Avignon Sightseeing

In Avignon, everything worth seeing is within easy walking distance and orientation is not difficult. The city is enclosed in fortified medieval walls, with the River Rhône to the north and west of the town.

The Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet are in the north, connected by the place du Palais, which itself runs into Avignon's central square (place de l'Horloge) just a little south. This square is home to the impressive Hôtel de Ville and the Opera House, decorated with statues of former visitors Corneille and Molière.

From there, the main thoroughfare, the rue de la République, turns into the cours Jean Jaurès as it approaches the southern city walls and the railway station. To the east are several shopping streets and a mass of interesting restaurants and cafes.

The best way for visitors to explore Avignon is to wander through its maze of medieval streets. Many take their names from inns (such as rue du Chapeau Rouge) or from trades - such as rue des Fourbisseurs (‘weapon sharpeners'), rue du Vieux Sextier (‘old sexton') and rue des Teinturiers, named after the process used to dye calico.

Off the main drag, the rue Joseph Vernet is worth a detour, lined with Avignon's most stylish shops, old hotels and quaint courtyards and gardens. More imposing but still frequented, mainly by the locals, is the cathedral, Notre-Dame des Doms, a brief walk passed the Palais des Papes. The cathedral is surrounded by Rocher des Doms, a charming public park offering magnificent views of the city and the Rhône.

Avignon also has a cluster of interesting little museums that are clearly detailed on a free map available at the Avignon Tourist Office. Most notable is the Musée Angladon, which displays the private collection of aesthete Jacques Doucet, including Modigliani's The Pink Blouse and Van Gogh's The Railroad Cars.

Office de Tourisme d'Avignon
41 cours Jean Jaurès
Tel: (04) 3274 3274.
Website: www.avignon-tourisme.com or www.ot-avignon.fr

There is also an information office at Espace St Bénezet.

The Avignon Passion card is available free at participating museums, on tourist transport and at Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon tourist offices. The pass offers 20% off tourism transportation and cut-price admission (reductions of 20-50%) after the first full-price attraction has been visited and includes all the various sightseeing tours listed in the Tours of the City section. Participating museums and attractions include Musée Calvet, Musée Vouland, Musée du Petit Palais, Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet. The pass is valid for two weeks of unlimited visits for the holder and their family.