Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) (France): Top Tips Before You Go - TripAdvisor “Awesome structure and great story behind it” Reviewed 1 week ago Loved it, took it in as part of our Palais De Popes tour and it is a must do. You can "see" it from Rocher des Doms and from the outside of the Avignon wall but it is worth it to walk it and marvel at what an achievement it was in medieval times. The climatic changes at the end... More Helpful? Adventurous Avignon Avignon's Palace of the Popes. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways History Situated along the banks of the Rhone, the French city of Avignon has a rich history dating back even before the famous three-month siege of the town that took place in the summer of 1226. A little over a century later, the Black Death swept through the town, killing over two-thirds of the population. To get a better idea of the kind of history present in Avignon, consider this: the University of Avignon was first established in 1303 and has historically focused on law. Some seven-hundred years have passed since then and yet the University remains.

Avignon became a papal territory in 1348 and remained that way until 1791, when it was sold back to France during the turmoil surrounding the French Revolution. Today, chances are you’ll recognize parts Avignon even if you’ve never been there before. The Palais des Papes and the Saint Bénézet bridge are some of the most photographed structures in Southern France. Your River Cruise Ship Docks… Most ships dock near the Pont Saint Bénézet bridge, in the heart of Avignon. When in Avignon… Avignon's Point Saint Benezet bridge only retains a portion of its former glory. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways Avignon is extremely walkable, and visitors should have no difficulty getting around. Many major attractions and historic sites are grouped near each other due to the relatively small size of the town. Palais des Papes is the imposing Papal residence constructed by and for the popes in 1316. Its construction would span the next fifty years, eventually finishing in 1370. Right next to the Palais is Notre Dame des Doms.

This cathedral was built during the 12th century, and contains the stunning Mausoleum of Pope John XXII. History buffs and shutterbugs will definitely want to check out the medieval fortification walls that still encircle the city. Some of the best examples of medieval architecture in existence, the walls are flanked by various towers and entrances. The Saint Bénézet Bridge (Pont Saint Bénézet) was in part made famous by the French children’s song, Sur le pont d’Avignon. Only four arches of the original twenty-two survive of this incredible structure that used to measure almost 3000 feet in length. If you’re fortunate to visit Avignon during July, chances are you will be able to experience the incredibly popular Theatre Festival. During these weeks, the town plays host to hundreds of professional performers, musicians and actors who not only hold scheduled, ticketed plays, but are also known to conduct impromptu performances streetside and indoors. Not to be missed. River Cruisers Should Know! While some English may be spoken in Avignon, knowledge of basic French will go a long way. The Euro is the official currency of France. Other currencies can be exchanged at major banks and financial institutions.

Crime is generally not an issue in Avignon. Share This Post With Friends An old bridge - Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon), Avignon Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “A bridge to nowhere...” Reviewed 13 August 2013 OK, so it was a full fledged bridge into France in its time, but only part of it still stands. This bridge is the subject of the son Sur le Pont Avignon. Many translate it to dancing ON the bridge, but more accurately the dancing took place under the bridge on the island in the middle of the Rhone river when it used to span both river crossings. Visited July 2013 Show more authors Abstract Avignon's Bridge, also called Pont Saint-Bénézet, is studied here using a geoarchaeological approach where historical geography methods and palaeoenvironmental proxies are combined for a better understanding of the relationships between the Rhone River evolution and its morphological impacts on the Bridge's use, change and abandonment.

The aim of this paper is i) to reconstruct the position of the Rhone River in the area of the Saint-André Fort (situated 1 km northward of the bridge) during Modem times and ii) to propose potential locations of the ancient arches today buried by the Rhone River sediments or found within the two active channels of the River. Results derived from the scrutiny of historical sources (mainly maps), bathymetric survey together with acoustic camera scans of the River's bed clearly reveal the presence of masonry block accumulations at regular intervals within both channels (the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon's channels). An interpretation concerning the shape of the Bridge is hereby proposed and is in good accordance with the different drawings and paintings established between the 16th and the 17th c. In addition, 5 boreholes were drilled, to a maximum depth of 7.6 m below the surface, in the western most part of the alluvial plain (Fort Saint-André area) helping to reconstruct the fluvial environments in the vicinity of the Saint-Bénézet Bridge. A chronostratigraphy has been established using a series of 4 radiocarbon dating samples.

Historical maps were integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) together with a bathymetric survey of the Rhone River and geophysical prospection (Electric Resistivity Tomography - ERT) that allowed a spatial interpretation of the boreholes. The present study highlights major hydrosedimentary changes within the Rhone alluvial plain in the area surrounding the Bridge at Avignon from the 16th to the mid 19th c. Evidence for a gradual shifting of the Rhone River eastwards from the 17th c. is attested and a final disconnection of the Saint-André Fort with the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon channel is observed during the first half of the 18th c.

