From its flamboyant past when the Capital of the Christian world, Avignon still has its overwhelming architectural heritage, much of which is part of UNESCO World Heritage: the Palace of the Popes, the Pont d’Avignon, the square in front of the Palace where you see the Baroque façade of the former Mint, the Petit Palais museum and the Cathedral des Doms, the ramparts from the Doms gardens to the Pont d’Avignon. Enter and explore this amazing open-air book of History, relive eras past and present that built, stone by stone, the city of Avignon, making it a land of exception.
PONT D’AVIGNON
Like an outreached hand connecting two sides, the Pont Saint Benezet, also called the Pont d’Avignon, is amazing technical prowess!
PALACE OF THE POPES
Do you really know the Palace of the Popes in Avignon? Did you know that it is the biggest Gothic palace in the world! That it was built in less than 70 years by the Popes, and that today there are 25 rooms open to your visit? That it also served as a military barracks, and is used as a theatrical stage, a cultural setting for prestigious exhibitions? [...]
PETIT PALAIS MUSEUM
At one end of Palace of the Popes Square stands the Petit Palais museum, one of the leading European museums of medieval art. Take the time to open the door and discover the magnificent building and collections.
RAMPARTS
Intra-muros. That is how Avignon inhabitants refer to the inside of the ramparts.
BASILICA NOTRE DAME DES DOMS
Close to the Palace of the Popes stands the Basilica of Notre Dame des Doms, crowned by a gilded lead statue of the Virgin Mary which seems to touch the sky. This church, built in the 1100’s, and reworked in the 15th and 17th centuries, stands majestically overlooking the Rhône valley from its position on the Rocher des Doms.
: A detailed visit is well worth it, for after more than two years of renovation, the basilica is now once again open to the public, from September to June: Monday to Saturday 7 to 12.30 and 2 to 6.30pm. On Sunday it is open from 2 to 6.30pm. In July and August open Monday to Saturday 7 to 6.30pm. There is no charge. Please do not disturb the faithful during liturgical services.
