"Avignon, perched against the Rhone" Avignon by rwlittle

Avignon Travel Guide: 414 reviews and 1,172 photos

Gate to the city of Avignon, near the tran station - Avignon
Gate to the city of Avignon, near the tran station

Avignon is best known for the massive Palais des Papes, and for Pont St Benezet. The promise of these sights are what drew us into visiting Avignon, but the city has an atmosphere to it that made it much more than just a historical expedition for us.

In 1309, the Pope abandoned Rome for poltiical reasons, and re-settled the Papacy here in Avignon, building the enormous papal palace. Eventually, the papacy returned to Rome, but the palace and the city walls remain.

...Of course, only half of Pont St. Benezet remains. The bridge across the Rhone was built in the 12th century, and much of it was destroyed in flooding in 1668. It's still remembered in a French nursery rhyme, and visitors can tour the remains of the bridge, which still go partway across the river.

We visited here, arriving from Nimes, as a part of our 2003 vacation in France.

Map of Avignon
Map of Avignon - Avignon

Map of Avignon

  • Last visit to Avignon: May 2003
  • Intro Updated Feb 11, 2005
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Reviews (9)

statue at L’Espace du Souvenir Francais, Avignon - Avignon Rocher des Doms Things to Do (8)

This is a nice park perched upon a hill, next to the papal palace and the cathedral. It offers nice views of the... more travel advice

St. Andre Chateau, shot from Jardin des Papes - Avignon St. Andre Chateau Things to Do (8)

We didn't tour this location (only so much time in the day), but snapped this photo using my high-powered zoom lens.... more travel advice

L’Opera Theatre D’Avignon, at night - Avignon Place de l'Horloge Things to Do (8)

This square features a number of open-air restaurants--good eating! There was also a carousel for the kids to ride, and... more travel advice

stairs down from Pont St. Benezet to chapel - Avignon Pont St. Benezet Things to Do (8)

This is the infamous bridge which used to cross the Rhone, but has partially collapsed. You can go on a self-guided... more travel advice

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