Avignon

Avignon

In the middle of the Rhone river

about 95 km (60 mi) north of Marseille lies the city of Avignon. Known as “The City of the Popes’, Avignon was a great city, in 1309, when Pope Clement V, a French pope, turbulences fled from Rome to the tranquil French town. The third Avignon pope, Benedict XII, started building the magnificent Palais des Papes, later completed by his successor, Clement VI. The palace was desecrated during the French Revolution, their treasures were looted, the frescoes show how luxurious was the life here. Beside the palace is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms, a romanic style building. Also nearby is the Petit Palais, where the Pope and his entourage lived while the house was being built. This palace has a stunning collection of Italian Renaissance art which includes the work of Botticelli, “Virgin and Child.”  The city walls still remain some traces where you can reach the Pont St-Benezet. Resided in Avignon, seven popes, between 1309 and 1377, when Gregory VII decided to return to Rome, creating a major crisis in the Church that was only resolved in 1417. In 1377, the anti-popes, Clement VII and Benedict XIII, continued to live in Avignon. The Historic Centre of Avignon is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hotels in Avignon

What to visit in Avignon: Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes); Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms; Pont St Benezet (Pont d’Avignon); Petit Palais; Place du Palais;

Restaurants in Avignon

• Restaurant Fou de Fafa
• La Cour d’Honneur
• Newground
• Les 5 Sens

Transports in Avignon

Avignon – Caumont Airport (AVN): There are especially seasonal flights.

By Train: There are trains to/from Paris and Marseille.

Maps of Avignon

Map of Avignon

Where is Avignon on Map of France