Discover the world's research CitationsCitations3 ReferencesReferences79 Beautiful sights - Reviews, Photos - Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) - TripAdvisor Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) Boulevard de la Ligne, 84000, Avignon, France +33 4 90 27 50 00 Website Avignon and Provence Independent City Tour See more tours on Viator More attraction details Attraction details Owner description: This emblematic site in the history of Avignon is known throughout the world in the famous song. Built in the 12th century, it was destroyed several times by spates on the Rhone River, before being rebuilt and finally abandoned in the 17th century. There are newer reviews for this attraction “Beautiful sights” Reviewed 24 July 2016 The bridge is amazing, especially given it doesn't span the entire river. Somehow looks unfinished yet that's not the story behind it. Visited April 2016 Ask Susan S about Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC Turn Your Opinions into Points!

Turn your opinions into JPMiles *You can enroll in only one programme at a time to earn rewards for reviews. 50 2,483 reviews from our community Visitor rating “Lovely views” Reviewed 23 July 2016 It is just lovely to be able to walk out and see the beautiful views. The history of the bridge is told via the head sets. Visited July 2016 Ask denard about Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC Ed G “Cannot miss this Relic” Reviewed 23 July 2016 We were on a River Cruise and this Bridge is part of local lore and near the docks area for boats. Their is a local song that includes words about this point on the river. The bridge remains partially intact and remains well restored for future generations to observe and enjoy.

Visited August 2015 Ask Ed G about Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC gas65 “Sur le Pont d'Avignon” Reviewed 22 July 2016 Visit the bridge of the famous song and learn about its history. Well preserved and with various artifacts displayed it makes a good visit. Visited July 2016 Ask gas65 about Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC alongden “Avignon's famous bridge” Reviewed 22 July 2016 Access to the bridge can be included in your ticket to the Pope' Palace. It is reached down a steepish hill from the palace (older visitors take note, especially if it's a hot day and you have to return to the palace level again afterwards). The bridge goes about three-quarters of the way across the Rhone, and features a stark but interesting mediaeval chapel a little way along. The main reason for visiting the bridge is for the views it affords back towards Avignon, and up and down stream.

It doesn't take long to visit, and if you've already walked your legs off round the palace, that's probably a good thing. It's great for photographs, though. Visited June 2016 Avignon – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Understand[ edit ] The Papal Palace and the cathedral Avignon is famous as the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. Le Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes) which was built then is the world's largest Gothic building. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent Middle Ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown. Its early history is much older than the popes, however. Avignon occupies a strategic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times.

In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places. It is estimated that about 200,000 people live in Avignon, 16,000 of which live 'intra-muros,' or within the ramparts built in the 14th century. The city is now sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless. History[ edit ] Avignon has been continuously inhabited since the stone age, when inhabitations were built in caves in the “Rocher des Doms”, a massive outcropping of rock rising over the banks of the Rhône. Today, a public park with benches, views over the surrounding countryside, a café and playground is on top of the Rocher. The Romans had a presence in Avignon, though the walls they built lie buried somewhere under the modern streets. Vestiges of the forum can still be seen, lying unassumingly near the Rue Racine and the Rue Saint-Étienne, to the west of the city.

Then, in medieval times, the town grew to an important center of communication and trade. The stone bridge spanning the Rhone was one of only three between the Mediterranean and Lyon. It was undoubtedly for its strategic location and ease of travel that it was chosen by the papacy as home within the then kingdom of Provence. The presence of the papacy made Avignon into a city of great political and economic activity. The old city wall, now visible only as a street that circles the very center of the town (changing names 5 times in the process!) was much too small and a larger wall, still visible today, was necessary to protect its bulging population. Wealthy Cardinals built extravagant palaces known as livrées both within Avignon and across the river, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The city teemed with activity and building as architects, builders, artists flocked to the town. At that time, within the city walls there were over 100 churches and chapels - many of which have been transformed since then into everything from shops to a movie theater! The wealth and activity generated by the presence of the papacy spilled out into the region, so that even small villages nearby boast a rich architectural past.

43.9449707 4.805789 1 Office de Tourisme d'Avignon , 41, cours Jean Jaurès BP8, ☎ +33 4 32 74 32 74 , e-mail: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com . April to October: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Festival: everyday 9 am to 7 pm, Sundays and holidays 10am to 5pm; November to March: Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 to 12. In the season there is also an information point at the TGV Station (updated Jun 2015) By train[ edit ] 43.94182956808416 4.805207771714777 3 Gare d'Avignon Centre (Avignon central station), Boulevard Saint-Roch. Local and regional trains call at the central station, just outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town.

