Avignon is one of the most fascinating and historic towns in France, and is a vibrant
place that is bursting with history and culture.
It boasts a large number of historic monuments, including the magnificent Palais des Papes
and the famous bridge, the Pont Saint-Bénézet.
In addition to its grand architecture and monuments that transport visitors back to
the past, it has some fantastic art museums and gorgeous squares to discover.
As well as all the history it also has a lively, modern feel with lots of great shops, bars
and restaurants.
Before we get into the top 10 things to do in Avignon, we’ve included links in the
description to various discount codes and links to resources of things to do, so make
sure you check those out.
10) At number 10 is the old city of Avignon
The historic centre of Avignon is still surrounded by ramparts dating from the fourteenth century,
and at four kilometres long, they are equipped with seven doors to the city and 39 towers.
Visitors can enjoy walking through the old centre of Avignon and wandering around cobbled
stone streets filled with historic buildings.
9) Number 9 is Pont d'Avignon, St Bénézet’s Bridge
St Bénézet’s Bridge, is one of Avignon’s most iconic sites, though to call it a bridge
may be slightly inaccurate as much of it was washed away in the 17th century.
Built in 1185, originally there were 22 arches, of which only four remain today.
Visitors can learn all about the bridge's development and construction in the exhibition
space, then see the chapel dedicated to its legendary founder, St. Bénézet.
A walk along what remains of this vital crossing point, which still stretches around 200 meters
onto the water, gives unbeatable views of the Rhône and Avignon.
8) At number 8 is Barthelasse Island
Barthelasse is one of the biggest River Islands in France and is situated between the two
branches of the Rhône.
Many areas are devoted to leisure and relaxation, including a skate park, a soccer field, swimming
pools, a lake and a children's recreation centre.
The island is a great place to observe nature with some of the island's banks home to shrews,
badgers and martens and also hawks, grey herons and cormorants.
Visitors can use the free boat service or go by car across the Daladier Bridge.
7) Number 7 is Avignon Cathedral
Avignon Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic Church located next to the Palais des Papes.
The cathedral is a Romanesque building, constructed primarily in the second half of the 12th century.
Visitors can admire its iconic bell tower, which is capped with a golden statue of the
Virgin Mary on top of the spire.
Inside the church there are the tombs of the Avignon popes and heavy arches lead to the
beautiful side chapels.
6) At number 6 is Le Rocher des Doms
A gentle five-minute stroll up a small hill and not far from the Pont d’Avignon are
the lovely gardens of the Rocher des Doms, an oasis of greenery overlooking the Rhône.
Constructed in 1830, the garden is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and offers breath
taking panoramic views of the region.
It is also the location of a number of interesting fountains and sculptures.
5) Number 5 is Musée Calvet
Open to the public for more than 200 years the Calvet Museum was founded after the local
doctor and collector Esprit Calvet donated his art, library and cabinet of curiosities
to the city of Avignon.
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds many
collections.
4) At number 4 is the Carthusian Monastery of Avignon
The Carthusian monastery of Val de Bénédiction, located in Avignon is an exceptional medieval
site and classified as an ancient monument.
Built in the 14th century by Pope Innocent VI, it was the largest French Carthusian monastery
during the Middle Ages.
The site includes the church, the Cardinal Palace, three cloisters surrounded by 40 monks
cells, the chapel and lovely gardens.
During the Revolution, the monastery suffered terrible damage but it has since been restored
and visitors can wander around or take a guided tour.
3) Number 3 is Pont du Gard Aqueduct
One of the most visited ancient monuments in France and a listed world heritage site
by Unesco, the Pont du Gard is located near Nîmes, Uzés and Avignon.
This magnificent site served as an aqueduct until the 6th century before becoming a tollgate
in the Middle Ages and finally a road bridge from the 18th to 20th century.
The Museum of the Pont du Gard, retraces the history of the aqueduct's construction and
its contribution to the way of life during the Roman Era.
2) At number 2 is the The Church of St Pierre
The Church of St Pierre is located right in the centre of Avignon, in a cobbled square
that bears the same name, the Place Saint-Pierre, and a stone’s throw from the Palace of the
Popes.
St Pierre is famous for its elaborate and flamboyant Gothic facade and its solid walnut
doors.
Inside the church visitors can see the beautiful gilded choir from the 1700s, renaissance and
baroque paintings, as well as the 15th-century relics of Saint-Pierre de Luxembourg, with
his actual cardinal’s robes and hat.
1) And at number 1 is the famous Palais des Papes
The Palace of the Popes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built to accommodate
the Popes who came to Avignon from Rome, leading the city to adopt the name ‘The City of
Popes.’
One of the largest Gothic palaces in the world it was built in the 14th century and towers
over the town of Avignon.
Visitors can explore the majestic halls and chapels, learn all about the life and work
of the nine popes who called the palace home and marvel at priceless murals and frescoes
which use innovative techniques to tell timeless stories.
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in Avignon, we hope you enjoyed, if you did please
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