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The island of Barthelasse

The countryside a stone's throw from Avignon

Europe’s largest river island welcomes you on the Rhône, between the departments of Vaucluse and Gard. Discover a bucolic island next to one of Provence’s most beautiful historic cities.

Europe’s biggest river island

Covering an area of 9.8 km², Barthelasse Island was originally made up of a string of islets. Alluvial deposits gradually filled in the marshy areas, and major development work was undertaken to bring the various islands together. Dykes were built around the island in the 19th century to protect its banks and help it withstand flooding from the Rhône.

Barthelasse island was annexed to Avignon in 1856, and became one of the many districts of the city of the popes. Despite being less than a mile as the crow flies from the historic center of the Provençal town, it has preserved its rural and agricultural landscapes. It still helps to feed the people of Avignon.

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Barthelasse Island, the countryside at the gateway to Avignon

With centuries of agricultural tradition, the island is still home to wine estates, orchards, fields and market gardens in the 21st century. The cultivated areas are often bordered by hedges of trees, and the riverbanks have a wooded area that provides refuge for many birds.

You can relax on the Barthelasse island by taking a stroll along the old towpath, which runs alongside the river bank and faces the ramparts. You can also follow the many paths that wind their way through the vineyards and fields, and treat yourself to a gourmet break by buying your fruit and vegetables direct from the island’s farms. Distilleries and wineries also invite you to sample wines and spirits (in moderation).

You can easily explore the Barthelasse island on foot or by bike, and observe the many species of birds that live here. Several routes have been designed for cyclists, allowing them to explore the island while offering views of Avignon and the right bank of the Rhône. Play areas and picnic tables have been laid out to the south of the island.

Unusual views of Avignon and its heritage

The Ile de la Barthelasse also offers an unusual view of the treasures of the city of the Popes. From the banks, you can admire the ramparts and crenellated towers of the Palais des Papes. You can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Avignon’s Notre-Dame-des-Doms cathedral and the Petit Palais museum.

In the Middle Ages, the Pont Saint-Bénezet, popularised by a famous nursery rhyme, was one of the few crossing points between the Comtat Venaissin, owned by the Popes, and the Kingdom of France. Part of it was destroyed when the river flooded, but several of the arches are still there.

From the other bank, look out for the Tour Philippe-le-Bel and Fort Saint-André, two medieval fortresses that once guarded the borders of the Kingdom of France.

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Practical information

Two bridges link the south of Ile de la Barthelasse to Avignon, Les Angles and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. You can park in the Piot park-and-ride facility, which has 1,100 spaces. The smaller Antoine Pinay car park is usually full during the tourist season.

A free river shuttle, known as the “bac à Traille”, runs between the foot of the Rocher des Doms and the Ile de la Barthelasse from mid-February to 31 December. You can make the crossing with your bike. The shuttle does not run during periods of high winds or flooding.

There is a wide range of tourist accommodation on Barthelasse island. You can stay at one of the many campsites on the island, or stay in a hotel, bed and breakfast or holiday rental.