43.92184920653942 4.78659837244777 4 Gare d'Avignon TGV (Avignon TGV Station), Avenue de la Gare, 84000 Avignon (about 2 km out of town; a regular shuttle train to the Avignon central station). Avignon lies on the TGV line from Paris (2.5h) to Marseille . It is also served by numerous local and regional services. Eurostar operates several services a week from London St. Pancras International, with a journey time of around 6 hours By bus[ edit ] Avignon is connected to most other European cities with Eurolines. For regional travelers, following your common source, you can take: the Vaucluse département cars circulating in the appelation "TransVaucluse Network"; departmental cars Bouches-du-Rhône, whose schedules are available on Lepilote ; departmental cars du Gard, working under the name of "Edgar". All lines to the terminal bus station Avignon, itself located near the train station and the walls surrounding the city center.

By boat[ edit ] While there is no regular boat line in Avignon, you can arrive by boat in Avignon via river cruises. By car[ edit ] From Paris or Lyon , you can reach Avignon by the Autoroute du Soleil and take the Avignon-Nord exit and follow the N107 then the D225 towards AVIGNON Centre. This urban road leads straight to the famous Avignon bridge just before where you have a large pay car park (car park the Palais des Papes), which leads directly onto the Place du Palais des Papes in the heart of the city. Other parking solutions, the municipality has set up 2 ' relay ' parking + free shuttle " ' , with one bus every 10 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00. The first "Parking Italians" , accessible the D225 road which runs. Circuit the shuttle drops users directly in the intramural centre , near the Town Hall Square ; the second is located on the Ile de la Barthelasse ( head Villeneuve lès Avignon and follow the signs).

The shuttle drops users to Gate Oulle , about 200m from the bridge of Avignon (Saint Bénézet bridge). From Montpellier or Nîmes , exit on the A9 (exit Roquemaure, the first after the junction with the A7), then follow the direction Avignon. Get around[ edit ] A Vélopop station The old city centre is not very big and can be easily explored on foot. An automatic bike sharing scheme called Vélopop' allows you to ride along [1] . Smartcard needed. See[ edit ] The decoration of a window inside the Papal Palace 43.95062977871343 4.8074006511160405 1 Papal Palace (Palais des Papes), Place du palais des papes. This is the palace where the Popes of Avignon ruled, during a period when the Papacy was divided, with a Pope in Rome and another in Avignon.

Most of the artwork inside (statues, frescoes) was destroyed during the French Revolution, but the impressive building still stands, and little bits of artwork, such as those that were too high to be convenient to ruin, remain. 43.95358575219919 4.805168587627122 2 Le Pont Saint-Bénezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). It is a ruined bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages — before the arrival of the Papacy — perhaps partly to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where the church authorities had installed themselves because of Avignon's then-infamous dirt and lawlessness. The legend of the bridge's building is that a local shepherd, Benezet (a dialect form of Benedict) was inspired by angels to build a bridge. When his appeals to the town authorities proved fruitless, he picked up a vast block of stone and hurled it into the river, to be the bridge's foundation stone. Convinced by this demonstration of divine will, the bridge was swiftly built.

The poor shepherd boy was canonised, and his chapel remains on the surviving portion of the bridge. If the bridge was divinely inspired, the Deity must have quickly changed his mind, because before long the bridge became unsafe and, following numerous floods, mostly derelict. Originally, the bridge had 22 arches, reaching across to the tower of Philippe le Bel via the mid-stream île de la Barthelasse. Only 4 of the 22 arches now remain. A multilingual audio tour of the bridge explains some of the local history. A well-known song Sur Le Pont D'Avignon (on the bridge at Avignon) refers to the bridge. The bridge itself is far too narrow for dancing or festivals - the original text of the song was "Sous (under) le pont d'Avignon", referring to the festivals and entertainments staged on the île de la Barthelasse. The current version was popularised by a 19th-century operetta, whose librettist clearly assumed that 'sous le pont d'Avignon' would have meant in the river.

Other popular tourist destinations include: the 43.9509263 4.8067009 3 Place du Palais, just next to the 43.9493814 4.8059177 4 Place de L'horloge, though someone may find these places shockingly expensive, and overcrowded in season. Within a short distance in just about any direction are some smaller squares frequented by the locals, and much lower prices. Like 43.948215 4.8103809 5 Place Pie, with its covered market (open 6AM to 1PM everyday) which sells fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and produits du pays. Museums[ edit ] Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from Modern Art Museums to museums housing artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman days. Events[ edit ] Theatre Festival . Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival. For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists.

