Saint-André Abbey, Villeneuve Lez Avignon. Credit: Olivier TressonVilleneuve-lès-Avignon, although on French soil, quickly became the Popes’ summer resort, with fifteen palaces and gardens in full bloom!
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, although on French soil, quickly became the Popes’ summer resort, with fifteen palaces and gardens in full bloom!
19 Rue des Récollets, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
To John XXII precisely, elected Pope in 1316, from the bourgeoisie of Cahors, the new pontiff took up permanent residence in the Palais des Papes but chose Châteauneuf to establish a secondary residence. In his pontifical court, Cahors winemakers from whom John XXIII requested the planting of the first papal vineyard.
If production was modest in the early years (account books mention four then six barrels of wine per year), by 1325 papal wine production had reached twelve barrels. In 1936, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC was born, with bottles from prestigious estates gracing the tables of the world’s finest restaurants.
The Popes left their mark on the city in the 14th century, and their passage had a lasting influence on daily life in Avignon. With this itinerary, discover the main buildings testifying to the golden age of the City of the Popes.
