Avignon is an architectural gem... fortress walls, the Pont d' Avignon across the mighty Rhone river and a Palace for the Popes... What's not to love? Sometimes I drive into Avignon solely to soak up the atmosphere, to marvel at the scale of this city and to wander through the cobblestone passageways... sounds silly doesn't it... but appreciating your surroundings can be pleasure enough... and often I can't believe that this 14th century masterpiece is only 20 minutes away...
So if you have a day to spend in Avignon and you are in the mood for history... then here is what I would suggest...
*Park in the Palais des Papes car park (make sure you arrive early or the day takes on a whole level of stress that you don't want...)
*When you arrive in the forecourt of the Palace spend a moment and do a 360degree turn around to feel the majesty of this city...
* Take a tour of the Popes Palace... it is the largest Gothic Palace in the world...
*Visit the Musee du Petit Palais... a former palace for bishops and archbishops during the 14th and 15th centuries and now the home to Italian religious paintings from the 13th century...
*Hike up to the Notre Dame des Doms with the gilded Virgin statue for the most marvellous view...
* Wander down to Place de L'Horloge and take a shot of the clock and my favourite carousel...
* Look at the Opera House with the statues of the two French playwrights, Moliere and Corneille in front... and if you can... take a peak inside this darling little jewel box... or even better... try and stay for an evening's opera...
* Check out the trompe l'oeil portraits on the side of the conseil generale building...
*Discover Pont St Benezet and learn of the legend behind Avignon's famous landmark. Be reminded of the song, Sur le Pont d' Avignon... I remember learning that in primary school along with Frere Jacques...
At the end the day or when you feet are squealing for respite I would suggest an apeitif at La Mirande, a small hotel located behind the Palais des Papes... the decor alone will enchant you...
and if history is not your thing... check backlater for my Avignon shopping tips.... xv
image of the palais des papes - vicki archer
Great details. We'll save your post for our next visit to Avignon. Our one day-one night in Avignon was early December 2010 and, although it rained every minute, we maximized our visit.
ReplyDeleteThis post encourages us to go back for more.
Wish I had had your list last time I visited!
ReplyDeleteSharon
xx
Magnifique!
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning - I never seem to be able to drag myself away from Paris. The yearly visits are all too fleeting...
You are encouraging me to expand my repertoire this year.
Love your posts in the meanwhile. x
I stay in Avignone last spring, so nice! F.
ReplyDeleteOne of our most favourite places...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing all your info
ReplyDeleteSeriously loving this visit back to Avignon. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteVicki...I agree with everything that you've said about the lovely Avignon...we spent a day there and visited the Palace of the Popes (they really knew how to live didn't they?) That afternoon there was a tremendous storm....which last for about 30 minutes...and then the sun shone brilliantly. It was a fab day...which ended in a little cafe with steak-frites!! Pretty special.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fabulous time in Avignon in July 2010.Would love to go back as it was very busy
ReplyDeletewith the festival on.Thanks for all the tips. Trish
We had a fantastic visit to Avignon July 2010 when the festival was on but it was so busy that we would like to go back and see Avignon when itis not so crowded.Thanks for the tips. Trish
ReplyDeleteOne feels like a real 'Princess' surounded by this magnificent palace!
ReplyDeleteI loved our visit and would love to return soon!
Oh, how I wish I could afford to fly to France (from U.S.). It sounds and looks so peaceful. I enjoy reading your post every day. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I went on a religious pilgrimage throughout France. Avignon was one of our stops and you've brought back wonderful memories. It is an amazing city and the shopping is great - LOTS of lavender to buy. Just now, I showed my husband the hand-made numbers I bought for our house - they are beautiful street numbers with little lavender flowers around them. I really need to put them outside to show them off.
ReplyDeleteAs we were walking to the palais we came across two musicians playing on a tiny city street. They were wonderful and they had everyone dancing to their music.
Thanks for reminding me of my wonderful time in Avignon.
PS, I climbed to the top of the palace and stuck my head out the side of the building, calling for my prince to come rescue me. Silly, but great fun.
Oh hooray! So glad this is up and running after a little Blogger hic. I love Avignon and am at a loss when people don't appreciate its beauty. Like you, I will go to just wander, but that means taking the train from Arles (a lovely trip in itself as I don't drive). I am really looking forward to your shopping list but if I can suggest one thing more for the 'visit' section: the Collection Lambert. I think that this contemporary museum is outstanding, it never lets me down and its courtyard is my very favorite spot for lunch to boot!
ReplyDeleteI imagine I'd feel rather awestruck being encompassed by the magnitude of this place. It's always lovely to read your insider tips and imagine you wandering around doing such things, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteA fairy tale castle. Very beautiful. How I wish I can visit it someday. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletePhwooarr! That photo is amazing! I want to go there right now!
ReplyDelete~ Clare x
The history, the beauty. I love it when you share tips like these and inspiration from your own backyard, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteDelightful tips!
ReplyDeleteI'm saving these in hopes of a trip in the future.
Thank you, Vicki.
Thank you for the tips!
ReplyDeleteThis sight and the carousel are the impressions I keep from Avignon. I was there 7 years ago. (I am from Latvia.) Those places don't change.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of France, it's images like this that pop into my head. Yes criossants and little coffe shops are also very French, but the beautiful old buildings/castles/churches etc are so magical. I really want to vist Avignon and Carcasonne one day....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! I'll hold onto them for my future visit.
ReplyDeleteSo much information, Vicki. I wish I could walk in your shoes. Love you...
ReplyDeleteAvignon is the first French city where I experienced La Fête de la Musique (during my study abroad), and I remember listening to the French sing a Beach Boys song and playing the theme song to Mission Impossible-It was a home away from home moment, and definitely magical!!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I here the word Avignon, I think of the song "sur le pont d'Avignon on y danse on y danse..." Thank you for stirring up such fond memories of France.
Mandy
I still remember having to transpose 'Sur Le Pont D'Avignon' in a music theory exam when I was a little tike... and wondering in the exam, 'where is this bridge?' I would love to see Avignon.....and I will one day, with your little list tucked under my arm. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteI'm putting Avignon on my list of places in France to visit before the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteI moved to Paris almost half a year ago for a contract, and I found the smaller cities around France to be marvelous, even more so than Paris. They have a certain charm to them, and it's a great change from the big city.