| AVIGNON, Pope's city |
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AVIGNON, Pope's city - Pont Benezet
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AVIGNON, Pope's city - Pope's Palace
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| In confluence with the Rhone and the Durance, Avignon, enclosed by long fortifications, is a grandiose sight. |
In the Middle Ages, it was a large market town. In the 12th century it became an important economic center due to the construction of a bridge over the Rhone. With the arrival of the Popes in the 14th century, the town became influential, without precedence. A marked transformation took place and commerce flourished. Attracted by the pontifical presence and the reputation of the town, the arrival of important Italian masters gave birth to an intense artistic movement.
This is a city not to |
be missed, if only to discover "intra muros" the magnificent art treasures and architecture the city possesses. And of course, there is the famous Festival, which has given this city an international notoriety.
TO SEE:
The Pope's Palace. One of the most beautiful specimens of 14th century Gothic architecture. Popes inhabited this immense fortress in the heart of Avignon between 1334 and 1403. Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral situated next to the Palais, erected in the 12th century and modified in 1671. Rocher des Doms, a rocky spur overlooking the Rhone shelters the first traces of Man living on the site of Avignon. Today it is a pretty garden with a magnificent panoramic view. Musee du Petit Palais is found at the northern extremity of the Palais des Papes’ square, in an ancient dwelling inhabited by the Archbishops which was built around 1320 and modified in the second half of the 15th century. It houses 350 paintings from the Italian Primitive School as well as three rooms consecrated to painters and sculptors from the Avignonnaise School. Not far from the Palais des Papes, you will find the Place de l’Horloge, which was built on a Roman forum. With its terraces and cafes shaded by plane trees this is a lively square, particularly during the Avignon Festival. The Musee Angladon is a beautiful 18th century dwelling which houses works from the private collection of Parisian couturier, Jacques Doucet, among which you will find such famous painters as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Degas, Picasso and others.
The 14th century ramparts surround the town for 5 km and are superbly conserved. Pont Saint-Benezet is well known because of the rhyme "Sur le pont d’Avignon". Only 4 of its 22 arches that once spanned the Rhone, are left standing. Two chapels were built underneath – one dedicated to Saint-Benezet, the other to Saint-Nicolas, patron of the Rhone boatmen.
Surroundings
Ile de la Barthelasse, sitting in the middle of the river, is the longest fluvial island in France. This small piece of countryside, dotted with orchards, offers the possibility to escape from the burning summer heat in the town. Villeneuve les Avignon, situated on the other side of the river, was once very much appreciated by the Popes and Cardinals. It now belongs to the Department du Gard. Absolutely worth a visit as you will discover cloisters, chapels and old dwellings hidden away in the verdure. The Chartreuse du Val de Benediction, founded by Pope Innocent V1 in the 14th century and the Abbaye St. Andre gardens from where you will have a splendid view over Avignon. Unfortunately the 10th century abbey no longer exists. |
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