From the early 13th century, the Provençal city of Avignon was the center of the Roman Catholic world for 70 years, and although its transition as the seat of power just took some decades, it has been left with a magnificent legacy of priestly architecture with the elevation of the palace as a World Heritage Site classified as the Palace of the Popes. Here are the top must-see attractions in Avignon, France.
Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes, the largest medieval palace ever built was built by Pope Clement V, who left Rome in 1309 after a violent disorder of his choice. Its immense size shows the medieval power of the Roman Catholic Church. The cave-like rooms, chapels, and antechambers, which are surrounded by 3-meter-thick walls, are almost bare today, but tickets now contain “histopads” tablets, showing representations of what the building in all its papal splendor looks like in reality.
Pont St-Bénézet
According to legend, Pastor Bénézet had three visions that encouraged him to build a bridge over the Rhone. The 900-meter bridge, which was completed in 1185, connected Avignon to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. It was reconstructed many times, but 4 of its 22 sections were towed in the 17th century, so the end in the middle of the Rhone was lost. The Rocher des Doms park, the Édouard Daladier bridge, and the Chemin des Berg on the Ile de la Barthelasse offer beautiful views.
Musée du Petit Palais
The palace of the 14th and 15th-century archbishops now houses exceptional collections of primitive Italian religious paintings from the pre-Renaissance period, by artists such as Giovanni di Paolo, Carpaccio, and Botticelli, and the most famous being La Vierge et L’Enfant by Botticelli. Please note that coats and bags can be searched upon entering.
Musée Angladon
The small Angladon Museum houses an impressive collection of the expressionist, impressionist, and realistic treasures, including works by Picasso, Degas, Modigliani, Manet, Sisley, and Cézanne. The main piece, however, is the Railway Wagons by Van Gogh, the artist’s only paintings on display in Provence. You can impress your friends by emphasizing that the “Earth” doesn’t really paint, but a bare canvas.
Place du Palais
This impressive and spacious space around the Palais des Papes offers impressive photo opportunities. In the 17th century Romanesque cathedral, there is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. In addition to the cathedral, the gardens of the Rocher des Doms on the hill offer a magnificent view of the Rhône, Les Alpilles, and Mont Ventoux. In front of the palace is the 17th century Hôtel des Monnaies, formerly the papal mint and decorated with elaborate sculptures and heraldic animals.