The festival is an excuse to turn any room with enough seating into a 'salle de spectacle' and the city is host to a wide variety of entertainment. The gem of this festival are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, but this is considered by many French and European thespians to be a crowning achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, of course, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in (eg) English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theatre give the city a marvellous feeling. The International Congress Center . Was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year. Buy[ edit ] 43.95051465635426 4.813365418049216 1 Flea Market, Place des Carmes. Every Sunday morning. browse the tables looking for your hidden treasure.

43.94780235692111 4.810338020652125 2 Food Market, Les Halles d'Avignon, place Pie. Every morning except Monday. Local specialties like olive oil, tapenade, local wines, cheeses, and pastries can be found at the market along with fresh local produce. Cooking classes are available on Saturday mornings. 43.9520055 4.805199300000027 3 Pure Lavande , 61, rue grande Fusterie, ☎ +33 490147005 . This boutique specializes in lavender and lavender products. Splurge[ edit ] 43.9500438 4.8069209 6 Restaurant Christian Etienne , 10 Rue de Mons, ☎ +33 4 90 86 16 50 . A well known Provence chef, his restaurant is right next to the Palais des Papes. An excellent vegetarian menu is available.

Drink[ edit ] 43.9509374 4.8036922 1 esclavebar (gay club), 10 rue du Limas (near place Crillon), ☎ +33490851491 . 11PM-5AM. The best gay and straight friendly club in town, open 7/7, full every night with shows, house and cruising area. Entrance is free of charge all year except July (5€ including a drink) alcohol:8€ soft drinks:5€ beers:7€ frequented in summer by most of theatre festival artists and celebrities. The place is small but on two floors with a smoking area inside. Second floor there is a backroom, first floor a small bar (mostly gay male) with videos. Ground floor dj's, main bar, and a small dance floor. Most people arrive after bars closing hour (1:30AM) so come here later, it's a must!

Very friendly staff (1st floor bartender speaks good English) 43.9485757 4.805402800000024 2 Le Vin Devant Soi (wine shop), 4 rue Collège du Roure (just off of Rue de la République, south of the Place de l'Horlorge), ☎ +33 490820439 . Until 7PM or 8PM. This wine shop has a permanent tasting machine set up with 32 wines. You purchase tasting credit for however much you like, they give you a card that you can put in the tasting machine to select the wine you want to taste. Tastes come in three different sizes, with different prices for different wines. The staff is very friendly, and there is a nice atmosphere. Budget[ edit ] 43.95310204393943 4.799374084977899 1 Auberge-Camping Bagatelle , Île de la Barthelasse.

This Hotel/ Hostel and Camp Site is situated on Ile de la Bathelasse in the centre of the Rhone . This is perhaps the best place to stay on a budget. It has great facilities and offers perhaps the best view of the center of Avignon. Carries a basic menu restaurant. Another benefit is that is placed directly between Avignon and the opposite town Villeneuve-les-Avignon, both begin within 10 minutes walk. €16.56 with complimentary breakfast. 43.94459680000001 4.80070139999998 2 Hotel d'Angleterre, 29 Boulevard Raspail (10 minutes walk from bus and trains station). some rooms with bathroom. Small hotel located within the city walls. Has a small private car park. Its use is free of charge if you can find a place for your car. €40.

43.9397954 4.805895400000054 3 [dead link]Avignon Hotel Monclar , 13-15 Avenue Monclar (just behind the central station, which faces the main avenue of downtown and the bus station), ☎ +33 4 90 86 20 14 , fax: +33 4 26 23 68 31. Family run hotel overlooking a flowered garden, within a private carpark. Internet wi-fi available in the whole building. Recently renovated rooms with the typical Provencal style. 7 languages spoken. Private taxi service. Double room with ensuite shower and bathroom €30-60, studios and apartments from €75, breakfast €7 can be taken in the garden in season 7:30AM 11AM.

43.9447239 4.805072600000017 4 Hotel Boquier Avignon , 6 rue du portail Boquier (in old city, near the tourism office), ☎ +33 4 90 82 34 43 . Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. A charming hotel in a XVIIIth-century house. 55-69. Mid-range[ edit ] 43.947573074485724 4.805948760440515 5 Hotel Danieli , Rue de la République. very centrally with air conditioning and a good breakfast. €80 per night for a double during the summer, more expensive during the Festival d'Avignon.. Mas du Clos de l'Escarrat Route de Carpentras chemin de l'Escarrat.

