Barack Obama is one lucky dad The former President of the United States spent Father's Day with his family in the beautiful medieval town of Avignon in the south of France The Obamas arrived in the Provencal town Friday evening for a week's vacation, local authorities said, according to AFP Read more: Barack Obama's custom $600 bomber jacket is a refreshing break from drab off-duty politician style The family is staying at a nearby €55,000-a-week ($62,000-a-week) 18th-century luxury farmhouse, as reported by local newspaper Midi Libre. and their two daughters Malia and Sasha were seen visiting Avignon's Palais des Papes — once the seat of the pope during the 14th century The former papal residence is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe boasting more than 20 rooms for visitors to explore including the pope's private chambers and frescoes painted by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti Having spent an hour exploring the cultural heritage site the Obamas moved on to dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel La Mirande The former president waved to crowds of onlookers as his clan filed out of a blacked-out Chevrolet Suburban and into the restaurant with some friends Dinner at La Mirande starts at €85 ($95) for five courses or €105 ($118) for seven courses At 60 pages long, the wine menu is extensive, to say the least, and has been hallmarked as among the 100 best in France by wine magazine Terre de Vins Chef de cuisine at the restaurant is 31-year-old Florent Pietravalle who trained under three Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire in Paris A meal at La Mirande promises to "follow a rhythm marked by genuine gastronomical moments, in which all the arts come together and nothing is left to chance," according to the restaurant's website. The day before the meal, Malia and Sasha were spotted exploring L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market — chaperoned by a US Secret Service detail, of course. The pair kept things casual in contrasting outfits. 20-year-old Malia went all black in a denim jacket, shorts, and a button-down shirt, which she paired with a pair of military-style leather boots. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Sasha, who has just graduated from high school in Washington DC, wore a camo bucket hat, military jacket, white crop top, blue mom jeans, and a pair of white sneakers. The city hall of Villeneuve-les-Avignon marked the Obamas' arrival in the region last Friday by flying the US flag from its balcony. The Festival d’Avignon is the essential international meeting place for contemporary performing arts. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of festival-goers gather in the city of the Popes to attend hundreds of performances. The Festival d’Avignon was born a few years after the Second World War. Suggested to Jean Vilar by the art critic Christian Zervos and the poet René Char, the idea of a week of dramatic art appealed to the actor, director and troupe leader. Against a backdrop of reconstruction and cultural renewal, the project won over the town council and came to life in September 1947, with the organisation of “Une semaine d’art en Avignon”. The festival quickly became a huge success, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts and curious onlookers. In 1966, an initiative originally led by André Benedetto gave birth to the Festival Off d’Avignon. This alternative festival ran in parallel with the original Festival d’Avignon, called In, and took over the whole city, giving pride of place to independent theatre companies. Every year in July, for almost 3 weeks, Avignon becomes the biggest theatre stage in the world. Hundreds of performances are staged as part of the In and Off festivals, in venues ranging from the most prestigious monuments to the most unusual venues. Une publication partagée par Festival d'Avignon (@festivaldavignon) Voir cette publication sur Instagram  Une publication partagée par Festival d’Avignon (@festivaldavignon) The shows organised as part of Festival In take place in renowned venues steeped in history or simply diverted from their original function The main courtyard of the Popes’ Palace is transformed into an open-air concert hall seating up to 2,000 spectators under the Provence sky built in the 19th century on the model of an Italian-style theatre Former religious buildings also host performances the Célestins cloister and the Pénitents blancs chapel The Avignon Festival leaves Avignon for other emblematic venues in Provence and the Comtat Venaissin: Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, on the other bank of the Rhône, Boulbon, Pujaut, Barbentane and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue also open their stages to shows organised as part of the In festival. The Off Festival takes place at the same time as the In Festival, and takes over the whole city with more than 140 performance venues. More than a thousand independent companies and troupes, both professional and amateur, come to the City