Avignon and Provence, Medieval Beauty in the South of France

My first impression of Avignon – the historic city is small and very beautiful.  The medieval fortified walls surrounding the old city give it such character and uniqueness. Adding to its charm, Avignon is a world heritage site, largely due to an existence of the largest Gothic palace – le Palais des Papes or the Papal Palace. Both a powerful fortress and a magnificent palace, the Papal Palace was the seat of the papacy for Christians in the 14th century and for 71 years, a rival to the Vatican. In fact, at one time there were two popes, each claiming to be head of the church until this “Great Schism” was resolved in 1414.  As a Roman Catholic, I was surprised that I had no knowledge of such an important historical religious context.

I was very impressed by the magnificence and enormity of this exceptional monument, which bears the mark of the nine popes who reigned there.  A visit to the palace allows one to discover 25 different areas: ceremonial rooms, chapels, cloisters, and private papal apartments with their priceless frescoes and countless breathtaking treasures.

Not far from the Papal Palace, you can easily combine your day with a visit to the legendary bridge  “Pont d’Avignon”. Built in the 13thcentury, the bridge was repeatedly damaged by the raging flood waters of the Rhone River as well as by war. Repaired and rebuilt again and again, by the 17th century it was abandoned.

Gastronomy and shopping in Avignon

There is an abundance of shopping in Avignon: great markets, specialty food shops, high street stores, boutiques, shops, cafes and a great selection of restaurants.  The best shopping streets are rue de la Republique, and rue Joseph Vernet, where you find French boutiques offering high-end fashion and accessories.   Just outside of the city centre visit the large mall, Buld’air, for home accessories, perfumes and cafes.

Compared to Lyon, it is difficult to capture an image of the entire city of Avignon with a camera.  You are in a better position from the River Rhône, or from its western bank.  I managed to get good photo by climbing up to the park, Rocher des Doms, which gave me a good view as well as an opportunity to take a photo of the Pont d’Avignon. 

Recommendations 

Hotels  

La Mirande Avignon http://www.la-mirande.fr/#/en/accueil/

A 2-minute walk from the Palais des Papes, this elegant grand mansion, now a hotel, is a 4-minute walk from the Musée Du Petit Palais and 7-minute walk from the Pont d'Avignon.

High-end rooms offer classic, country-style decor and original 18th-century features. Most rooms and suites have palace views. Some feature terraces. The opulent suites add chandeliers and plush, antique-style furnishings.A breakfast buffet is served in a refined dining room. The classic restaurant offers fine dining and cooking classes in the beautiful 19th century kitchen, given by the best chefs in the area. There's also a charming courtyard and garden.

Le Prieuré Hôtel: A 2- minute walk from Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg, this upscale Relais & Chateaux hotel in a 14th-century priory is also 5 minutes on foot from Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-val-de-Bénédiction, a medieval monastery.

The acclaimed restaurant has an ornate, period fireplace and a romantic terrace.The menu features high-end regional cuisine. Other amenities include a bar, gardens, a gift shop, seasonal outdoor pool and tennis courts. http://www.leprieure.com/en/home

Restaurants & Gastronomy

Le Diapason http://www.lediapason-restaurant.com/

Christian Etienne  http://christian-etienne.fr/home.htm

If you visit the Lourmarin area in Provence, 50 km east of Avignon, the village is well-known for its gastronomy and elegant dining.  http://www.olivettes.com/food/gastronomy.php

A must to visit is the covered market, Les Halles, open in the morning, Tuesday to Sunday from 6am onwards.  Lots of food to choose from for a picnic, snacks or to take home. http://www.Avignon-Leshalles.com     

Extending your visit in Provence

Touring around Provence is a great way to extend your visit in the Avignon area.

At the Lubéron you’ll discover the peaceful charm of a series of pretty, perched villages and a lifestyle brought to life by Peter Mayle in many books, including “A Year in Provence”.  The villages include Fontaine de Vaucluse, in the valley; Ménerbes, with its many vineyards; Rousillon, with its steep red ochre cliffs; and Gordes, a beautiful stone village that rises high above the plain.  For those who want to witness fields of bright purple lavender in full bloom, the flowering stage begins in mid to late June in Sault and Roussillon. Visits to see the lavender fields in the beautiful medieval Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque are only available from June 15th to July 20th.

If you have a few days to spend in Provence, you can also visit the Roman heritage sites. Travel back two thousand years ago to see the antique theatre in Orange and the Roman aqueduct  “Pont du Gard”, two of the best-preserved monument from this period. 

In the steps of Van Gogh at Arles

Following in the steps of the painter, Vincent Van Gogh, you’ll discover the Provençal villages and landscapes that inspired him: Saint Rémy de Provence, les Baux de Provence and the Chaînede Alpilles.  In Arles, the city where he lived, there’s a walking tour of places he painted. Those fascinated by ancient history will enjoy spectacular Romans monuments including an amphitheater, Roman theatre and forum, baths, and one of the most famous Roman necropolis (cemetery) in the world. 

And then, there is Paris

Who can ever have too much of Paris? I can keep going back and exploring different areas and pockets throughout the city.  Each neighborhood has its own character. The difference this time was how I got around.  On this visit, I was definitely more willing to use the Paris subway system, the Métro. Stay tuned for my next blog with a list of up and coming, trendy eateries, bistros and restaurants and food markets in Paris.

There are many other great ways to see France. Would you ever consider taking a bistro biking tour, a cooking tour, a walking tour or an enchanting River Cruise for itineraries include Burgundy & Provence, Paris & Normandy, Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux.

Please feel free to drop us a line at info@redlettergetaways.com , we will be delighted to provide you with a few ideas to plan your next getaway.

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