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PICTURESQUE AND ANCIENT PAPAL CITY
Bordered by the waters of the Rhône, in the prefacture of Vaucluse, the city of Avignon, with its sun-bleached medieval walls and stone buildings, has lost none of its picturesque charm. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Avignon’s narrow streets retain the rustic, ancient feeling of yesteryear. In this papal city, where the head of the Catholic Church was to reside during the fourteenth century, the Palais de Papes remains the most important monument in the city, alongside the Saint-Bénézet bridge (the famous “Pont d’Avignon” of the French nursery rhyme).
The papacy moved to Avignon from 1309, inaugurating an era of unprecedented political and cultural prestige. Under Louis XIV and Louis XV, the area was occupied several times by French troops. It was then almost destroyed by the French Revolution of 1789, the revolutionaries of Avignon opposing the rest of royalist France. In 1793, Avignon was to become part of the new prefecture of the Vaucluse department, which also includes Orange and Carpentras.
CENTRE OF THE PROVENCAL RENAISSANCE
Avignon was to be the central hub of the nineteenth century literary Renaissance in Provence. It was here that the Félibrige literary association was founded by a group of young writers, among them the young Frédéric Mistral.
In 1855 the first issue of the Armana Provençau was published. Mistral was to become a celebrated figure with the success of his epic poem Miréio. You can discover the cultural heritage of the Félibrige during the various Mistral-related festivals which take place throughout the year in Avignon and the surrounding region.
CITY OF ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE
Avignon boasts the oldest gothic palace in the world, the Palais des Papes (“Palace of Popes”). The popes of the fourteenth century were to build this imposing, multi-function edifice, much of which is open to the public, including the chapels, cloisters, and papal apartments, where you can see some stunning frescos. The building is classed as a UNESCO world heritage monument, and every year since 1947 it has served as the magnificent setting for the famous Avignon Festival.
A few minutes walk from the Palais des Papes, you can explore the legendary Pont Saint-Bénezet, or Pont d’Avignon, which offers a magnificent view over the Rhône and over Avignon itself.
PALAIS DES PAPES IN AVIGNON
A gothic masterpiece.
The Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) is one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in the world, and since 1995 has been classed a UNESCO world heritage monument. The huge and imposing building symbolises the might of the Christian church during the fourteenth century, during which time the Papal residence was located in Avignon. Built in 1335 over a period of less than 20 years, the Palais des Papes was in fact built under two Popes, Pope Benedict XII and his successor, Pope Clement VI.
The building comprises around twenty different venues for different papal events to take place in, including theatres and the fabulously decorated papal apartments with their frescos by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. This is a fascinating building steeped in history and intrigue: not to be missed.
Admission prices :
- Full price : 10.5 €
- Reduced price : 8.5 €
Palais des Papes
Place du Palais
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 27 50 00
http://www.palais-des-papes.com/
For more informations
Office de tourisme
41, cours Jean-Jaurès
84000 AVIGNON
Phone : +33 (0)4 32 74 32 74
www.avignon-tourisme.com
PONT SAINT-BÉNÉZET, PONT D'AVIGNON
Sur le pont d'Avignon…
In 1177, as the story goes, a young shepherd by the name of Bénezet came down from the mountains of the Ardeche. He claimed to have been sent by God to build a bridge across the Rhône in Avignon.
Mocked by the people of Avignon, the shepherd rose to the challenge they set him: to lift an enormous boulder onto his shoulders and throw it into the river. The citizens of Avignon were amazed when the young shepherd managed this superhuman feat, and a committee was formed to help him build the bridge.
The Pont Saint-Bénezet, apart from being the oldest structure on the Rhône between Lyon and the sea, is also famous as the "Pont d'Avignon" of the song Sur le pont d'Avignon.
Today only four of the arches remain, along with the Tour Phillippe le Bel, which is a magnificent monument in its own right.
Ticket office closes an hour before the bridge closes
Audioguide in 9 languages included in entry price
Admission prices :
- Reduced price : 3 €
- Full price : 4.5 €
Pont Saint-Bénézet - Pont d'Avignon
6 rue Pente Rapide
Charles Andezi
84000 Avignon
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 27 51 16
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In French : http://www.palais-des-papes.com
MUSÉE CALVET
The arts of Avignon.
Housed in a sumptuous eighteenth century mansion, the Musée Calvet contains a magnificent collection of fine arts, paintings and sculptures dating from the fifteenth to the twentieth century.
Many donations have enriched this collection. Marcel Puech was to bequeath furniture, ceramics, and bronzes, while the Rignault and Victor Martin collections include works by Soutine, Manet, Sisley, Camille Claudel, Chabaud and many others.
