Sign in with Facebook"Several Popes and More" Top 5 Page for this destination Avignon by rexvaughan
Avignon Travel Guide: 414 reviews and 1,172 photos
As soon as you leave the train station and see this magnificent old wall and gate, you know you are entering an old city of some importance and influence and Avignon does not disappoint. I had a vague knowledge of the "Babylonian Captivity" of the papacy here but did not realize that the place has been inhabited for 6000 years! Evidently some folks called the Chaseens in the Neolithic Era settled on the Rocher des Domes about 4000 BC. I have not been able to find out anything about them, but they certainly picked a spot with a magnificen view!
Of course we are in Provence so it is not surprising to find lots of blooming things and lovely scenes like this one. It is in the middle of the gardens just above the Plais des Papes overlooking the Rhone.
The city is a vibrant and lively place today, doublessly due at least in part to the attraction of tourists. However, there is a reason places like this attract such crowds - it is lovely and historic. The picture here shows a very narrow street running just along side the Palais des Papes and for me captures some of the ancient ambience that one can feel even around the crowds, trams and merry-go-rounds. Streets like this are the reason it is always good to put away the tour books and just wander. It proves once again the validity of my "Yogi Berra Rule": You can see a lot by observing!
- Pros:Great architecture and history
- Cons:Lots of tourists and some "touristy" shops
- In a nutshell:A Medieval Jewel
Reviews (10)
Explore the Rocher des Doms
Things to Do
(5)
This great park on top of the hill is a wonderful and relaxing place. It is very well landscaped and preserved. This... more travel advice
The Waterworks
Things to Do
(5)
The Pont du Gard is a beautiful and amazing structure. It is a 2000 year old Roman aqueduct that until very recently... more travel advice
Enjoy the scenery
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
This garden borders the path up the hill to the Parc Rocher des Doms. I love gardening and am always amazed and... more travel advice
A place for crowds
Favorites
(1)
This huge plaza in front of the Palais is usually teeming with people. It is a great place for lunch or a drink or snack... more travel advice
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Comments (10)
I hope to visit Avignon later this year, because the German and French railways have promised to start a new direct high-speed train service between Frankfurt and Marseille, stopping in Avignon.
Lovely write up, Rex! I look forward to putting your excellent advice into practice! Regards cathy
Cute trams there Rex :o) Thanks for the great tips too! Looking forward to visiting after the big Paris meet next year! Cheers, Ann.
Ha,ha- it's been 45 years since my visit to Avignon! xx
Great tips! We visited earlier the same year, and enjoyed it immensely!
We did sing that song in Poland in my youth. Charming place, loved the narrow streets and the park. Excellent photos and useful tips.
More outstanding tips about places I hope to visit if the dollar ever climbs out of the currency exchange sewer pipe. I believe that the Peruvian ensemble you heard has groups all over Europe.
Very accurate info on Avignon Rex ! Pope news is a topic this days. Glad to see that so many people are still believing in reunion and friendship above all politics and religion
I didn't sing that song about pont d' Avignon either! Are we the only two? :) BTW, if I were an Andes musician, I'd find my way to Avignon as well! Again, really nice hotel tips-how do you manage to find nice and inexpensive hotels?
Mypages must be sinful for you Rex, with all the Pope's here at this place. :-) Cheers!!!!!!!!