Sightseeing in Avignon - what to see. Complete travel guide

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. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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.

Walking along one of the historic streets of Avignon, you can see the oldest house in the city - Maison du IV de Chiffre. This house in the Gothic style was built in 1493; on the facade of this building some interesting old engravings have been preserved, the meaning of which remains unknown even to this day. As part of the tour, you can take a stroll around this old house, see the fireplace on the second floor, as well as other numerous elements of the decoration that have been preserved.

Fans of theatrical art should definitely visit the Avignon Opera House, that was built in 1847. Previously, a smaller theatre in Italian style was located in its place, but in 1846 it was completely destroyed during the fire. Today the beautiful theatre regularly hosts opera performances, classical concerts and theatrical shows, as well as many other interesting cultural events.

Avignon is one of the few cities of Provence, in which part of the ancient fortifications has been beautifully preserved. The most famous and visited are the old Porte de l'Oulle, that were built in the 14th century. In 1783 the gates were completely destroyed, to be rebuilt three years later, but at a new place. These gates are not the only ones that have survived to our days, and interesting tours around all surrounding fortifications are held for tourists regularly.

Tourists with children in Avignon will be interested to visit the Rékien Museum, which holds an interesting natural science exposition. In the vicinity of the city there are several well-known archaeological areas, where researchers have discovered curious finds. During the tour, visitors of the museum will be able to find out about which animals inhabited our planet millions of years ago, as well as which representatives of the flora and fauna can be found around Avignon now.

Fans of extraordinary sights should visit the historic Sarg canal. Once upon a time large factories and manufactories were located near it, however, today cute restaurants and cafes are set up in preserved buildings. Many tourists come to this channel specifically to watch the old wheels work - the remaining elements of antique factories.