The city of the Popes, center of Christianity in the Middle Ages, is an important tourist destination. Discover a selection of activities and monuments to visit Avignon in one day!
The Palace of the Popes
Built and improved by several sovereign pontiffs during most of the 14th century, the Palace of the Popes is quite simply the largest Gothic construction of the Middle Ages. Its visit allows you to discover its exceptional architecture, and to learn more about this historical parenthesis which, for several decades, placed Avignon at the center of all of medieval Europe.
The Petit Palais Museum
The museum owes its name to the familiar name given to the Palace of the Archbishops. It is renowned for its permanent collections, which notably house Italian paintings, as well as sculptures and paintings from the School of Avignon. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized there. Other museums can complete a day’s visit focused on culture: such as the Petit-Palais museum or the Calvet museum.
The Saint-Bénézet Bridge
This monumental stone bridge once made it possible to cross the Rhône, linking the Comtat Venaissin to the Kingdom of France. But the fury of the river got the better of the genius of the builders, and several arches were carried away by the floods. Popularized by a nursery rhyme, the one nicknamed the Pont d’Avignon remains an essential tourist attraction.
The Garden of the Doms
Built on the promontory of the same name, the Jardin des Doms offers an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. You can stroll through its alleys, admire the statues scattered in the park, or enjoy the view of the city, the river and the surrounding countryside. A playground can provide a playful break for children.
Near Avignon
Do you want to complete your day visit to Avignon by exploring the surrounding area? On the other side of the river, opposite the island of Barthelasse, awaits Fort Saint-André. This impressive citadel was the response of the King of France to papal power. A few kilometers from Avignon, on the road to Uzès, the Pont du Gard bears witness to Roman know-how in the field of construction.
