Famous for its iconic bridge, Avignon is a historic French destination with a fairytale feel. The city has an annual arts festival that attracts countless creative minds, while the beautiful Palais des Papes wows visitors all year round.
City of Popes
The Palais des Papes is one of the most popular medieval attractions in the whole of France. The colossal Gothic structure was erected over two decades under the orders of Popes Benedict XII and Clement VI, who oversaw the construction of the Old Palace and New Palace, respectively. Today these holy buildings have become a single major attraction, holding the title of the world’s largest Gothic palace.
Dine in the shadow of the magnificent towers and then step inside the fortified walls to see the elaborate frescoes and lavish decoration. Take a tour around 25 of the finest rooms, including the Audience Hall, Great Clementine Chapel and the Papal Chamber, to see where the powerful leaders of the Catholic Church resided for almost a century.
Historic landmarks
The Pont Saint Bénezét, more commonly known as Pont d’Avignon, is one of the city’s most recognisable features. The origins of this remarkable stone bridge remain the subject of local legends, with some saying it was created by a young shepherd named Benezet, who was sent by God.
What we know for certain is that the crossing was damaged by severe floods in 1668. Today you can walk across the remaining part of the bridge for a small fee, and enjoy beautiful river views. To take a snap of the bridge itself, head up to the Jardin des Doms public garden.
Continue your historic sightseeing at the Romanesque cathedral. This 12th-century wonder is much smaller than the Papal Palace, but its gleaming white design and intriguing past makes for a fascinating visit.
Sitting atop the cathedral is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, added in the 19th-century. The six-metre-tall structure is a poignant reminder of Avignon’s heritage, built using the white marble throne which was once used by the city’s popes.
Feast on museums and art
It seems fitting that a city with such rich heritage is filled with sophisticated museums and galleries too. From the artistic masterpieces of the Musée du Petit Palais to the natural history exhibitions of the Musée Requien, Avignon’s cultural scene is elegant and fascinating.
Set in an 18th-century mansion, meanwhile, the Musée Angladon invites visitors to sample a taste of European grandeur. This prestigious art gallery boasts a wide collection of sculptures and paintings from the likes of Pablo Picasso – that world-famous pioneer of Cubism – and Paul Cezanne, one of France’s most celebrated post-impressionist painters.
If you prefer your art at the cutting edge, visit in July to catch the annual Festival d’Avignon. This is one of the world’s most important contemporary art festivals, with a particular focus on performance and drama. This open-air event allows you to experience the city’s passionate artistic spirit against the backdrop of its beautiful, medieval architecture.
With Hertz car rental in Avignon, you can enjoy the culture, cuisine and idyllic landscapes that this wonderful city and the enchanting south of France are so famous for.
