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Avignon

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Avignon
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Avignon Travel Guide

  • About Avignon
A brief stint as the seat of Papal power in the Middle Ages gave Avignon an architectural majesty that still endures today.Encircled by 800-year-old stone ramparts that rise grandly from the bank of the wide river Rhône, the UNESCO-listed centre boasts one of the most iconic skylines in France.At its heart is the Palais de Papes – a vast turreted fortress that overlooks a magical mixture of mansion-lined streets and medieval quares.The 12th-century Pont Saint-Bénézet (the arched bridge of nursery rhyme fame) only retains four of its original 22 arches, but history buffs will still find plenty to tickle their fancy in Avignon. From the old papal mint and three spectacular Gothic churches, to the artworks of the Musee du Petit and Collection Lambert, the city is a cultural treasure box of epic proportions.The prestigious annual Avignon Festival in July brings the cobbled streets around the Palais de Papes to life. Even out of season, the vast square in front of the fortress is the scene for all sorts of entertainment, including buskers and shows. Take a stroll through the nearby Rochers des Doms gardens to enjoy wonderful, airy views far across the Rhône and the sunlit Provence countryside.Cosy pavement cafés and fantastic restaurants make Avignon the perfect place for a romantic weekend away. It has a range of hotels from great little budget places to grand luxury establishments, some of which are in converted mansions and convents. It’s also a fabulous shopping city, with elegant jewellers and chic fashion stores standing shoulder to shoulder with quirkier boutiques.You’ll find Provencal specialities like fragrant flowery perfumes, prestigious local Côtes du Rhône wines, and edible treats such as fougasse bread, Papalines d’Avignon liqueur chocolates and nougat in the markets of the medieval quarter. Foodies will also find a generous smattering of traditional Provencal eateries and a few prestigious Michelin star establishments.Capital of the Vaucluse region in the heart of Provence, Avignon makes an ideal base for out-of-town excursions. Some of the prettiest corners of southern France are within a couple of hours of the city.
  • Avignon History
Avignon’s history is one of acrimony. Fought over, occupied and the centre of papal and political intrigue, this city only became part of France in the late 18th century.Although civilisation here dates back as late as 4,000 BC, it was the arrival of the Romans, followed by Christianity, that turned Avignon into one of Europe’s biggest and most important settlements. Its key position on the Rhone meant it was squabbled over by Gothic, Saracen and Frankish tribes throughout the early Middle Ages.Website: www.avignon-et-provence.comChosen by Pope Clement V as his preferred seat instead of Rome, popes stayed in the city until 1377, when a schism in the church saw church leaders installed in both cities. The Papal Palace, still Avignon’s most remarkable building and first built as a fortification in 1252, played home to the popes. From here they administered power throughout Christendom, also ensuring the surrounding region became renowned for its wine, especially around the area of Chateauneuf du Pape.Although Avignon remained a papal enclave, the city inevitably lost some of its lustre after the church returned to Rome in the early 15th century. After endless invasions and sieges, Avignon eventually became part of France in 1791; two years after the country’s revolution began. The city grew beyond its walls over the following one hundred years, its population booming during the inter war period, before being occupied by the Nazis during WWII.The post–war years saw the city gain cultural significance through its annual theatre festival, founded in 1947, with the historic centre earning UNESCO world heritage status in 1995. Crowned Europe’s City of Culture in 2000, Avignon has become a hub for contemporary art, thanks in large part to a €100 million gift of artworks by gallery owner Yvon Lambert.
  • Did you know?
Avignon holds two arts festivals each year. The official Festival d’Avignon (‘Festival In’) as well as the smaller ‘Festival Off’, which features unknown works. The Pont d’Avignon, also known as Pont St Benezet, dates back to 1177, part of it still standing today. The original Avignon Roman Forum stood where Place de l’Horloge does today.
  • Weather in Avignon
Early summer is usually ideal, with clear skies and warm days lightly tempered by a pleasant breeze. Avoid July, though, unless you are attending the Avignon Festival, as the town is crowded and prices at their peak.Temperatures rise in August, sometimes uncomfortably. The weather becomes briefly turbulent in autumn, with some dramatic storms.Winter’s frequent fine days are often marred by a strong, cold north wind called the mistral.

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