of the Popes to present their original creations or their interpretation of well-known works. The Festival Off democratizes access to live entertainment. Artists take to the streets to promote their shows, and participate in the city’s activities throughout July. The program showcases promising creators. It also contributes to the artistic proliferation and presentation of avant-garde performances and experiments. You can take part in both festivals, and attend both In and Off performances. Une publication partagée par festival Off Avignon (@festivaloffavignon) Une publication partagée par Festival d'Avignon (@festivaldavignon) FabricA is the only permanent venue built for the Avignon Festival The auditorium can accommodate 600 spectators The building also houses an artists’ residence with 18 apartments and several technical spaces The artists’ residence can accommodate artists from all over the world It helps them reinvent contemporary performing arts The plays and shows produced in the intimacy of La FabricA can be performed before Festival audiences in July training courses and meetings are organized at FabricA FabricA has become a veritable space for the expression and promotion of the performing arts in all their different forms We invite you to plan your trip as early as possible Online ticketing for Festival In generally opens in April and tickets for the most eagerly-awaited shows can be sold out quickly The Off Festival program is available later We advise you to book your accommodation as soon as you’ve planned your visit so you can take advantage of the best rentals Barthelasse Island also boasts a number of campsites and hotels for a peaceful stay close to Avignon’s historic center You can find all the information you need on the websites of the two festivals: You can also consult the Avignon tourist office website to prepare your stay: https://avignon-tourisme.com/en/ You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed The historic and gastronomic Provençal city of Avignon is perfect for an indulgent long weekend though cultural activity really peaks during July’s three-week-long Festival d’Avignon when 1,000 performances are held across the city and in a different region of France (Languedoc-Roussillon rather than Provence) is Villeneuve-lès-Avignon – only this ‘new’ town is pretty ancient too It was granted city status in 1293 to guard the western side of the 900m-long Saint-Bénezet Bridge – the famed 22-arch ‘Pont d’Avignon’ that once spanned the river Where to eat: Grab a tartine (open sandwich) at Ginette & Marcel (25 Place des Corps Saints) Eat excellent French dishes at Fou de Fafa (17 Rue des Trois Faucons Le Barrio (13 Rue des Infirmières) is a good local joint walk up nearby Rocher des Doms – this lofty park has fine views over the river Then drop down to Rue des Escaliers Sainte-Anne for a drink at Utopia-La Manutention a hip cinema-bar-restaurant just outside the palace walls Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page “Jean Alesi was taken into custody on Monday around 4pm for damaging the property of others by means of an explosive device,” Nimes deputy prosecutor Antoine Wolff told AFP confirming information from L’Equipe The incident occurred in Villeneuve-les-Avignon where the 57-year-old former Ferrari driver resides The police had been called Sunday around 10pm local time by neighbours A vehicle which was spotted by a neighbour at the site leaving with its lights off was traced to Alesi’s brother Jose who was arrested The former Ferrari driver went to the police station on Monday to clear his brother explaining that he had been in the car with his son and a friend Alesi said he had stuck a “large firework bought in Italy” into the frame of a window of his brother-in-law’s architect’s office “without imagining causing such damage” who scored one victory in his 13-year career in F1 explained that he only wanted to play a “bad joke” on his brother-in-law who is currently separated from Alesi’s sister who says he has “no problem” with Alesi nonetheless filed a complaint for the damage to the windowframe Alesi’s son and his friend were also taken into custody as police set about determining the extent of their complicity in the incident “I am quite sceptical about the notion of a ‘joke’ carried out at 10pm without the person concerned knowing who it is,” added Wolff A vibrant medieval city of narrow streets winding between honey-coloured Renaissance mansions the small city of Avignon is the gateway to Provence and during next week’s music festival its squares and parks will resound with string quartets tribute bands and DJs inside the city’s ancient ramparts It may not have the global pull of Paris or Bordeaux yet the home of the popes in the Middle Ages is a lively with the sleepy villages and lavender fields of the Luberon and the Alpilles close to hand Avignon is ideally situated near two motorways and its great transport links and affordability persuaded Harry Cowper-Coles to buy a 650-year-old former monastery there You’re on holiday or this