TO SEE/TO DO
Avignon
Avignon, the peal of joy
The old Avenio or 'city of the violent wind', is an elegant and lively city. Capital of Christianity in the 14th century, with its superb Papal Palace, Avignon also has its picturesque secrets like the Rue des Teinturiers, a refuge for poets and night owls.
Avignon and the Popes
With a construction that began in 1335, the Papal Palace was designed by two popes, Benoit XII and his successor Clement VI. Resembling a medieval fortress, this impressive building was a sumptuous princely residence and an administrative centre for Cardinals and Courtiers. Don't miss the Cour d’Honneur and the Saint-Jean Chapel. Visit the Petit Palais Museum and admire a fine collection of early Italian art, in particular Botticelli's 'Virgin and Child'. As the day draws to a close, enjoy the last of the sunshine at the Rocher des Doms, a garden with wonderful views over the Rhône River and the area around Avignon.
(palais des Papes, pl. du Palais)
The Promenade des Teinturiers
After crossing the Place de l’Horloge, famous for its lively atmosphere, head for the Rue des Teinturiers. This picturesque street is home to remarkable architecture including the Maison du IV de Chiffre, the city's last remaining Gothic residence, the Chapel of the Pénitents-Gris and the bell tower of the Cordeliers Convent. Go up the Rue de la Masse and the Rue du Roi René to visit the Angladon Museum, a fine townhouse where examples of 19th and 20th century painting can be found.
(musée Angladon, 5 rue Laboureur)
The Ile de la Barthelasse, the heart and lungs of the Papal City
After a visit to the famous Saint-Bénezet bridge dating back to the 12th century, climb aboard a riverboat (free) to the Ile de la Barthelasse. Facing the Papal City, this grassy area offers fine walks along the River Rhône. Discover the island by bike with the family on an attractive 14 km circuit, which takes you past fruit trees and sunflower fields. Then have lunch beneath ancient plane trees at the Auberge de la Treille, where you can enjoy regional dishes including local lamb and fennel pie.
(L’Auberge de la Treille, chemin de l’Ile Piot)
Tip: Each year, Avignon is host to one of the world's largest theatre festivals. Two festivals run side-by-side throughout the month of July: the official 'In' Festival, and the 'Off' Festival, privately run and attracting some 700,000 spectators.