€80 Bed & Breakfast Go next[ edit ] The surrounding region is full of interesting sites, There are three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Arles is full of Roman and Romanesque monuments and worthy of a full days exploration. 17mn from Avignon by TER. Orange just a short train ride to the north is home to one of the finest Roman Theatres in Europe Le Pont du Gard is about 30 km to the West it is probably the finest Roman aqueduct still in existence, and a great place for hiking and canoeing. Other notable sites nearby are: Nimes which has a huge Roman amphitheatre and a famous Greek Temple Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a short train ride north and is home to some of France's most famous vineyards Aix-en-Provence , town of water - town of art, founded by the Romans. This city travel guide to Avignon is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page .

Avignon travel guide - Wikitravel 14 Get out Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence , in Southern France . It is the main city of the département of Vaucluse , and is on the banks of the Rhône river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000. Panorama of the The Papal Palace The Pont d'Avignon Understand[ edit ] Avignon is famous as it is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' or the palace of popes, is the world's largest Gothic edifice. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown. Its early history is much older than the popes, however.

Avignon occupies a strategic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places. It is estimated that about 200,000 people live in Avignon, 16,000 of which live 'intra-muros,' or within the ramparts built in the 14th century. The city is now sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless. History[ edit ] Avignon has been continuously inhabited since the stone age, when troglodyte inhabitations were built in caves in the Rocher des Dames, a massive outcropping of rock rising over the banks of the Rhône. Today, a public park with benches, views over the surrounding countryside, a café and playground is on top of the Rocher.

The Romans had a presence in Avignon, though the walls they built lie buried somewhere under the modern streets. Vestiges of the forum can still be seen, lying unassumingly near the Rue Racine and the Rue Saint-Etienne, to the west of the city. Then, in medieval times, the town grew to an important center of communication and trade. The stone bridge spanning the Rhone was one of only three between the Mediterranean and Lyon. It was undoubtedly for its strategic location and ease of travel that it was chosen by the papacy as home within the then kingdom of Provence. The presence of the papacy made Avignon into a city of great political and economic activity. The old city wall, now visible only as a street that circles the very center of the town (changing names 5 times in the process!) was much too small and a larger wall, still visible today, was necessary to protect its bulging population. Wealthy Cardinals built extravagant palaces known as livrées both within Avignon and across the river, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The city teemed with activity and building as architects, builders, artists flocked to the town.

At that time, within the city walls there were over 100 churches and chapels - many of which have been transformed since then into everything from shops to a movie theater! The wealth and activity generated by the presence of the papacy spilled out into the region, so that even small villages nearby boast a rich architectural past. By train[ edit ] Avignon lies on the TGV [4] line from Paris to Marseille , about two hours from Paris, Gare de Lyon. It is also served by numerous local and regional services. Local and regional trains call at the central station, outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town. TGVs call at Avignon TGV, about 2km out of town. A train runs from Gare Centrale to Gare TGV and costs €1.60 (August 2014), it takes 6 minutes. A weekly Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Avignon operates every Saturday in the summer. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. By car[ edit ] Autoroute A7 runs north/south through central France from Lyon to Marseille and there are two exits you can take for Avignon.

Avignon North is best for the Palais des Papes, the famous half-bridge, the old part of Avignon or the more modern huge shopping area. Avignon South (Sud)is more convenient for the TGV (high speed train) or Avignon airport Get around[ edit ] A Vélopop station A map of the city, lists of hotels in all price ranges, restaurants, ideas for nightlife, and daytrips to the surrounding countryside can be found at the Office de Tourisme, 41 cours Jean Jaures (in the main street, which begins just inside the walls across from the regular train station). The city itself is small, and all sites are easily walkable. An automatic bike sharing scheme called Vélopop' allows you to ride along [5] . Smartcard needed. The Papal Palace and the cathedral The decoration of a window inside the Papal Palace A popular tourist destination is the Place du Palais, just next to the Place de L'horloge, though the casual tourist may find these places shockingly expensive, and flooded during the summer months with tourists. Within a short distance in just about any direction are the smaller squares frequented by the locals, and much lower prices.

Recommended is the Place Pie, with its covered market (open 6AM to 1PM everyday) which sells fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and produits du pays. Pont d'Avignon[ edit ] Le Pont Saint-Benezet is a ruined bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages - before the arrival of the Papacy - perhaps partly to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where the church authorities had installed themselves because of Avignon's then-infamous dirt and lawlessness. The legend of the bridge's building is that a local shepherd, Benezet (a dialect form of Benedict) was inspired by angels to build a bridge. When his appeals to the town authorities proved fruitless, he picked up a vast block of stone and hurled it into the river, to be the bridge's foundation stone. Convinced by this demonstration of divine will, the bridge was swiftly built. The poor shepherd boy was canonised, and his chapel remains on the surviving portion of the bridge.

