Avignon France Travel Guide - A Vagabond Life
Avignon, a jewel in the heart of Provence, France, is steeped in a rich and tumultuous history that dates back to the Neolithic era. However, it is the 14th century that marks the most transformative period in Avignon’s past, when it became the seat of the papacy. This era endowed the city with its most monumental legacy, the Palais des Papes, a fortress and palace that stands as a testament to Avignon’s importance in medieval Europe. Alongside this towering structure, the city is famed for the Saint-Bénézet bridge, known worldwide through the song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon,” which despite its partial destruction, remains a symbol of the city’s medieval might.
Encircled by impeccably preserved ramparts, Avignon’s historic center offers a labyrinth of narrow streets, opening onto lively squares, each telling its own story of the city’s past. This once papal enclave not only boasts an architectural grandeur but also captures the essence of Provencal life, with its vibrant markets, stunning gardens, and an array of festivals that animate its streets year-round.
Travelling to Avignon is a journey through time, where every cobblestone, cloister, and corner tells a story of faith, art, and power. It’s a city where history is alive, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of its heritage and the beauty of its cultural landscape.
Avignon France Map: Avignon France Travel Guide
Getting To Avignon France: Avignon France Travel Guide
Avignon France Travel Guide – Avignon, a historic city in the Provence region of southern France, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The most convenient way to reach Avignon is by train. The city is served by the Avignon TGV station, located just outside the city center. High-speed TGV trains connect Avignon to major cities like Paris (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes), Lyon (1 hour), and Marseille (35 minutes). Regular trains also run from Avignon Centre Station, closer to the heart of the city, to nearby towns and regional destinations.
For those arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Avignon. From the airport, you can take a direct shuttle bus to the Marseille Saint-Charles train station and then a TGV train to Avignon, or rent a car for a scenic drive through Provence.
Driving to Avignon is also an attractive option, especially for travelers who want to explore the surrounding countryside. The city is well-connected by major highways, with the A7 (Autoroute du Soleil) providing direct access from the north and south of France. Avignon is about a 3-hour drive from Nice and a 2-hour drive from Montpellier.
Getting Around Avignon France: Avignon France Travel Guide
Exploring Avignon is a delightful experience, thanks to its compact size and well-preserved medieval architecture. The city’s historic center, surrounded by ancient walls, is best explored on foot. Walking through Avignon allows you to fully appreciate its charming streets, bustling squares, and iconic landmarks like the Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet.
For those who prefer not to walk, Avignon offers a reliable public transportation system. The TCRA (Transports en Commun de la Région d’Avignon) operates a network of buses that cover the city and its surrounding areas. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at kiosks, on buses, or via a mobile app. The buses are a convenient way to reach attractions outside the city center, such as the Avignon Bridge or the nearby Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
Cycling is another excellent option for getting around Avignon. The city has a growing network of bike lanes, and bike rentals are available at various locations. Electric bikes are also popular, especially for those who want to explore the surrounding countryside without too much effort.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Avignon, renting a car is a practical choice. It provides the freedom to visit nearby Provençal villages, vineyards, and the stunning landscapes of the Luberon and Alpilles regions. Parking is available both within the city and on its outskirts, making it easy to combine driving with walking or public transport.
Things To See & Do Avignon France: Avignon France Travel Guide
The Palace of the Popes - Avignon France
The Palace of the Popes in Avignon France was built by Pope Benedict XII and his successor Pope Clement VI in less than twenty years, starting in 1335, and stands as the mighty symbol of the church’s influence throughout the western Christian world in the 14th century. The Popes’ Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe. The visitor can see over 20 rooms, scenes of historic events, in particular the pope’s private chambers and the frescoes painted by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. The Popes’ Palace has welcomed 6o0,000 visitors. It is one of the most visited monuments in all of France.
Pont Saint-Bénézet - Avignon France
Pont Saint-Bénézet is listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year. Of the bridge itself, there only remains the four famous arches and the Philippe le Bel tower on the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon side, and of course, the famous song known around the world. In the Middle Ages, the Saint Bénézet bridge was part of one of the most important pilgrimage routes between Italy and Spain. It would become essential to the pontifical court, which settled in Avignon France in the 14th century.
Avignon France - City Walls
City Walls – the city centre of Avignon France is entirely enclosed by 4.3 kilometres of walls. It no longer has moats, drawbridge towers or iron-studded wooden gates which does alters its original appearance, the walls do give one a great idea of what importance of fortifications in 14th century France. Over the years, the city’s perimeter grew and successive defenses were modified, except for periods of war or plague when the population clustered around the city’s original core, the Rocher des Doms. Avignon thus had several different ramparts. The Rocher itself probably only served as refuge and surveillance post.
The Musée du Petit Palais - Avignon France
The Musée du Petit Palais, in Avignon France, houses works from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance include art works from Botticelli, Carpaccio, Giovanni di Paolo. When the Musée du Petit Palais opened in 1976, the collections that were there came from two origins : an endowment from the Louvre and one from the Calvet Foundation in Avignon. The collection of sculptures came from donations, purchases and items stored by the city during works, donations from the Calvet Foundation and from excavations around the Petit Palais. It is today exhibited in the five halls
Pont du Gard - Avignon France
The Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct, stands as a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of antiquity. Built in the 1st century AD, this monumental structure spans the Gardon River in southern France, near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Stretching over 275 meters and rising to a height of 49 meters, it provided a vital water supply to the city of Nîmes, serving as a lifeline for its inhabitants. Today, the Pont du Gard is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of the enduring legacy of Roman civilization, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance.
France Travel Guides
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Auvergne-Rhone-Alps
Auvergne-Rhone-Alps Travel Guide.
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