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| Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France |
Avignon is a well preserved, historic, walled city which stands on the left bank of the meandering River Rhone and is dominated by the bell-tower of the Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms and the huge Palais des Popes, a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site. Often called the ‘City of the Popes’, Avignon boasts a rich cultural heritage which dates from the 14th century when the city became the home of several Popes and developed into one of the richest courts in France. This period has endowed Avignon with a significant artistic legacy and some of the most impressive historic buildings in the country which reflect the importance this city once had during the medieval period. Today Avignon is a charming and character filled city and a major tourist destination with visitors attracted here not only for its notable museums and historic buildings but also for its modern cultural activities which include the well known Avignon Theatre Festival. In addition Avignon is located at the heart of the Cotes du Rhone and provides easy access to some of the country’s most beautiful countryside, select vineyards and picturesque villages in Provence.
The Old Town of Avignon sits high on a rocky outcrop on the very edge of the River Rhone and overlooks the ruins of the historic Pont Avignon, or Saint Benezet Bridge. This famous 12th century bridge was once an important link between Lyon and the Mediterranean, and originally consisted of 22 arches which stretched for 900 metres across the river. Since the bridge was built it has suffered tremendous damage from river flooding, and after an exceptionally large flood in the 17th century, has not been repaired. Today the remaining four arches of this elegant bridge has become one of the iconic features of Avignon, and includes the ruins of the Chapel of Saint Nicholas. The heart of historic Avignon is completely encircled by the 14th century ramparts which are considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval fortifications in France. The 8 metre high walls around the city stretch for 4.3 kilometres and are topped with machicolated battlements and walkways. The walls are re-enforced with 35 high towers, 50 smaller intermediary towers and are pierced by seven city gates. Inside these picturesque and impressive walls the historic city with its many attractions, narrow streets and open squares, is easily explored on foot and provides visitors with numerous cafes, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and great shopping.
The main axis of historic Avignon runs along the tree-lined Cours Jean-Jaures which extends into the Rue de la Republique. These streets lead visitors to the main square, the Place de l’Horloge, which is overlooked by the ornate 14th century Jacquemart Tower of the Hotel de Ville. Also within the square and standing adjacent to the Town Hall is the beautiful 19th century Opera Theatre in which the important plays of the Avignon Theatre Festival are performed. Walking towards the north visitors will reach the Place du Palais where Avignon’s major attraction can be seen, the immense fortified Palais du Papes with its pointed towers and massive battlements. Also in the square is the Baroque decorated facade of the 17th century Hotel des Monnaies which was once the Papal Mint, the Renaissance styled 14th century Petit Palace, and the 12th century Romanesque styled Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms which is known for its gilded statue that stands on top of the western tower. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the rocky hill known as the Rocher des Doms and the gardens which were laid out in the early 19th century. From the park visitors can enjoy tremendous views over the river to Villeneuve-les-Avignon and access to the Porte du Rocher which leads to the Saint Benezet Bridge. Avignon has many other attractions which are worth exploring such as La Rue Des Teinturiers (Dyers Street) that is one of the city’s oldest streets and overlooks the Sorgue canal. The street was the centre of intense manufacturing between the 14th and 19th centuries which today is reflected in the 4 remaining waterwheels, the only ones remaining out of the 23 that provided power to the local mills and silk factories. Other attractions include the graceful facade and beautifully carved doors of the Church of St Peter, the Chapel of the Grey Penitents, the 14th century Church of St Agricol, and the Gothic styled Church of St Didier.
Avignon is proud of its museums which are known for their impressive collections. The most notable being the Calvet Museum of Fine Arts which was founded in the very early 19th century and known for its 17th and 18th century paintings, sculptures, metalwork and other items including a library of over 100,000 books. The Museum of the Petit Palace which exhibits a large collection of Primitive and Renaissance artworks, the Lapidaire Museum which is an archaeological museum that exhibits artefacts from Greece, Rome and the Etruscans, the Museum Requien which exhibits natural history and palaeontology, and the Lambert Collection which is a museum of contemporary art. For visitors wanting to learn about regional history, the Museum of Old Avignon can be found in the Palais du Papes and forms part of the Palace tour. Avignon has many other attraction, museums and places of interest, many of which will be discovered by simply exploring the old streets. Avignon is the sort of place where visitors always run out of time!!
Avignon is located in the department of Vaucluse in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur in south-eastern France. The town experience a warm Mediterranean climate and is home to an estimated 95,000 residents. Avignon lies approximately 30 kilometres south of Orange and 40 kilometres north of Arles.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Avignon Grand Hotel
Avignon
 |  This modern hotel is just a few minutes walk from central Avignon, opposite the city ramparts. The SNCF train station is 100 metres away. Accommodation in Avignon Grand Hotel is offered within a selection of well appointed rooms, suites and luxurious apartments. Guests can enjoy a drink at the ba... |
Hotel Mercure Cite des Papes
Avignon
 |  A privileged location in the heart of the city. The Mercure Cite des Papes is situated on the Place d Horloge square, the vibrant centre of the old city with its theatre and numerous cafes. Close by is the Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, incorporating the International Convention Centre. 8... |
Hotel de L'Horloge
Avignon
|  A 19th century house built from dressed stone and opening directly onto the Place de l’Horloge, the hotel is ideally located in the heart of Avignon’s historic and tourist district, close to the Popes’ Palace, the International Conference Centre and the city centre’s shaded cafés and small shops.
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European Encounter
16 days |  The European Encounter tour is perfect for adventurers and romantics alike. You’ll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and enjoy a relaxing gondola ride in Venice all on the same tour! If that sounds... |
Country Roads of France
16 days |  This tour attracts the experienced traveller who wishes to delve deeper into the diversity of France and its way of life with special emphasis on the delights of French cuisine, fine wines and Champagne. After leaving Paris you will travel through the Champagne and Burgundy regions, stopping at the... |
Trails of Provence
8 days | From hilltop towns of the Luberon to the herb-scented trails of Mont Ventoux, we savour dramatic vistas and wonderful Provençal hospitality. Discover the Dentelles de Montmirail, the foothills of the Mont Ventoux and the world-famous Côtes de Rhône vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigonda... |
Traditional Grand European
19 days |  This trip perfectly fits its name. It covers all the "must see" cities and sights in Europe, bu also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private bo... |
Wonderful France
9 days |  We travel from Paris to the south of France and back, experiencing elegant dinners, trendy beaches, quaint provencal landscapes and beautiful castles along the way. Kick back and relax in St. Tropez, meander the streets of Monaco, admire the handsome Eiffel Tower in Paris and so much more.
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Best of France
13 days |  Sample delicious local wine in Lyon, relax in Nice and see a panoramic view of the elegant city of Paris from the second level of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be spoiled for gourmet food, fine wines and beautiful countryside during this tour, which includes visits to Cannes, Monaco and Bordeaux too.
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Mediterranean Highlights
13 days |  Explore some of the most magical destinations on the Mediterranean. Enjoy the nightlife and fine foods of Spain, sit back and soak up the sun while you star gaze at the celebrities on the French Riviera before travelling through Monaco to Italy and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Florence with its Basili... |
Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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Traditional Europe
18 days | Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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