Avignon is a commune in the Vaucluse Department in south-east France that lies on the banks of the Rhone. It is a large oval shaped area that is covered by gardens and parks and there is a suspension bridge leading over the river towards Villeneuveles-Avignon. The beautiful region of Avignon is the gateway to Provence and the perfect destination to soak up atmosphere and culture while exploring the south of France.
Accommodation ranges from modest city centre hotels to stylish and luxurious villas. Reservations are necessary for most of the year, even though many hotels close for the winter; it is always wise to book well in advance.
Top Avignon Attractions
Avignon is world famous for its Saint Benezet Bridge, which attracts loads of visitors every year and was made immortal by the nursery “Sur le Pont d'Avignon". The legend of the bridge began when a lonely shepherd heard a voice telling him to build a bridge over the River Rhone. He dragged a big stone down the river, convincing the inhabitants they should take up this major work. The bridge was completed in 1185 and originally approximately 2,950 ft (920 m) long, but the structure started to become unstable due to flooding and war damage through the ages. Throughout history its arches have been destroyed, rebuilt and renovated several times. There are only 22 of the original arches remaining today. An audio tour will give you the full story and the panoramic view from the bridge across the town is wonderful.
You can't leave Avignon without a visit to the Palace of the Popes. This dominant-looking, expansive gothic fortress was home to 9 different popes in the 14th and 15th century and the opulent decor is an impressive example of the wealth and strength of the Church in the 14th century. If you would like to get a taste of city life in the Middle Ages, the excellent Museum of Avignon is located within the Palace of the Popes.
Around the Palace, multiple restaurants, cafes and street entertainment provide a lively atmosphere. You can walk down to the “Petit Palais" where the archbishops live, take a tour of the Romanesque style Notre Dame Cathedral or watch masters like Picasso, Degas and Van Gogh in the nearby museum. The Centre d'Art Presence van Gogh is an 18th century building housing reproductions of van Gogh's work.
The Jardin de la Fontaine is a formal garden of graceful stonework and mature trees. It was landscaped in the 1800s on the site of the Roman baths.
The Parc Naturel Regional de Camargue is a 200,000 acre marshy wilderness region where nature is blissfully left untouched. Indigenous bird residents include hundreds of species, such as sandpipers and avocets.
Avignon Accommodation
Avignon accommodation comprises more lovely and expensive hideaways and charming bed and breakfasts than large or cheap hotels in Avignon. Space is therefore fairly limited, especially during summertime. It is therefore advisable for travellers to book well in advance, especially if they are considering visiting during high season. The city is so popular that many visitors book their following year's stay as soon as they end their current holiday. Unless otherwise noted, visitors can assume that all the hotel rooms will have a private bath, air-conditioning, telephone and TV.