Travel Guide to Avignon, France

Avignon is located in the southern part of France. In past the city was a center of the Catholic world and the residence of the Pope. It’s clear, after many year of such a notable position Avignon is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the country in both historical and cultural aspects.

The Avignon City Wall is a symbol of the old part of this town. It was built in 14th-15th centuries. Total length of this wall reaches 4.8 kilometers; the wall is equipped with 39 towers and 8 gates. The City Wall is in wonderful condition and is known as one of the oldest buildings in Europe. Chartreuse monastery is one of the most important religious sights in Avignon. It was built by the order of Pope Innocent VI in the middle of the 14th century. The biggest part of the monastery is lost, but several choir aisles have survived until now.

Another famous symbol of this city is St. Benedict Bridge that is built across Rhone. For the first time the bridge was created in 1171, but after this it was destroyed numerous times due to flood. Originally the bridge’s construction contained 22 arches, but after the flood of 1668 only 4 survived.

Among the most famous cultural destinations of this city we should mention Musee du Petit Palais that was opened in 1976. This museum has a unique exhibition of paintings, the majority of which were created by famous artists of the Renaissance period. The museum’s building is also an interesting object by itself as it was created in the 14th century and was owned by cardinal Arnaud de Via. During those years the building was used as a fortification citadel, later the palace was turned into a Catholic school and only then it was decided to turn Petit Palais into a museum. Sure, you cannot visit Avignon and miss to see Palais des papes d'Avignon created in 1309. Since that time the building has been rebuilt and renovated a number of times, but its atmosphere is deeply soaked into a spirit of antiquity even now.

Read more about Avignon:
Restaurants and cuisine in Avignon
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Avignon
Avignon photogallery