Avignon Hotels
Mini guide to Avignon
Located on the Rhône in the southeast of France, ancient Avignon is full
of history, life, art, music and activity. Once a major Roman town, Avignon
was known as the 'town of violent winds', and every year stages the world famous
Festival D'Avignon, a month-long event of music and dance held at various historical
monuments.
Going through any of the seven doors of the superbly preserved, fortified city
walls, visitors discover the 'city of the Popes' and Avignon's chief attraction,
the stunning architecture. The imposing Rocher des Doms in the centre of town
was the site of Neolithic habitation, and from the top of the massive ramparts
you can see why this structure was chosen for a fort. Another famous structure
is the remains of the Bridge Avignon, immortalised by a popular French folk
song and today half spanning the Rhône with it's tumble down appearance.
Take your time wandering around the city. The ancient streets, the courtyards
of the private mansions and the renovated facades will all charm you. One of
the most elegant streets is the Rue Joseph Vernet. It lies adjacent to the Calvet
Museum, a small 18th century mansion with classical and modern art, Greek sculpture
and a local prehistoric collection. Finish your tour off at the Palace of the
Popes, which was built in the 14th century and overlooks a lively square where
you can relax in one of the many terraced cafés. Significantly, the Papacy
relocated here for a brief period during the 14th Century, to escape the upheavals
in Rome, and huge amounts of money were invested in the development of this
medieval town.
With visits to the theatre, opera and art galleries, as well as horseback riding
and swimming among numerous other activities, leisure time is sure to be well
spent. Various Rhône river boat tours are also available.
A short drive away, the neighbouring communities of the Bouches-du-Rhône
and Gard feature a wide variety of contemporary structures, religious edifices
and fortifications that enrich the entire area and are a must-see on any visit
to this wonderful region.
If you're driving from Paris, take A6 south to Lyon; then take A7 south to
Avignon. Avignon is on the main Paris-Lyon-Nice rail line. Eurostar's high-speed
trains bridge the gap between London's Waterloo Station and Avignon (6 hours).
Avignon airport is 8kms southeast of town and has daily flights to cities all
over Europe.
www.avignon-et-provence.com/
Selection of hotels in this region:
Avignon Grand Hotel | | Express By Holiday Inn Avignon | | Auberge de Cassagne | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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