Set off to discover Avignon, a city with a rich and complex history. Explore the city of the Popes, its famous Pont d'Avignon and its many other monuments... Also discover the festive side of the city thanks to its Theater Festival, every year in July.
Avignon, the city of the popes
A bit of history
The history of Avignon begins in the Neolithic period, when its first inhabitants settled on the Rocher des Doms, a rocky spur dominating the Rhône valley. But it was not until much later, in the Middle Ages, that the history of the city took another turn since it became the place of residence of the Popes from 1309.
At this period, the Papacy was not yet attached to the Vatican: this is why the Popes moved between the large cities of the Papal States. In 1309, Clement V, a French pope elected a few years earlier, decided to establish his pontificate in Avignon: in fact, the location is strategic since the city is located right on the border of the Kingdom of France.
The papacy gradually settled in Avignon, with a real desire to make it a “new Rome”. The city would then become the capital of the Christian West: nine popes resided in Avignon between 1309 and 1418.
And the witness to this golden age of the city is the Palais des Papes: built by the successive popes in Avignon, it is the most important Gothic palace in the West. It was from one of the windows of this building that the Pope appeared to the crowd of faithful and gave them his blessing.
Did you know?
Did you know ? Before being elected pope under the name Urban V, Guillaume de Grimoard was vicar to the holy bishop Saint-Firmin in Uzès!
Visit the Popes' Palace today
25 rooms of this palace are open to the public. The visit will allow you to discover the stages and techniques of construction of the building and its decorations, as well as the history of these popes and their influence on the city.
Part of this Palais des Papes was created by ceramists from Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie : we can also find at medieval garden à Uzes reproductions of these ceramic tiles ordered by the Papacy.
The Jardin du Rocher des Doms, an intimate place directly linked to the Pope's apartments, can also be visited.
The Avignon Bridge, symbol of the city
Did you know ? This bridge, known internationally thanks to the famous song, is actually called Pont Saint-Bénézet, in honor of Bénézet d'Avignon, who was responsible for its construction in the 12th century.
Connecting the papal lands to the Kingdom of France, it spans the Rhône, an important commercial artery of the time.
But why is it half broken? In fact, the bridge stops at the fourth arch and today offers an unfinished silhouette. According to scientists, the reason for the collapse of the other part of the bridge was its construction on unstable ground, composed of sand and gravel. This would have weakened the bridge and made it vulnerable to attacks from floods of the Rhône. But at the time, it was almost a kilometer long and made up of 22 arches!
And contrary to what the children's rhyme “Sur le Pont d'Avignon” always led us to believe, we did not dance on the Bridge, which would not have been wide enough for that anyway, but below, on the banks.
Today, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to visitors.
Explore the historic city center
Avignon is rich in many other monuments which bear witness to the city's prestigious past. Exploring the historic city center, surrounded by medieval ramparts completed in 1370, will allow you to encounter these buildings.
Among them, the Notre-Dame-des-Doms Basilica dominates the Rhône valley from the Rocher des Doms. Built in the 12th century and remodeled in the 15th and 17th centuries, it is easily identifiable thanks to its gilded lead Virgin.
Stroll through the streets of the city center and stroll through the shops and boutiques. Place Pie, in the heart of the city, is home to numerous bars and restaurants, but also Les Halles, open every morning (except Mondays).
Rue de la République is also a must-see in the city. You will find numerous shops in the largest of Avignon's three main arteries. Cross there to Clock Square, where the Clock Tower is located.
Rue des Teinturiers is an old cobbled street where you can see the only river crossing Avignon. It traces the economic activity of the city thanks to the presence of the paddle wheels of the old dye works. During the Avignon Off Festival, the street is particularly lively with all the restaurants and theaters present.
Take advantage of this discovery of the city center to visit the city's many museums. Five municipal museums and four which are partners of the city open their doors to you! Among them, the Calvet Museum, the Petit Palais Museum and the Lambert Collection…
Vibrate to the rhythm of city events
Since 1947, the city has hosted the Avignon Theater Festival every year in July. Created by Jean Vilar, it is one of the most important international events of contemporary performing arts. It's not for nothing that Avignon is called the World Theater Capital!
And every evening in August and September, the Palais des Papes lights up: these are the Luminescences of Avignon. A superb show enjoyed by young and old alike!
In winter take place:
- Les Hivernales, contemporary dance festival;
- The Fest'Hiver, winter edition of the Avignon Theater Festival;
- Cheval Passion, the meeting place for riders, breeders, professionals and equine enthusiasts.
Discover Avignon while sailing on the Rhône
On the banks of the Rhône, Avignon is ideally located for river tourism. What if you let yourself be tempted by a boat cruise on the river? On board a river shuttle or even a restaurant boat, spend a moment relaxing while admiring the landscapes passing by around you. A charming walk to take with family or friends!
Visit Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
On the other bank of the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is also a place steeped in history. From 1353, during the reign of Pope Innocent VI, the Carthusian order, one of the most important of the Middle Ages, settled here. To house these religious people, the Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Bénédiction was built.
Even today, visitors are marked by the feeling of peace and calm that this place of contemplation provides.
Fort Saint-André, which overlooks Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, was built by the kings of France to assert their power against the popes. Visiting this remarkable witness to 14th century military architecture will give you access to a panoramic view of Avignon and its surroundings.
Within the Fort grounds is the Saint-André Abbey, whose superb gardens are also open to visitors.
The Philippe Le Bel Tower, built on a rocky peak, was the keep of a fortress built in the 13th century by the King of France Philippe Le Bel. From this tower, it was possible to reach Avignon via the Pont Saint-Bénézet, known worldwide as the “Pont d’Avignon”.
You are now (almost) knowledgeable about the secrets of the city!