France

Palais des Papes

We started our first morning early by taking a cab to the Palais des Papes. This contains the Pope's private rooms and has some of the most beautiful frescoes we have ever seen.

Musée Du Petit Palais

Next, we visited the Musee Du Petit Palais, which is home to the famous City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. You'll be able to see stellar artworks by the foremost masters across various generations.

Basilique Saint-Pierre

Then we went down to Basílica de San Pedro de Aviñón, a cathedral built in the 12th Century and such a gorgeous piece of Gothic architecture. There were lots to explore there. Post-lunch, we walked down to Avignon Cathedral to explore the hallowed grounds and architecture of this glorious place of worship.

Pont d'Avignon

We also visited the Le Pont d’Avignon bridge, which inspired the French children's rhyme, "Sur le pont d’Avignon". Close by were the gardens of Le Rocher des Doms, whose terraced gardens are breathtaking. Finally, we took a stroll down the quaint, cobblestoned pathway of the famous Rue des Teinturiers, window shopping all the while.&nbsp;

Exploring the museums and palaces of Avignon

île de la Barthelasse

We began the second day by an early morning by taking the ferry to the beautiful Ile de la Barthelasse. You can walk, play paintball and explore the greenery. When we got back to Avignon center, we drove to Les Arenes (the Amphitheatre). It used to be the venue for hand-to-hand combat and chariot races during the civilization of the ancient Romans.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Next, we drove down to the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, a Cistercian abbey located in the lap of the verdant Provence. We fell in love with the forested hills surrounding the Abbey. Our next stop was the Musée Louis Vouland, which houses 18th Century furniture, clothes and other interior decorations.

Théâtre antique d'Orange

We then drove to the Roman Theatre of Orange, which is another vestige of the ancient Roman Empire and a must-visit spot here.

Visiting the ancient monuments loved by the French

Les Halles d'Avignon

On our last day in Avignon, we visited the city's largest market, held in the Les Halles d’Avignon.

Pont Saint-Bénézet

Then we paid a visit to the La Maison Carree, which is the only Roman temple from ancient times to remain completely undisturbed and intact. It was humbling to visit this temple.

Musée Lapidaire

We then made our way to Pont Saint-Bénézet, a bridge believed to have been built in the 12th Century and renovated in the 17th Century after a flash flood destroyed half the bridge. Our next trip was to the Musée Lapidaire, which houses an extensive archeological collection from near Avignon. Then we visited the Cimetière Saint-Véran cemetary, which houses over 12000 tombs of famous philosophers and literary figures.

Collection Lambert Avignon

Our group ended our fabulous trip to Avignon with a visit to the Collection Lambert, which houses contemporary artwork from the late 20th and early 21st Century periods.&nbsp;

Taking a trip to pre-Medieval and Medieval time architecture 

Our trip to Avignon in France was a stunning and slightly tiring experience. This was mainly because there was a lot of walking to do, as we explored various historical and heritage UNESCO world heritage sites in the city. Avignon is replete with many important French and Roman landmarks. Many of the sites have entry fees and long queues. So, it's best to book your visit (and an audio guide) in advance. Have extra cash handy since this is an expensive city, and you may have unaccounted-for expenses to cater to in terms of meals, transport, and gifts at the souvenir shops.

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Exploring the museums and palaces of Avignon

Visiting the ancient monuments loved by the French

Taking a trip to pre-Medieval and Medieval time architecture

A Trip Down History During Our Holiday in Avignon, France

3

Title:

Areas of Travel:

Seasons:

Updated:

Budget Range:

Exploring the museums and palaces of Avignon

Visiting the ancient monuments loved by the French

Taking a trip to pre-Medieval and Medieval time architecture