If the bridge was divinely inspired, the Deity must have quickly changed his mind, because before long the bridge became unsafe and, following numerous floods, mostly derelict. Originally, the bridge had 22 arches, reaching across to the tower of Philippe le Bel via the mid-stream île de la Barthelasse. Only 4 of the 22 arches now remain. A multilingual audio tour of the bridge explains some of the local history. The well-known song "Sur Le Pont D'Avignon [6] " (on the bridge at Avignon) refers to the bridge. The bridge itself is far too narrow for dancing or festivals - the original text of the song was "Sous (under) le pont d'Avignon", referring to the festivals and entertainments staged on the île de la Barthelasse. The current version was popularised by a 19th century operetta, whose librettist clearly assumed that 'sous le pont d'Avignon' would have meant in the river. Museums[ edit ] Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from Modern Art Museums to museums housing artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman days.

Events[ edit ] Theatre Festival Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival [7] . For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists. The festival is an excuse to turn any room with enough seating into a 'salle de spectacle' and the city is host to a wide variety of entertainment. The gem of this festival are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, but this is considered by many French and European thespians to be a crowning achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, of course, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in (eg) English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theatre give the city a marvellous feeling. The International Congress Center [8] was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year. Cinéma Utopia [9] This is not a massive 10-screen commercial cinema as any regular metropolis City Mall has, this is a century old French place.

One of the most remarkable characteristics about it is the totally exquisite building itself, their XVII century paintings, wooden stairs and the awesome "La Manutention", a nice and cozy "petit resto" next door, a nice choice for couples. Tickets are sold just a few minutes before the functions, so you'll have to queue for the function. 6,50€ regular fare, under 14 4€. Mid-range[ edit ] Restaurant l'Orangerie, Place Jerusalem. (A few minutes walk from the tourist-centre Place de l'Horloge). This is a small restaurant and the style is Provencal/Corsican. In Summer it has tables on the Square, the rest of the year it has four tables and bar on the ground floor and a few more upstairs. Terre de Saveur, 1 rue Saint Michel, (Just south of Places des Corps Saints). Mixed vegetarian and meat menu using fresh local ingredients to produce food highlighting Mediterranean flavours. Main dishes with meat, €14.50, without €13.50. Starters at €8.50 and desserts €6.50. Sit outside on the terrace, or inside in the dining room.

They also sell locally made jams and tapenades. L'Epicerie, 10, Place Saint Pierre (tucked in a nice little square just south of the Palais des Papes), ☎ +33 49 0827422. Try the Assiette Epicière for a plate full of provençal specialities such as tapenade, ratatouille, with a salad and some ham. Count around €25 for lunch, more with wine. edit Au Tout Petit, 4, rue d'Amphoux, ☎ +33 49 0823886. This restaurant is tiny and has a cuisine ré-créative, taking traditional European dishes and giving them a little twist such as red gazpacho with no tomatoes. The dishes can be a bit inventive, ask questions about them before you order. Wine list is also great, reservations recommended for groups. Three-course dinner menu is €24. edit Splurge[ edit ] Restaurant Christian Etienne [11] - a well known Provence chef, his restaurant is right next to the Palais des Papes. An excellent vegetarian menu is available.

Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] (gay club), 10 rue du Limas (near place Crillon), ☎ +33490851491, [12] . 11PM-5AM. The best gay and straight friendly club in town, open 7/7, full every night with shows, house and cruising area. Entrance is free of charge all year except July (5€ including a drink) alcohol:8€ soft drinks:5€ beers:7€ frequented in summer by most of theatre festival artists and celebrities. The place is small but on two floors with a smoking area inside. Second floor there is a backroom, first floor a small bar (mostly gay male) with videos. Ground floor dj's, main bar, and a small dance floor. Most people arrive after bars closing hour (1:30AM) so come here later, it's a must!