Three rooms are devoted to the school of Avignon, from the Renaissance up to the time of the Revolution.
Admission prices :
- Reduced price : 3 €
- Full price : 6 €
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
Musée Calvet - Hôtel Villeneuve-Martignan
65 rue Joseph-Vernet
84000 Avignon
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 86 33 84
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http://www.musee-calvet.org
VAL DE BÉNÉDICTION CHARTERHOUSE, VILLENEUVE-LEZ-AVIGNON
Ancient centre of the arts.
Founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI, the Val de Bénédiction Charterhouse was once the most important Carthusian monastery in the country and remains the largest in France even today.
Construction took place between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, with three cloisters and a series of community buildings (church, refectory, monastic cells and chapter house) and also a number of gardens. The chapel built by Pope Innocent VI is decorated with splendid fourteenth century frescoes by Matteo Giovanetti. This same pope's monumental Gothic tomb, which dating from the fourteenth century, can be seen in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
A member of the Association of Cultural Centres in France, the monastery has since 1991 housed the national playscript publishing house, as well as serving as a shelter for artists and aspiring playwrights.
From Avignon, bus No. 11 and No. 1 Bustival (during festival periods), stop: Tourist Office, or by car, cross the Rhone, in the direction of Villeneuve lez Avignon, once in the town center follow the Rue de la Republique
Entrance on your right
Admission prices :
- Full price : 7 €
- Until 18 years : Free
- Reduced price : 4.5 €
Closed on 1 May, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December
Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lez-Avignon
rue de la République
30400 Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 15 24 24
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In French : http://www.chartreuse.org
AMPHITHEATRE OF THE NÎMES ARENAS
Gladiatorial glory.
The Arena of Nimes is the best conserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. From the late 1st century AD it hosted gladiatorial contests and other spectacles such as wild beast hunting.
It is still in use today as a setting for many prestigious events, including bullfights, conventions, concerts and sporting events.
Measuring 133 metres in length and 101 metres wide, the 21 metres high curved exterior facade is divided into 60 arched sections. Numerous stairways and five circular galleries allow for spectators to move around inside easily.
The Roman audience would have been divided according to social class among the 34 levels of tiered seating. Over 23,000 French-Roman spectators would have squeezed in to watch the bloody battles taking place in the centre of this historic arena.
Closed on feria days
Guided tours every day from 12th July to 22nd August (except when there are performances taking place) at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
45 mins from Avignon, TGV to Nîmes station
Admission prices :
- Full price : 7.8 €
- Reduced price : 5.9 €
- Children until 7 years : Free
Arènes de Nîmes
boulevard des Arènes
30000 Nimes
Phone : +33 (0)4 66 21 82 56
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In French : http://www.arenesdenimes.com/index.php
For more informations
Office de tourisme
6, rue Auguste
30000 NIMES
Phone : +33 (0)4 66 58 38 00
http://www.ot-nimes.fr
AVIGNON FESTIVAL
All Avignon's a stage…
Set up by Jean Vilar in 1947, the Festival of Avignon is one of the oldest and most famous theatre festivals in the world.
Originally dedicated exclusively to traditional theatre, it has since widened its range to include contemporary theatre as well as dance, musicals, puppetry, and all forms of performance art in general.
In conjunction with the official festival, the "off" (off-stage, or fringe) festival is widely successful with as many as 600 companies making the trip from every region of France and from other countries to perform in the street during the festival. Thus the entire city becomes a stage on which diverse artistic disciplines merge and contrast with each other. The main official ("in") part of the festival will take place in the magnificent setting of the Cour d'Honneur at the Palais des Papes.
On the programme of this 64th edition:
Christoph Marthaler & Anna Viebrock, Olivier Cadiot, Ludovic Lagarde, Pascal Dusapin, Rudolphe Burger, Jean-Baptiste Sastre, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker/Rosas, Guy Cassiers/Toneelhuis, Andreas Kriegenburg/Kammerspiele from Munich, François Irsoni, Christophe Feutrier…
Online ticket office open from Monday 14 June at 9am
Enquiries on +33 (0)4 90 14 14 60 from 3rd May
Ticket office : + 33 (0)4 90 14 14 14 from 14th June
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Full programme on line
http://www.festival-avignon.com/
Read information about the 64th festival in English
Access Avignon station by TGV
The festival will take place in around twenty venues across Avignon, notably in the cour d'honneur at the Palais des Papes
Admission prices :
- Full price : 38 €
- Reduced price : 13 €
Palais des Papes
place du Palais
84000 Avignon
Phone on +33 (0)4 90 27 50 00
For more informations
Office de tourisme
41, cours Jean-Jaurès
84000 AVIGNON
Phone on +33 (0)4 32 74 32 74
http://www.ot-avignon.fr
AVIGNON JAZZ FESTIVAL
A springboard for young talent.
