Avignon

Place du palais des papes

This is the palace where the Popes of Avignon ruled. For part of the period the Papacy was divided, with a Pope in Rome and another in Avignon. Most of the artwork inside (statues, frescoes) was destroyed during the French Revolution, but…

Hôtel Villeneuve-Martignan, 65 rue Joseph Vernet· Free

Fine arts museum with works from 15th to 20th centuries housed in an 18th-century mansion.

Palais des archevêques, Pl. du Palais· Free

Housed in the Archbishops' Palace adjacent to the Palace of the Popes, it has a rich collection on loan from the Paris Louvre Museum of major works by Italian and French Medieval and early-Renaissance artists. Run by the Fondation Calvet.

300 metres north of Gare d'Avignon Centre· Cheap

Contemporary art museum developed from the collection of Yvon Lambert.

3 Rue Collège du Roure· Free

A former mansion converted into a museum. Hosts temporary exhibitions in addition to the permanent exhibition. This small museum has a collection of old church bells in the courtyard. No elevator, only stairs.

It is a ruined bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages — before the arrival of the Papacy — perhaps partly to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where the church…

Avignon is famous the world over for its annual theatre festival. For three or four weeks in July the city is virtually swollen with street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists.

Was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year.

Chemin des Félons

A modern-style fair. The wine competition of the Rhone Valley, organised upstream since 1980, gives its official results at this fair.

just off of Rue de la République, south of the Place de l'Horlorge

This wine shop has a permanent tasting machine set up with 32 wines. You purchase tasting credit for however much you like, they give you a card that you can put in the tasting machine to select the wine you want to taste.

tucked in a nice little square just south of the Palais des Papes

Try the Assiette Epicière for a plate full of provençal specialities such as tapenade, ratatouille, with a salad and some ham.

just south of the Palais des Papes

A well-known Provençale chef. An excellent vegetarian menu is available.

17 Rue Des Trois Faucons

Quality French food with an international twist.

5 Rue de la République

Haute French restaurant with Peruvian influences.

Île de la Barthelasse· Moderate

This hotel, hostel and camp site is on Ile de la Bathelasse in the centre of the Rhone. This is perhaps the best place to stay on a budget. It has great facilities and offers perhaps the best view of the centre of Avignon.

just behind the central station, which faces the main avenue of downtown and the bus station· Cheap

Family-run hotel overlooking a flowered garden, within a private carpark. Internet wi-fi available in the whole building. Renovated rooms with the typical Provencal style. 7 languages spoken. Private taxi service.

in old city, near the tourism office· Expensive

A charming hotel in an 18th-century house.

10 minutes walk from bus and train station· Pricey

some rooms with bathroom. Small hotel located within the city walls. Has a small private car park. Its use is free of charge if you can find a place for your car.

4 place de la Mirande· Expensive

5-star hotel housed in a 700-year-old converted townhouse.