41 cours Jean Jaures (in the main street, which begins just inside the walls across from the regular train station).
The city itself is small, and all sites are easily walkable.
See
A popular tourist destination is the Place du Palais, just next to the Place de L'horloge, though the casual tourist may find these places shockingly expensive, and flooded during the summer months with tourists. Within a short distance in just about any direction are the smaller squares frequented by the locals, and much lower prices. Recommended is the Place Pie, with its covered market (open 6AM to 1PM everyday) which sells fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and produits du pays.
Pont d'Avignon
The legend of the bridge's building is that a local shepherd, Benezet (a dialect form of Benedict) was inspired by angels to build a bridge. When his appeals to the town authorities proved fruitless, he picked up a vast block of stone and hurled it into the river, to be the bridge's foundation stone. Convinced by this demonstration of divine will, the bridge was swiftly built. The poor shepherd boy was canonised, and his chapel remains on the surviving portion of the bridge.
If the bridge was divinely inspired, the Deity must have quickly changed his mind, because before long the bridge became unsafe and, following numerous floods, mostly derelict. Originally, the bridge had 22 arches, reaching across to the tower of Philippe le Bel via the mid-stream île de la Barthelasse. Only 4 of the 22 arches now remain. A multilingual audio tour of the bridge explains some of the local history.
The well-known song "Sur Le Pont D'Avignon " (on the bridge at Avignon) refers to the bridge. The bridge itself is far too narrow for dancing or festivals - the original text of the song was "Sous (under) le pont d'Avignon", referring to the festivals and entertainments staged on the île de la Barthelasse. The current version was popularised by a 19th century operetta, whose librettist clearly assumed that 'sous le pont d'Avignon' would have meant in the river.
Museums
Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from Modern Art Museums to museums housing artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman days.
Things to do
Think Outside the Watermelon offers private English-language walking tours led by local residents.
If you are confident about biking, there are a lot of places to bike to.
Events
Theatre Festival Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival . For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists. The festival is an excuse to turn any room with enough seating into a 'salle de spectacle' and the city is host to a wide variety of entertainment. The gem of this festival are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, but this is considered by many French and European thespians to be a crowning achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, of course, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in (eg) English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theatre give the city a marvellous feeling.
The International Congress Center was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year.
Eat
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Auberge-Camping Bagatelle Ile de la Barthelasse. This Hotel/ Hostel and Camp Site is situated on Ile de la Bathelasse in the centre of the Rhone . This is perhaps the best place to stay on a budget. It has great facilities and offers perhaps the best view of the center of Avignon. Carries a basic menu restaurant. Another benefit is that is placed directly between Avignon and the opposite town Villeneuve-les-Avignon, both begin within 10 minutes walk. Cost €16.56 with complimentary breakfast.
Hotel de l'Atelier 5 rue de la Foire. €65
Hotel d'Angleterre 29 Boulevard Raspail (10 minute walk from bus and train station). €40, some rooms with bathroom. Small hotel located within the city walls. Has a small private car park. Its use is free of charge if you can find a place for your car.
Hotel le Medieval 15 rue Petite Saunerie €60
Avignon Hotel Monclar ** , 04 90 86 20 14, 13-15 Avenue Monclar, just behind the central station, which faces the main avenue of downtown and the bus station, Family run hotel overlooking a flowered garden, within a private carpark. Internet wi-fi available in the whole building. Recently renovated rooms with the typical Provencal style. 7 languages spoken. Private taxi service.
Hotel Boquier Avignon , +33 4 90 82 34 43, 6 rue du portail Boquier, in old city, near the tourism office, A charming hotel in a XVIIIth century house.
Mid-range
Mas du Clos de l'Escarrat Route de Carpentras chemin de l'Escarrat. €80 Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Avignon Le Colbert* Provence France ''--Charming Provence two stars hotel Le Colbert* Hotel Avignon in the heart of the medieval city few minutes of Palais des Papes, provencal and individual air conditioning room from € 78-- 7 rue Agricol Perdiguier--+33 4 90 86 20 20
Au Saint Roch , +33 6 90 16 50 00, +33 6 90 16 50 00, 9 rue Paul Mérindol, 84000 Avignon, South West from the middle age city, Nice hotel with a very quiet garden.
Splurge
Hotel d 'Europe 12, Place Crillon. €350. 5-star
La Mirande Hotel 4, place de la Mirande €400 and up. 5 star hotel housed in a 700 year old converted townhouse.
Buy
Get out
The surrounding region is full of interesting sites, There are three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Arles is full of Roman and Romanesque monuments and worthy of a full days exploration. 17mn from Avignon by TER.
Orange just a short train ride to the north is home to one of the finest Roman Theatres in Europe
Le Pont du Gard is about 30km to the West it is probably the finest Roman aquaduct still in existence, and a great place for hiking and canoeing.
Other notable sites nearby are:
Nimes which has a huge Roman ampitheatre and a famous Greek Temple
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a short train ride north and is home to some of France's most famous vineyards
Aix-en-Provence, town of water - town of art, founded by the Romans.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
jean-louis Zimmermann, twicepix, van Ort, Jean-David et Anne-Laure, Jerry Pank, Francisco Antunes
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Claus Hansen, Michal Stankoviansky, Jessamyn, Meltwaterfalls, Daniel Levenson, Wandering, brian.lane@intrustbank.com, Michele Ann Jenkins, arthur, Ricardo, Micoucoulier, Colin Jensen, Bob Kemp, Yann Forget and Evan Prodromou, Inas, Tatatabot, Imuhdjen, Airin, Ertw23, Episteme, HVH, Nzpcmad, Thankyougustad and PierreAbbat
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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