For five days Avignon will sway to the sultry sounds of jazz at the Avignon Jazz Festival. There will be a varied programme of concerts which will include French and international musicians and singers. A particular highlight of the Jazz Festival is the "springboard" European jazz competition, (Tremplin Jazz European), which will take place on the Wednesday. It will feature a host of young and talented jazz artists of the future. Promising groups of all sizes from all over Europe will perform at this prestigious festival which offers young and lesser known artists the opportunity to become better known on a national and international level.
The Avignon Jazz Festival is a popular event which attracts audiences from all over Europe. Take the opportunity to see plenty of top jazz musicians, and of course last year's "springboard" winners will be back to prove their worth on stage this year.
Also in the Cour d'honneur at the Palais des Papes :
Mister T
National Jazz Orchestra
Céline Bonacina
Youn Sun Nah
Young artists of the European Jazz Springboard Festival
Christian Mendoza Group
Angelo Debarre
European Jazz Springboard competition: Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th August, entry free of charge
Musical Matinées: music conferences on the 4th and 5th August in the gardens of the Carmelite Cloisters
Enquiries on +33 (0)4 90 82 95 51 or
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From Tuesday to Saturday from 20:30 to 22:30
Cloître des Carmes d'Avignon
place des Carmes
84000 Avignon
http://www.trempjazz.com
AVIGNON BY BOAT
A river runs through it.
The Rhône has always been an artery to the city of Avignon, playing a role in its industries as well being an important part of the leisure and tourism within the area. And if the river is Avignon's artery, the green space of the Ile de Barthelasse undoubtedly serves as the city's lungs, breathing fresh air into Avignon.
For a different view of the city, why not embark on this 45 minute boat ride along the Rhône, cruising through Avignon past its many cultural and historic sights. If you get the "Avignon by Boat" (Avignon en bateau) combined ticket this will include a visit to the Pont Saint-Benezet (also known as the Pont d'Avignon), one of the city's most emblematic and historic monuments.
Tour of Pont Saint Bénezet and 45 min boat ride
Office de tourisme d'Avignon
41 cours Jean-Jaurès
BP 8
84000 Avignon
Phone on +33 (0)4 32 74 32 74
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http://www.ot-avignon.fr
CARMELITE MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL AND MARKET
Travel back in time!
For one weekend you will have the opportunity to experience life in the Middle Ages! The Carmelite Medieval Festival will take place in the historic centre of Avignon, and will transform the city into a medieval encampment. You will have the opportunity to taste medieval specialities and stock up on provisions at the market, as well as watching craftsmen in action, practising age old skills from the Middle Ages.
There will be plenty of entertainment, including shows, games, medieval style combats and jousts, music, dances, and symposia. And after all that, what could be more welcome than a hearty, medieval-style banquet?
Enquiries on +33 (0)4 32 74 32 74 (Tourist Office)
Avignon
Place de l’Horloge
84000 Avignon
OPENING OF EPICURIUM,
THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
The seeds of a healthy life.
Epicurium manages to cross many disciplines, from agriculture to industry, via diet and healthy living. This educational and inspiring institution traces the fascinating journey of fruit and vegetables from the seed to our plates. A fun route explores all stages of production and transformation of these nutrient- and vitamin-packed foodstuffs which are so important to a healthy balanced diet.
In the orchard, greenhouse and garden you will discover the various methods used by farmers and gardeners, and observe how these professionals work together with nature for the best possible results. A museum space and several workshops address the issues associated with cooking and diet.
Courses, themed days, and special events complement the permanent displays and activities on offer. Of course the fun part of visiting this establishment is tasting all the wonderful produce on offer.
This is sure to be a fun (and delicious) day out!
Epicurium opens its doors to the public on 12th June 2010
Phone: +33(0)4 90 31 58 91
Enquiries by email
Open all year round for groups by reservation only (except in January)
Around 10 minutes from the Avignon Sud exit from the Autoroute and close to Route Nationale 7
You can also take the bus from Avignon centre (line TCRA n°8, stop: La Halte)
Admission prices :
- Full price : 7 €
- Reduced price : 5 €
Epicurium
rue Pierre-Bayle
84140 Montfavet
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 31 58 91
In French : http://www.epicurium.fr/
For more informations :
Mairie
square des Cigales
84140 MONTFAVET
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 32 13 42
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