Avignon: A City of Papal Splendor and Provençal Tales

Avignon, nestled in the heart of Provence, is a city that immediately draws you into its rich past. It's not your average French city; here you feel the echoes of a time when popes ruled the world and artists created their masterpieces. A walk through Avignon is a journey through centuries of grandeur, surrounded by imposing architecture and the gentle breeze of the Rhône.

The Papal Heart of Avignon

At the center of Avignon stands the colossal Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a structure that towers over the city like an impregnable fortress. Inside, however, it was a lavish palace where nine popes reigned during the church's famous 'Babylonian Captivity'. It is a place where power and spirituality merged, and the frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti in the Saint-Martial chapel can still be admired.

Directly next to the palace is the Place du Palais, the beating heart of Avignon. This square has been a stage for papal processions and royal visits. Above the square, the gilded Madonna atop the Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral watches over the city.

Adjacent to the grandeur of the Papal Palace is the Musée du Petit Palais, once the archbishop's palace. This museum houses a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, with works by Botticelli and Carpaccio, offering an unexpected journey to 15th-century Florence.

Along the Rhône and Through Green Oases

One of Avignon's most iconic landmarks is the Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d'Avignon. This bridge, immortalized in a world-famous children's song, once stretched majestically across the Rhône. Now, only four of its original arches still stand proudly, silent witnesses to bygone eras.

High above the city, near the cathedral, lies the Jardin des Doms, a green oasis. From here, you have a panoramic view of the Rhône, the Pont d'Avignon, and the surrounding Provence. You can stroll along ponds with swans and ducks, and admire the golden Madonna watching over the city from the rock.

Avignon: A Centuries-Old Art Gallery

Avignon is also a city for art lovers. The Basilique Saint-Pierre, an example of flamboyant Gothic, stands out with its sculpted wooden doors from the 16th century, a masterpiece of detail and craftsmanship.

In an elegant 18th-century mansion lies the Musée Angladon, which houses Jacques Doucet's private collection. It is the only place in Provence where you can admire a Van Gogh: 'The Wagons'. The Musée Lapidaire, housed in the former Jesuit church of Saint-Pierre, displays Roman and medieval sculptures, with the church's architecture itself being a work of art.

The Musée Calvet, named after the physician and bibliophile Esprit Calvet, is a treasure trove of art and history in a beautiful 18th-century mansion. The collection ranges from Egyptian antiquities to paintings by French masters. The Musée Louis Vouland, another charming mansion, showcases a collection of 18th-century decorative arts, including furniture, tapestries, and ceramics.

For lovers of modern art, there is the Collection Lambert, housed in two 18th-century mansions. Here, the combination of historic architecture and modern artworks, from Cy Twombly to Anselm Kiefer, creates a dialogue between past and present.

The city is embraced by the Remparts d'Avignon, impressive medieval city walls. With their 39 towers and various gates, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site and tell the story of Avignon's rich past as a papal fortress.

This glimpse into Avignon's treasures shows only a fraction of what this city has to offer. A full walk through Avignon reveals many more hidden details, captivating stories, and surprising stops for you to discover yourself. Let history guide you and choose your Avignon adventure in the CityWalkGems app.

• 12 stops
• ~3,8 km route length
• ~625 m longest stretch
• about 1,5–2 h duration
• Free