Summary
In the 14th century, Avignon emerged as a pivotal city in Europe, serving as the seat of the Catholic Church, symbolized by the spectacular Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic structure globally.
This epoch bequeathed Avignon a remarkable cityscape of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pont Saint-Bénézet, for instance, holds a significant place in French heritage, alongside various art and history museums that will captivate inquisitive visitors for days.
Let us delve into the premier activities in Avignon:
1. Palais des Papes
The grandeur of the 14th-century Papal Palace can only be truly appreciated when viewed in person.
To illustrate its enormity, one could fit four Gothic cathedrals within its walls, and there are a total of 24 rooms to explore during the tour.
It stands as the defining attraction of Avignon’s World Heritage site and ranks among France’s most renowned and valuable historical edifices.
Utilizing the audio guide will enhance your understanding, particularly as you pause in the papal apartments, which feature frescoes created nearly 700 years ago by the Gothic artist Matteo Giovanetti.
2. Pont Saint-Bénézet
Famously known as the Pont d’Avignon, this legendary bridge dates back to the late 12th century, establishing a connection between France and Papal Territories.
Strategically situated at a narrow bend in the Rhône to minimize vulnerability to the river’s notorious currents, the bridge initially featured 22 arches, of which only four are extant today. Its original length was 915 metres, impressive dimensions for its time.
Over the centuries, the bridge suffered damage and underwent reconstruction due to flooding, culminating in a catastrophic flood in the 17th century that obliterated most of its arches.
Nevertheless, the remaining structures are exquisite and accessible for exploration, including the gatehouse that once protected the crossing, the isolated western terminal, Tour Philippe-le-Bel, and the Chapel of St. Nicholas positioned above the second arch.
3. Place du Palais
The expansive square in front of the Papal Palace was meticulously planned.
It was orchestrated by the antipope Benedict XII in the early 15th century, transforming the surrounding narrow streets to emphasize the grandeur of the palace.
Visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the palace along with the Renaissance Petit Palais, Avignon’s Romanesque Cathedral, and Hôtel des Monnaies (the mint), which underwent renovations in the Baroque style in 1619.
4. Collection Lambert
The Collection Lambert is a contemporary art museum established in 2000 by art dealer Yvon Lambert, intended to showcase the artworks he donated to the French government.
The galleries are housed in two magnificent 18th-century hôtels.
A significant expansion occurred in 2009 when Lambert contributed an additional 560 works, representing the most substantial art donation to France since Picasso’s posthumous bequest in the 1970s.
The exhibition features contemporary art including photography, video, paintings, and sculptures from the 1980s to recent years by noted artists such as Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer, and Nile Toroni.
Temporary exhibitions are hosted in the Hôtel de Caumont, while the Hôtel de Montfaucon holds the permanent collection.
5. Place de l’Horloge
Avignon’s primary square features the city hall and the opera house.
Place de l’Horloge derives its name from Avignon’s Gothic clock tower; however, it can be somewhat difficult to locate, as it is obscured by the more recent neoclassical city hall architecture.
During the summer months, nearly half of Place de l’Horloge is filled with seating for restaurants lining the square.
There is also a carousel for children, and in December, the Christmas market takes place in front of the city hall.
Nevertheless, the ideal period to experience the square is in July when the OFF theatre festival showcases public performances beneath the shade of the square’s established plane trees.
6. Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon
Local legend suggests that the predecessor of this church was annihilated by the Moors in the 7th century.
The current Gothic structure commenced in the 1300s during the papacy of Innocent IV, who was the fifth pope to reside in Avignon.
Before entering, take a moment to admire the monumental wooden tours, crafted from walnut in 1551 by Antoine Volard.
Inside, a rich assortment of art awaits, including the gilded choir from the 1700s, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and the 15th-century relics of Saint-Pierre de Luxembourg, featuring his original cardinal’s robes and hat.
7. Petite Train
If you do not mind being recognized as a tourist, Avignon’s road train serves as an efficient means to view the primary sights and orient yourself in a city that may initially seem perplexing.
The ride lasts approximately 40 minutes, encompassing the famed bridge, the charming streets and neighborhoods surrounding the center, the Rocher des Doms on the left bank of the Rhône, and, of course, the Palais des Papes.
This train experience is particularly popular among older visitors, families with young children, and anyone with limited time to explore.
8. Île de la Barthelasse
At 700 hectares, the Île de la Barthelasse ranks among the largest river islands in Europe.
Belonging to Avignon, it is accessible via the Pont Daladier, although many may prefer to take the free ferry across the Rhône.
