A jewel of the Vaucluse region, Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center. We invite you to explore the remains of its glorious era as the capital of Christianity.
The Saint-Bénezet bridge
Better known as the bridge of Avignon, the famous Saint-Bénezet bridge, is a masterpiece of engineering, formerly a vital passage between the two banks of the Rhône. Today, it stands out for its 4 arches remaining out of the 22 initials.
The Palace of the Popes
Le Palais des Papes is nothing less than the most imposing Gothic building in the world, erected in a record time of 20 years! This historic monument has now become a cultural center leading for renowned exhibitions and shows.
Petit Palais Museum
At the end of the Place du Palais des Papes, we recommend a walk in the Petit Palais museum. Take the time to admire it from the outside, because this former Archbishops' Palace is a architectural marvel in itself. However, it is inside that the real reason for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List lies: the Petit Palais museum has a remarkable collection of medieval and Italian Renaissance paintings. These works come from various collections such as the collection Campana, many works of the Calvet Museum as well as medieval sculptures from Avignon and its surroundings.
Beautiful Gothic palace! Magnificent collection of Italian and Avignon works, free museum and a one-minute walk from the Palais des Papes! It's worth the detour for lovers of medieval art and the early Italian Renaissance!
The walls
Impossible to miss! Stretching over 4.3 km, the ramparts literally surround the city center of Avignon.
They constitute a remarkable example of the 14th century fortifications in France, allowing the city to to defend against various periods of war and epidemics.
Although modified over the centuries, notably by the absence of moats and drawbridge towers, the ramparts are still an impressive feature of the city, marking the border of the “intra-muros” of Avignon.
The ramparts by bike
To fully enjoy the ramparts with your hair blowing in the wind, we recommend this little bicycle ride, accessible to all!
The Notre-Dame-des-Doms Basilica
It stands majestically next to the Palais des Papes, on the Rocher des Doms, overlooking the Rhône Valley. The first thing you notice when you look at it is the golden statue of the Virgin which surmounts it, watching over the city.
This metropolitan basilica was built in 1150 on the remains of a primitive church from the 4th century, which makes it the oldest monument on the Place du Palais des Papes. It presents a mixture of architectural styles with a porch and a Romanesque-style nave, Gothic chapels et an apse and balconies rebuilt in Baroque style in 1672.
Inside, you can admire significant works of art, including preliminary frescoes by Simone Martini and paintings by Nicolas Mignard. It's also the burial of Pope Benedict XII and place of the canonization of Saint Thomas Aquinas by Pope John XXII.
Night TER trains during the Avignon Festival
During the 78th edition of the Avignon Festival, from June 29 to July 21, 2024, arriving in Avignon will be even easier! From Avignon-Centre train station, a service of Night TER will be in place until 23:30 p.m., serving 15 localities in Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône.
CONTINUE YOUR VISIT
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After visiting the palace, here is other ideas to continue your stay in Avignon!
