An Unforgettable Day in Avignon, France

The ancient city of Avignon is the 5th largest in Provence. The historic center, where nearly all of the attractions are located, is quite walkable.

This place is just gorgeous.  Every turn brings a new, narrow, cobblestone street.  Accordion players sit on the sidewalks.  Flowers, art, cafés, music, and street performers are everywhere. And ancient history is everywhere.  Almost anywhere you walk, you’ll be within view of one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the walls of the city. In fact, even the actual walls of the city, the ramparts, are a UNESCO site.

Perhaps the best activity in Avignon is simply to wander the streets and explore all the hidden scenic squares, being awe-struck by the sites, popping into the unique shops and galleries, and stopping at a café to people-watch.

Steeped in history, Avignon is known as La Cité des Papes (The City of Popes). It was the capital of the Catholic Church from 1309 to 1377, when seven successive popes resided there rather than in Rome. It remained under papal control until the French Revolution, when it became part of France.

The imposing Palace of the Popes sits on a hill and dominates the skyline of Avignon. The 14th-century structure is the largest surviving Gothic palace in Europe.  Built for protection, the walls are an incredible 10 feet thick – the most fortified palace of the time.

Inside, the palace is stark and brooding, but fascinating.  Visitors receive a “histopad” (basically an iPad), that, when held up and looked through, transforms many of the rooms to what they would have looked like in the 1300s, creating an immersive experience.  Such cool technology!  An audio guide provides a wealth of information and sets the stage with period music.

The best part of the self-guided tour comes at the end when visitors can climb to the top of the tower for spectacular views of Avignon and the mountains around it.  Those who choose to climb get some great up-close time with a few gargoyles.

From the top, you can see the shadow of the palace on the square below.

Nearby, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, also known as the Pont d’Avignon (Bridge of Avignon), is an iconic symbol of the city. The stone bridge was constructed between 1177 and 1185 to connect Avignon to Villeneuve lès Avignon, across the Rhône River. Upon completion, it had 22 arches stretching across the river. The relatively quick construction of the bridge was a celebrated and important feat, as it was one of only three bridges crossing the Rhône.

The bridge was such a marvel that it became the subject of a nursery rhyme, still well known in France. You may even recognize it, as it is often used in beginning French language classes, and is even popular in its English translation:

Unfortunately, due to an invasion and multiple episodes of harsh weather, the bridge was partially destroyed and rebuilt several times. In 1669, a terrible storm washed away more than half of the bridge and the city decided it was too expensive to continue maintaining. Only 4 arches remain today. A new bridge to cross the Rhône (this time made of wood) was not constructed until 1812.

The bridge can be viewed with a self-guided audio tour and an interactive app to download. Visitors can walk along the bridge out to the middle of the river and get great views of Avignon. As an added bonus, the ticket for the bridge includes access to walk along one of the city’s ramparts.

Jardin du Rocher des Doms

This lovely park is a delightful place to take a break in the shade, sit by the pond, and, seasonally, enjoy a refreshment in the café. But the real draw is the spectacular views. Located high on a bluff, it overlooks the Palace of the Popes, the Rhône, the Pont d’Avignon, Barthelasse Island, and the Saint-André Fort across the river in Villeneuve les Avignon (see day 6 of our “Taste of Provence” itinerary). Mountains, including Mont Ventoux, the highest mountain in Provence, can be seen further in the background.

Climbing down from the park to the river, visitors can take a free ferry to Barthelasse Island, the largest river island in France. A nature preserve with just 1000 residents, is filled with fauna and flora as well as walking and biking trails. The island offers outstanding views of both Avignon and Villeneuve les Avignon.

To continue your time in Provence, based in Avignon: A Taste of Provence