The island consists primarily of tranquil orchards interspersed with clusters of houses, as occasional catastrophic floods have shaped its landscape over centuries.
The highest elevation on the island is just 18 meters, rendering the Île de la Barthelasse susceptible to inundation, but ideal for exploration by bicycle.
Consider renting a bike in summer and enjoying a picnic on the banks of the Rhône.
9. Musée Calvet
With over 200 years of public access, the Calvet Museum was established following the donation of art, a library, and a cabinet of curiosities to Avignon by local physician and collector Esprit Calvet.
This eclectic collection has been enriched by contributions from numerous patrons, featuring ancient archaeology, fine art, a diverse range of decorative arts, and ethnological artifacts from Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
While there is much to explore, many visitors are particularly drawn to the Egyptology section, which houses a sarcophagus, canopic jar, and offering table.
10. Rue des Teinturiers
This historical street follows the Vaucluse Canal and exudes charm.
Rue des Teinturiers was formerly the hub of Avignon’s silk spinning and dyeing industry from the 1300s until the 1800s.
Historical remnants can be observed in the form of four water-wheel mills positioned along the embankment beside the canal.
The picturesque stone houses across the canal are connected to the cobblestone street by quaint bridges, while tall, ancient plane trees provide ample shade along the way.
Keep an eye out for the Maison du IV de Chiffre, one of Avignon’s oldest mansions, and the residence of Jean-Henri Fabre, the esteemed 19th-century entomologist, located at no. 14.
11. Musée du Petit Palais
Adjacent to the Palais des Papes, this smaller Renaissance palace on the northern side of the square has a turbulent history.
The fortress-like appearance can be attributed to its former status as a citadel during the Western Schism that followed the Avignon Papacy.
The palace has remained largely unchanged since the early 1500s when future Pope Julius II renovated it and affixed his coat of arms to the southern façade, still visible above the entrance.
The Petit Palais houses 327 paintings and 600 sculptures created by Italian and French artists from the Gothic and Renaissance eras.
Most of these works were commissioned for churches around Avignon, particularly during the Avignon Papacy in the 14th century.
12. Musée Angladon
Jacques Doucet, a prominent Parisian tailor from the turn of the century, is recognized as a pioneer of fashion design.
Throughout his life, he accumulated an impressive art collection, including iconic pieces like Picasso’s Demoiselles d’Avignon, which are exhibited at New York’s MoMA. Doucet’s heirs established this museum in an exquisite early 18th-century mansion located in central Avignon to display the remaining artworks from his collection.
Visitors can appreciate the grandeur of the setting while viewing masterpieces by Degas, Sisley, Cézanne, Picasso, Manet, Derain, and Modigliani, as well as the only van Gogh painting on display in Provence.
13. Avignon Les Halles
Every morning from Tuesday to Sunday, approximately 40 merchants set up their stalls in this stunning covered market located at Place Pie.
If renting an apartment, this market serves as an excellent source for fresh produce: seasonal meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, as well as local wines, olive oils, herbs, cheese, and charcuterie.
Amateur chefs should aim to visit on Saturdays when local culinary experts make guest appearances in a dedicated exhibition area.
During these demonstrations, attendees can observe as chefs prepare dishes, and perhaps sample their delightful creations.
14. Pont du Gard
One of Roman Gaul’s most picturesque ruins is located 25 kilometers west of the city.
The Pont du Gard is an architectural marvel; astonishingly, it represents only a fraction of a system that originally spanned 50 kilometers, descending a mere 17 meters from Uzès to Nîmes.
What’s even more remarkable is that this magnificent structure was completed in just five years.
The 275-meter-long and 50-meter-high span constructed to cross the Gardon River has left observers in awe for two millennia, and it is essential to view if you find yourself in Avignon.
A compact museum dedicated to Roman history features engaging exhibits for children, along with a video detailing the remarkable engineering feat involved in its construction.
15. Les Baux de Provence
Located just 30 kilometers south of Avignon amidst breathtaking countryside, Les Baux de Provence is often termed one of the “most beautiful villages in France.” This quaint hillside settlement consists of houses clustered together on steep inclines, overshadowed by imposing limestone rock formations.
Perched even higher is the Château des Baux, a dilapidated fortress established in the 900s, which offers an enjoyable experience for families through its full-size recreations of siege engines.
They feature the largest trebuchet in Europe, launching projectiles throughout the summer months.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Carrières de Lumières, a dynamic multimedia art experience where works from renowned artists are projected onto the lofty walls of a former quarry; in 2016, for instance, the focus was on Chagall.