Very friendly staff (1st floor bartender speaks good english) edit Le Vin Devant Soi (wine shop), 4 rue Collège du Roure (just off of Rue de la République, south of the Place de l'Horlorge), ☎ 0490820439, [13] . Until 7PM or 8PM. This wine shop has a permanent tasting machine set up with 32 wines. You purchase tasting credit for however much you like, they give you a card that you can put in the tasting machine to select the wine you want to taste. Tastes come in three different sizes, with different prices for different wines. The staff is very friendly, and there is a nice atmosphere. edit Budget[ edit ] Auberge-Camping Bagatelle [14] Ile de la Barthelasse. This Hotel/ Hostel and Camp Site is situated on Ile de la Bathelasse in the centre of the Rhone . This is perhaps the best place to stay on a budget. It has great facilities and offers perhaps the best view of the center of Avignon. Carries a basic menu restaurant.

Another benefit is that is placed directly between Avignon and the opposite town Villeneuve-les-Avignon, both begin within 10 minutes walk. Cost €16.56 with complimentary breakfast. Hotel d'Angleterre 29 Boulevard Raspail (10 minute walk from bus and train station). €40, some rooms with bathroom. Small hotel located within the city walls. Has a small private car park. Its use is free of charge if you can find a place for your car. Altera Roma Hotel **, 13-15 Avenue Monclar (just behind the central station, which faces the main avenue of downtown and the bus station), ☎ 04 90 86 20 14 (fax: 04 26 23 68 31), [15] . Family run hotel overlooking a flowered garden, within a private carpark. Internet wi-fi available in the whole building. Recently renovated rooms with the typical Provencal style. 7 languages spoken. Private taxi service.

Double room with ensuite shower and bathroom €30-60, studios and apartements from €75, breakfast €7 can be taken in the garden in season 7:30AM 11AM. edit Hotel Boquier Avignon, 6 rue du portail Boquier (in old city, near the tourism office), ☎ +33 4 90 82 34 43, [16] . checkin: 1PM; checkout: 11AM. A charming hotel in a XVIIIth century house. 55-69. edit Mid-range[ edit ] Hotel Danieli [17] Rue de la République, very centrally with air conditioning and a good breakfast. €80 per night for a double during the summer, more expensive during the Festival d'Avignon. Mas du Clos de l'Escarrat Route de Carpentras chemin de l'Escarrat.

€80 Bed & Breakfast Hotel Le Colbert [18] - Individual air conditioning room from € 78-- 7 rue Agricol Perdiguier--+33 4 90 86 20 20 Au Saint Roch, 9 rue Paul Mérindol, 84000 Avignon (South West from the middle age city), ☎ +33 6 90 16 50 00 ( contact@hotelstroch-avignon.com , fax: +33 4 90 82 78 30), [19] . Nice hotel with a very quiet garden. From €48 to €65, plus €9 for breakfast. edit Splurge[ edit ] Hotel d 'Europe [20] 12, Place Crillon. €350. 5-star La Mirande Hotel 4, place de la Mirande €400 and up. 5 star hotel housed in a 700 year old converted townhouse.

Stay safe[ edit ] Be wary of anyone around the Palais des Papes area (or anywhere else in Avignon) who tries to get you to sign a supposed petition. They also attempt to accost you just when you leave the Palais des Papes and claim to be working for the Palais des Papes or other authorities in Avignon. This is untrue. If you sign their petition, they will demand money from you. If you encounter any of these people, ignore them or say 'non' and keep walking. Get out[ edit ] Some of the most beautiful villages in Provence are located nearby Avignon : Le Pont du Gard : this spectacular three-level stone ancient Roman aqueduct bridge is one of the greatest and best preserved pieces of Roman architecture in France. Take the A15 "Edgard" bus, which, after the renovation, again leaves from Gare Routiere. Alternately, catch a taxi from the SNCF station for around 50 Euros. If you just plan on seeing the Pont du Gard, you should be able to walk right in without buying a ticket as the ticket just gets you into the other exhibits. There is no ticket check as you approach the bridge from many of the hiking paths.

Les Baux de Provence : listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, standing on a spur of rock in the heart of the Alpilles, this village dominates Arles and the Camargue and offers and exceptional panorama. Superb medieval stone fortress. Gordes : lovely village perched on a rock, facing the Luberon mountains, Gordes has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Narrow cobbled streets and magnificent castle whispering the tales of a thousand legends. Roussillon : classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France, facing the Luberon Mountains, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. Fontaine de Vaucluse : located in a valley, at the foot of the Vaucluse Moutains, encircled by a tremendous erosion-sculpted cliff, this village owes its fame to its spring which is the largest in France. The spring is also the source of one of the most beautiful river in the department, the Sorgue River.

