Spring 2022

uilt to protect the city from the assaults
by gangs of marauding mercenaries. Work
began in 1355 during the Papacy of Pope
Innocent VI and were completed in 1370
under the reign of Pope Urban V. The
entrance of the Avignon Bridge provides
access onto the ramparts, and to the Rocher
des Doms Gardens. The views over the city
and the Rhône River are breath-taking.
“Very few medieval cities in Provence have
intact ramparts today because they were
sometimes demolished by kings to weaken
the power of the local community for
instance Louis XIV ordered the demolition of
Orange’s fortifications in 1660, which makes
Avignon’s ramparts all the more special. And
sometimes they were just taken by the locals
to use for building materials.” says Emily
Durand of Your Private Provence.
But don’t go thinking Avignon is a museum
town – it’s a vibrant city with lots of
beautiful squares where you can sit and
watch the world go by at superb bars
and restaurants. There are more than a
dozen museums and year-round festivals.
You’ll find fabulous markets (don’t miss
Les Halles), and it’s the perfect place to
wander with picturesque streets lined with
magnificent architectural gems.
Recommended tour:
Heritage sites and
lavender tour
Where to eat out in
Avignon as recommended
by the locals
Top things to do in Avignon
yourprivateprovence.com/escortedtravel-perks/provence-heritage-sites-tour
thegoodlifefrance.com/10-greatrestaurants-and-bars-in-avignonprovence/
thegoodlifefrance.com/top-ten-things-tosee-in-avignon/
Palais of the Papes when it was used as a barracks
Inside Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes
The Good Life France | 55