Things to do in Avignon

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Provence

Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes stands majestically on the rocky heights at the northern end of the old town of Avignon, overlooking the Rhône River. It is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. In the early 14th century, the papal court moved to Avignon, and for nearly seventy years thereafter, several popes successively resided here, earning Avignon the title of "the papal city." The palace and fortress are integrated into one, with thick walls and multiple towers guarding its perimeter. Inside, it is divided into the old palace and the new palace: the old palace, built during the reign of Benedict XII, is simple and sturdy, with a strong defensive character; the new palace, expanded by Clement VI, is magnificent and grand, representing mature Gothic architecture, including the over-50-meter-long great chapel within its walls. Historical calamities have scattered most of the interior furnishings, making the architecture itself the main attraction—Giovannetti's frescoes on the domes and walls of the Saint Martial and Saint John chapels, the full-wall hunting scenes in the pope's study "Hall of the Stag," along with the lofty and spacious conference hall and the hall where cardinals once convened to elect the pope, still evoke the grandeur of the past. The tour route is quite long, with most halls now featuring plain stone walls, though the two small frescoed chapels and the "Hall of the Stag" are particularly worth close attention. The spacious halls make good use of the multimedia tablets available for virtual reconstructions, allowing visitors to "see" the original furnishings. From the palace's elevated terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the old town's red-tiled roofs and the Rhône River, with the nearby Pont Saint-Bénézet also fully visible. The Avignon Theatre Festival, held every summer, uses the palace courtyard as one of its main stages—visiting during this time lets you experience the lively atmosphere that takes over the old town.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

The Bridge of Avignon

The Broken Bridge, also known as the Saint-Benezee Bridge, is a famous bridge in the 12th century, spanning the Rhone River and leading to the handsome King Philip Castle on the other side. The original length was about 900 meters, but due to frequent floods, the risk factor continued to increase. Finally, after the catastrophic flood in 1668, only 4 of the early 22 bridge arches survived today, becoming today's "broken bridge". The bridge is not restored to its original state, but there is such a beautiful presence. There is an exhibition "History of Bridges" at the entrance of the bridge, which introduces the bridges listed as world cultural heritage around the world; there is also an exhibition about the 3D restoration of broken bridges. Because it is the source of inspiration for the French folk song "On the Bridge of Avignon (Surle Pont d'Avignon)", it is desirable. The surviving Benezer Chapel on the bridge tells the story of the shepherd Benezer, who was inspired and sent by God, and frantically requested donations from the villagers. He spent his whole life working hard to build this stone bridge connecting the two banks, benefiting the local residents. The St. Nicholas Chapel on the north side of the bridge has a unique main hall in the shape of a bow.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Avignon Cathedral

Avignon Cathedral is situated on a rocky plateau overlooking the Rhône River and is an important local religious building and historical landmark. Its history dates back to the 12th century, and the main structure is Romanesque in style, featuring thick stone walls, rounded arches, and a simple, solemn facade. Unlike many cathedrals in France known for their Gothic spires, the overall silhouette of this building is more understated, reflecting the style of medieval religious architecture in the Provence region. The interior features religious sculptures, paintings, altars, and decorative details, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere, while also preserving traces of renovations and artistic developments from different periods.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Walls of Avignon

Walls of Avignon (Remparts d'Avignon) are ancient fortifications surrounding the old city of Avignon, with a perimeter of 4,300m. Built by the Roman Popes in the 14th century and renovated in the 19th century, the walls bear traces of rainwater erosion that highlight their age, passing by the Palais des Papes, The Bridge of Avignon, and other sites. The walls are well-preserved to this day and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Ancient Theatre of Orange

The magnificent Ancient Theatre of Orange (Théâtre antique d'Orange) is located in the heart of the Provence region. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows people to appreciate the excellence of ancient Roman civilization. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient Theatre of Orange is one of the jewels of Imperial Rome. From showplace to refuge during the Wars of Religion, from defense post to prison during the French Revolution, its history is as rich as it is eventful. Restored in the 19th century, it has returned to its original vocation: hosting the world's greatest artists, from Sarah Bernhardt to David Guetta, Placido Domingo and Hans Zimmer. A living monument that continues to thrill audiences, between memory and modernity.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Languedoc-Roussillon

Pont du Gard

Designed and built 2000 years ago to supply water to Nîmes, the Galle Aqueduct is the highest ancient Roman aqueduct in the world (48 meters), reflecting the skills of ancient Roman engineers. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this well-preserved aqueduct is set in a natural setting of 165 hectares with a Mediterranean landscape. This gem of ancient Roman civilization has always been visited by travelers from all over the world. The image on the 5 Euro note is the Galle Bridge!

Jardin des Doms

The Rock Park is located on the top of the left bank of the Rhone River in the urban area. It is part of the old city wall and the fortress behind the Pope's Palace. It was opened in the 17th century and has both English and French styles. Now it is open to the public for free as a park. The park has a terrace overlooking the Rhone River. The viewing platform at the back of the park overlooks the old city and the new city of Avignon, and the viewing platform at the front can see the Broken Bridge. In the park, the rockery is very delicate, and it is a leisure outdoor place often visited by local citizens.

Spirou Amusement Park

Spirou Amusement Park is a park themed around the classic comic characters created by Monte, where visitors can visit familiar scenes from Monte's comics, such as the Monte family's house and the city's central square. In these scenes, visitors can take photos with Monte and other classic characters and get up close and personal with them.

Fort Saint-Andre

Perched atop Mount Andaon, Fort Saint-André has been listed as a historic monument since 1903 and remains an enduring symbol of 14th-century military architecture. This imposing fortress was commissioned by King Philippe to safeguard royal authority and housed a garrison, a court and a prison. History lingers here - graffiti from prisoners held there during the 18th and 19th centuries can still be seen on its walls. Explore its well-preserved rooms, courtyards and chapel, then walk along the parapet to admire panoramic views of the Rhône, the Avignon Papal Palace, Philippe le Berth, Mont Ventoux and the surrounding countryside. With its fascinating history and breathtaking views, Fort Saint-André is a tourist attraction for lovers of medieval architecture and vast landscapes.

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