Saint Remy de Provence : located at the heart of the Alpilles, this typical Provencal village, built on one of the oldest Roman city, has inspired many artists, including Van Gogh. Arles : this town which has a history of 2500 years, is also known as “Gaul’s Little Rome”. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which its famous arena. Arles is also the first city which Van Gogh discovered when he settled in South France in search of this light so unique to the South. Occitania Provence Tours offers tours to visit these sites. [21] Destination Avignon, France home - destinations - europe - france - destination: avignon Destination: AVIGNON, FRANCE Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city of the departement of Vaucluse, and is located on the banks of the Rhone river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000. Avignon is famous as the city to which the Popes fled to when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century.

The Palais they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' is the world's largest Gothic edifice. It was largely emptied over the centuries, and its vast stone rooms are filled with little more than old frescos, but it is still an imposing building. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown. Its early history is much older than the popes, however. Avignon occupies a stragetic location for several reasons - it is at the confluence of two once-mighty rivers: the Rhone, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhone that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places. The city is now sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless.

HISTORY OF AVIGNON Avignon has been continuously inhabited since the stone age, when troglodyte inhabitations were built in caves in the Rocher des Dames, a massive outcropping of rock rising over the banks of the Rhone. Today, a public park with benches, views over the surrounding countryside, a cafe and playground is located on top of the Rocher. The Romans had a presence in Avignon, though the walls they built lie buried somewhere under the modern streets. Vestiges of the forum can still be seen, lying unassumingly near the Rue Racine and the Rue Saint-Etienne, to the west of the city. Then, in medieval times, the town grew to an important center of communication and trade. The stone bridge spanning the Rhone was one of only three between the Mediterranean and Lyon. It was undoubtedly for its strategic location and ease of travel that it was chosen by the papacy as home within the then kingdom of Provence. The presence of the papacy made Avignon into a city of great political and economic activity.

The old city wall, now visible only as a street that circles the very center of the town (changing names 5 times in the process!) was much too small and a larger wall, still visible today, was necessary to protect its bulging population. Wealthy Cardinals built extravagant palaces known as livrees both within Avignon and across the river, in Villeneuve-l�s-Avignon. The city teemed with activity and building as architects, builders, artists flocked to the town. At that time, within the city walls there were over 100 churches and chapels - many of which have been transformed since then into everything from shops to a movie theater! The wealth and activity generated by the presence of the papacy spilled out into the region, so that even small villages nearby boast a rich architectural past. Click here for Avignon Tours, Travel and Activities with Viator THINGS TO SEE IN AVIGNON A popular tourist destination is the Place du Palais, just next to the Place de L'horloge, though the casual tourist may find these places shockingly expensive, and flooded during the summer months with tourists.

Within a short distance in just about any direction are the smaller squares frequented by the locals, and much lower prices. Recommended is the Place Pie, with its covered market (open 6am to 1 pm everyday) which sells fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and produits du pays. Pont d'Avignon Le Pont Saint-Benezet is a ruined bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages - before the arrival of the Papacy - perhaps partly to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-l�s-Avignon, where the church authorities had installed themselves because of Avignon's then-infamous dirt and lawlessness. The legend of the bridge's building is that a local shepherd, Benezet (a dialect form of Benedict) was inspired by angels to build a bridge. When his appeals to the town authorities proved fruitless, he picked up a vast block of stone and hurled it into the river, to be the bridge's foundation stone. Convinced by this demonstration of divine will, the bridge was swiftly built. The poor shepherd boy was canonised, and his chapel remains on the surviving portion of the bridge.

If the bridge was divinely inspired, the Deity must have quickly changed his mind, because before long the bridge became unsafe and, following numerous floods, mostly derelict. Originally, the bridge had 22 arches, reaching across to the tower of Philippe le Bel via the mid-stream �le de la Barthelasse. Only 4 of the 22 arches now remain. A multilingual audio tour of the bridge explains some of the local history. The well-known song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" (on the bridge at Avignon) refers to the bridge. The bridge itself is far too narrow for dancing or festivals - the original text of the song was "Sous (under) le pont d'Avignon", referring to the festivals and entertainments staged on the �le de la Barthelasse. The current version was popularised by a 19th century operetta, whose librettist clearly assumed that 'sous le pont d'Avignon' would have meant in the river. Museums Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from Modern Art Museums to museums housing artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman days.

THINGS TO DO IN AVIGNON Theatre Festival Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival. For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists. The festival is an excuse to turn any room with enough seating into a 'salle de spectacle' and the city is host to a wide variety of entertainment. The gem of this festival are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, but this is considered by many French and European thespians to be a crowning achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, of course, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in (eg) English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theatre give the city a marvellous feeling. The International Congress Center was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year. For more information on Avignon, visit the source at Wikitravel

Question: In which French city does the Pont Saint-Benezet only partly span the river Rhone?
Answer: Avignon