Avignon

1. Le Pont d’Avignon

Legend has it that a young shepherd named Bénézet claimed God sent him down from the mountain to build a bridge in Avignon in 1177. Today, Le Pont d’Avignon, or the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes 300,000 visitors annually. The structure has a rich history from serving as an important pilgrimage route during the Middle Ages to inspiring a song called “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” in more recent times. As for its physical appearance, only four arches and the Philippe le Bel Tower remain.

Boulevard de la Ligne 84000 Avignon, Phone: +33-04-32-73-32-74

2. Le Palais des Papes

Boasting the distinction as being the Biggest Gothic Palace in the World, Le Palais des Papes, or the Popes Palace, is an architectural marvel and one of the most visited sites in France. Construction started in 1335, and it would take less than 20 years to complete the building under the direction of Pope Benedict XII and successor Pope Clement VI. There is much to see in the palace including beautiful frescoes by Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti, the private apartments of the different popes, the Grande Audience Hall, and ceremonial rooms including the Great Clementine Chapel and Grand Tinel banquet room. Throughout the year, the palace is also a popular place for cultural events such as a major art exhibit in the Great Chapel and Avignon Theater Festival performances in the Honor Courtyard, both during the summer months.

Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France, Phone: +33-4-32-74-32-74

3. Le Rocher des Doms

Set on top of a small hill, the urban park Le Rocher des Doms offers cool retreat with its gardens, shady trees, and fantastic vantage point of Avignon including views of Mont Ventoux and the Saint-Andre Fort. Established in 1830, the park is accessible via two sets of steps one near the Notre Dame des Doms and the other near the banks of the Rhône River. Along with an esplanade, there is a tranquil fountain with ducks and swans, and art by Félix Charpentier. During the summer, the seasonal cafe opens up and serves salads, sandwiches, and other light bites. Other highlights include two playgrounds, sculptures of notable Avignon figures and an analemmatic solar calendar and events such as the Band des Vendanges wine festival.

Rocher des Doms - 84000 Avignon, France, Phone: +33-4-32-74-32-74

4. Ile de la Barthelasse

Between Avignon and Villeneuve-Les-Avignon on the Rhône is Ile de la Barthelasse, or Barthelasse Island, a peaceful place with a population of less than 1,000, a few country houses, green areas, and designated nature zones known for its nesting birds, beavers, and other wildlife. Visitors have a variety of leisure activities to pursue, whether they want to bike or walk the tow-path to take in the splendid views of the Popes Palace and the Rocher des Doms, try fresh produce from the local farmers, or visit the Manguin distillery. October sees the return of the Festival of the Rose d’Or, which takes people back to the Middle Ages with archery, re-enactments, and other fun stuff.

5. Musee Louis Vouland

Throughout his lifetime, agribusiness industrialist amassed a comprehensive collection of decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, this treasure trove of fine furniture and objects is on grand display at Musee Louis Vouland, housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion. Along with tapestries, watches, chandeliers, cabinets and other pieces, the museum also displays a collection of 19th and 20th century works by local Avignon artists. After viewing the exquisite interiors, visitors to the museum often retreat to the serene back garden. Chamber music concerts, temporary exhibitions, and other events are part of the dynamic year-round programming.

17 Rue Victor Hugo, 84000 Avignon, France, Phone: +33-4-90-86-03-79

6. Le Festival d’Avignon

Theater comes alive during Le Festival d’Avignon, a major event founded by Jean Vilar in 1947 that takes place each June. A popular cultural event for artists and audiences alike, the festival had its debut with William Shakespeare’s Richard II performed at the outdoor theater Cour D’Honneur du Palais Des Pappas, a location that has endured as the festival’s main venue today. Over the years, the festival has evolved from being an exclusive French showcase for theatrical productions to one that has expanded to include works from Europe and elsewhere in the world including Asia, Africa, and South America. Along with theater, dance, cinema, and musical theater are now part of the enriching programming that takes place across different venues across Avignon including La Fabrica and Opera Confluence.

Le Festival d’Avignon, Various Venues, Avignon, France, Phone: +04-90-14-14-14

7. Notre-Dame des Doms

Set on the Rocher des Doms and next to the Palais des Papes, Notre-Dame des Doms, also known as La Metropole and L’Avignon Cathedral, has graced the city with its presence since it was originally built in 1111. In 2016, the church received a multi-million euro makeover, restoring its grandeur. As for the architecture, the building boasts a Romanesque style and was, for the most part, was built in the 12th century and later expanded by Pope John XXII but you can surely spot it from afar with the striking gilded statue of Mary which was added in 1859. The cathedral, which also serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon holds mass every morning.

Place du Palais, 84000, Avignon, France

8. Musee Lapidaire

Ancient antiquities and other artifacts are gloriously displayed at the Musee Lapidaire, set in a beautiful Baroque-style 17th-century chapel since 1933. Created to showcase the ancient and medieval sculptures of the Calvet Foundation originally preserved in the Hotel de Villeneuve-Martignan, the museum has since significantly grown its collection which features several civilizations including Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Paleo-Christian Gallic, and Egyptian. Visitors get to view everything from monumental works to sarcophagi, vases and more including temporary exhibits and an outdoor courtyard, which also serves as a site for a festival in the summer months.

27 Rue de la République, 84000, Avignon, France, Phone: +33-4-90-85-75-38