is your weekend or are you just looking for activities to do with the family or friends There’s a pass for each beautiful town which will take you to the most incredible places and intoxicate you with culture With the must-have CityPass Marseille with the family or with friends all-inclusive for 24 48 or 72 hours in a mix of all the good deals and visit the city at your own pace The pass includes unlimited access to public transport 1 ticket for the Mucem and the Musée Regards de Provence 1 boat ride to the Ile d’If or the îles du Frioul or a Colorbüs circuit 1 guided tour by the Office Métropolitain de Tourisme with the 72 hours CityPass the reduced price for the temporary exhibitions of the Musées de la Ville de Marseille and reductions on many tourist and cultural activities and tastings in partner shops all you have to do is show the CityPass at the entrance to the sites mentioned and you will then get free access or a reduction Buy your CityPass at the Office de Tourisme de Marseille (open every day) on the website or at the Point Information of the Gare Saint Charles Une publication partagée par château d’If (@chateauif) Une publication partagée par @frejus.tourisme In summer and winter, the Fréjus Pass helps you discover the monuments of Fréjus The operation isn’t only limited to the summer so make the most of it whatever the season This unique ticket offers the possibility of visiting 5 sites: the Musée Archéologique (Archaeological Museum) the Musée d’Histoire Locale (Local History Museum) and the Chapelle Cocteau with the added attraction of the cloister This belongs to the town’s episcopal group and is a marvellous opportunity to admire a unique and little-known example of medieval painting The ceiling is decorated with an exceptional bestiary of fantastic beasts you can concoct your own made-to-measure programme without having to get out your purse at each monument Prices are from € 6 for adults and € 4 for children over 12 it’s a great opportunity to visit the buildings which belong to their everyday lives but that they’ve never really taken the time to look at them don’t miss the intriguing Citadelle Vauban in Seyne-les-Alpes don’t forget to get your passport stamped because the 4th the reductions offered by this museum passport cannot be combined with other forms of reduction Une publication partagée par Musée de la Faïence (@museefaiencemoustiers) Une publication partagée par Les Mines de Bruoux (@mines_de_bruoux) Make the most of a low price destination with the Avignon City Pass and discover the main sites of Avignon and Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon Special offers and reductions for holders of the City Pass (for adults) who can make the most of it for 24 hours for €24 or 48 hours for €32 two not-to-be-missed visits where you’ll get an eyeful: the Château de Lourmarin or the Mines de Bruoux in Gargas Now that you can visit the sumptuous private collections of Avignon such as the Collection Lambert Angladon and Vouland and the beautiful monuments of the town such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon The museums of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon and the Gardens of the Palais des Papes are also open to visitors The reductions also apply to some guided tours and activities And because there’s no end of things to do in the Vaucluse 3 Vaucluse Provence Pass to choose from will help you discover the region a second for 3 days at €37 and a third for 5 days at €50 Bonus: free access to 30 museums and monuments in Avignon The Tickets Malins operation offered by the Club des Sites Touristiques du Gard will enchant all those of you who are keen on all sorts of experiences Get a reduction or a gift in the sites participating in the operation and when you show tickets from previous visits to other sites 44 sites invite you to discover a variety of tourist activities: amusement parks Unforgettable holidays and outings for all the family with a bonus: reductions and gifts galore The best thing about Tickets Malins is the variety of places to visit from animal parks to caves and fabulous gardens and 100% fun amusement parks Une publication partagée par Gard Tourisme, compte officiel (@gardtourisme) Guigal has acquired Château d’Aqueria for an undisclosed fee in a deal that adds to a sense of fresh dynamism in the historic vineyards of Tavel, a rosé-only appellation that lies on the west bank of the Rhône river in southern France ‘Our family is delighted to join the Tavel appellation and to participate in the promotion of this great gastronomic rosé.’ The purchase puts the Guigal family’s commitment to the appellation on a new footing after Etienne Guigal first began selecting and blending Tavel wines from the 1942 vintage with 68 hectares under vine on its 98-hectare estate will be to convert the winegrowing methods to organic viticulture.’ which makes Tavel rosé and also red and white Lirac appellation wines Both Marcel and Philippe Guigal said they were also enthusiastic about joining the Lirac appellation with d’Aqueria producing red and white Lirac wines when Louis Joseph d’Aqueria bought an area of Tavel known as ‘Puy Sablonneux’ from the monks at Villeneuve les Avignon abbey Fast-forward to the 20th century and the estate was bought in 1919 by Jean Olivier took on management of the property and operations were until recently overseen by his grandsons Guigal’s arrival broadens its reach in the southern Rhône, after it bought Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape five years ago Back in northern Rhône, Guigal also said last year that it will add a fourth single-vineyard Côte Rôtie, named La Reynarde a prestigious trio known collectively as the ‘La-Las’ Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for French hotels in 2024 MICHELIN Guide Inspectors share their most exciting recent discoveries Check back each month for a new batch of spectacular accommodations geometric accommodations get you right up against the wilderness There doesn’t exist a hotel on earth that can match the majesty of a Yellowstone or Banff or Kruger or Komodo The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Greek hotels in 2025 From the mountainous north to the south’s pretty Peloponnese region this part of the Mediterranean is puzzlingly underrated There are thousands of hotels across Greece’s 227 islands Here are 9 of the most distinctive: Key standouts that buck their island’s typical trends and pave their own path to luxury every MICHELIN Key hotel with a MICHELIN Star restaurant in the world this unique and welcoming hotel puts the well-being of its guests front and center Our Inspectors find hotels for every budget—but you don’t open a list like this expecting a bargain the remote Swiss town enlisted a master architect to carve a spa into its mountainside it's a pilgrimage destination with a Two-Star restaurant and a Two-Key hotel A stay at the One Key Wilmina Hotel in Berlin And a story about the masterful transformation that gave the former women's prison a new lease on life taking stock of our top hotel selections throughout the world The smallest Key hotels in Switzerland make their homes largely amidst in the mountains with a handful of MICHELIN restaurants behind their doors Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in France Built on a natural hot spring and operated by the famous Caudalie beauty brand it\u2019s a particularly fascinating Three Key property on the grounds of the Ch\u00e2teau Smith Haut-Lafitte vineyard A short drive from Avignon, the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the largest outdoor market in the South of France, encompassing around 300 stalls where you can discover everything from fine antiques to local sunflowers. Known as the “Venice of Provence”, the town is stunning, too. The roads are shaded by plane trees, historic waterwheels line the river, and a wealth of cafés and restaurants make perfect spots for al fresco dining. Rebecca Hessel Cohen in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Most famous for its embroidered French linens, Edith Mezard’s wares are sold from Château de L’Ange, which has a lush private garden in the back. You will be tempted to fill basket after basket with monogrammed napkins and sheets. In the village of Vallabrègues, Benoit Rauzy and Anthony Watson, the owners of the 18-century hôtel particulier Atelier Vime, have personally devoted themselves to reviving the once-thriving local wicker industry. Their broad selection of vintage furniture is exquisite, with pieces by the likes of Janine Abraham and Tito Agnoli, along with perfect objects made in their own workshop. The brocante of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon takes place every Saturday morning within the old medieval city – consistently delivering an eclectic mix of pottery, glassware, furniture, and silver. Look out, too, for the wine- and barrel-making tools. Again, get there at dawn to get the best picks. Every Wednesday morning, Saint-Remy transforms into a bustling market. Go early to beat the crowds; this is one of the most popular markets in the region, and you will be jostling alongside locals for beautiful tablecloths, exquisite ceramics, market dresses, and more. The displays of food, meanwhile, are as photogenic as they are tempting; expect piles of olives, magnificent cheese wheels, mounds of saucisson, and more. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site This Provençal city offers a busy cultural calendar in early autumn I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice It takes place nightly at 9.15pm and 10.15pm; €10 If you can travel next weekend, take advantage of the last direct Eurostar train of the year from London St Pancras, Ashford and Ebbsfleet to Avignon Centre station (4) (03448 186 186; eurostar.com) The return will involve a TGV to Paris or Lille and a Eurostar train from there – also the best solution if you are travelling later Trains arrive and depart at Avignon-TGV station which is connected with the post office (5) by regular buses (00 33 4 32 74 32; tcra.fr; €1.30) Aéroport Avignon-Provence (00 33 4 90 81 51 51; avignon.aeroport.fr), 9km south-east of the city, is served by Flybe (01392 683152; flybe.com) from Birmingham on 6 September Bus No 30 connects the airport with the centre in about 25 minutes More than 200 self-catering apartments are listed by HouseTrip (housetrip.com); prices start at around £25 per night for simple studios A charming two-bed apartment on Rue de la Campane (10) The 19th-century Hôtel de l'Horloge (11) is a central choice at 1 Rue Félicien David (00 33 4 90 16 42 00; hotel-avignon-horloge.com) Rooms range from compact to more expansive (some with terraces) but all are soothingly decked out and good value Hôtel d'Europe (12), at 12 Place Crillon, is accessed via a shady courtyard off one of the city's prettiest and liveliest squares (00 33 4 90 14 76 76; heurope.com) The 16th-century mansion of the Marquis de Graveson was converted to a hotel in 1799 Both décor and cuisine are timelessly stylish Click here to see a bigger image of the map housed in a 14th-century cardinal's palace – perfect for a cocktail or coffee Sandwicherie Rossini (19) at 4 Rue Félix Gras (00 33 4 90 82 95 71; 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday) looks inauspicious – but lines of locals queue for sandwiches packed with sunny Mediterranean flavours – aubergine Alternatively, grab a picnic from Les Halles (20) (avignon-leshalles.com; 6am-2pm Saturday Arrive at 11am on Saturday for cookery demonstrations Independent shops line the streets of the old merchants' quarter south-east of Place de l'Horloge (8), but keep heading south to reach the store of Aline Géhant (21) at 15 Rue des Trois Faucons (00 33 4 90 02 27 21; agchocolatier.e-monsite.com; 10am-1pm and 3-7pm Tuesday-Saturday) This chocolatier works magic with beans from Venezuela has a lovely shaded terrace facing the Hôtel de l'Europe perfect for people-watching with a local vintage – a glass of very drinkable Côtes du Rhône is €3.50 at 13 Rue des Infirmières (00 33 4 90 27 00 45) blends industrial chic with classic bistro style Locals enjoy French classics such as tournedos de canard avec girolles (duck medallions with girolles; €18) washed down with regional reds from €3.50 Christian Etienne's (24) restaurant, in a former palace at 10 rue de Mons (00 33 4 90 86 16 50; christian-etienne.fr) where gourmets savour themed tasting menus (around €75) that transform local produce Eglise St-Pierre (25) on Place St-Pierre (00 33 4 90 16 93 36; open 9.30am-6.30pm daily) is extraordinary its sculpted façade graced with carved walnut doors leading into a 14th-century interior Ginette et Marcel (26) at 25 Place des Corps Saints (00 33 4 90 85 58 70; 11am-midnight daily) is a delightfully retro-rustic café that dishes up delectable tartines – toasted open sandwiches – from €4.10 to €6.50 A free Navette Fluviale (shuttle boat; 00 33 4 90 85 62 25; mireio.net; 10am-12.30pm daily 3.30-6.30pm Saturdays) crosses the Rhône from the jetty east of Pont St-Bénezet on Boulevard de la Ligne (27) providing access to the Ile de la Barthelasse Avignon is one of two lead characters in the story; the other peers over at the papal enclave from across the Rhône: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon the "new town" that became a dormitory suburb for medieval cardinals Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Ex-Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi faces a 2023 court appearance after blowing up his brother-in-law’s window with a firecracker in what the former driver called a “bad joke” AFP learned from the prosecutor’s office on Tuesday will be tried at the Nimes magistrate’s court “for damaging the property of others by a means dangerous to people committed in the context of a family conflict” the local public prosecutor Eric Maurel told AFP Maurel added that Alesi’s son will also be prosecuted for complicity in the incident.  The two were allowed to leave Avignon police station where they had been held in custody since Monday afternoon The incident occurred in Villeneuve-les-Avignon where the 57-year-old former Ferrari driver resides.  Continue reading this article on SportsDesk please register for free or log in to your account Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau A city once known as Avenio during the Roman era on account of it being so windy Avignon is a walled city in the South of France this fairytale city is home to the celebrated Palais des Papes intriguing historical sights and a maze of sun soaked cobbled lanes that are sure to steal your heart Here’s your ultimate guide to the most epic things to do in Avignon as well as top tips and what to know before you go Avignon is located on the left bank of the river Rhône. It is situated in the heart of Provence in southeastern France. The Provençal city is in the vicinity of Orange and is the capital of the French department It has a population of just over 92,000 people Avignon is known as ‘La Cité des Papes’ (The City of Popes) and celebrated for its colossal sized palace that looms over the city it is home to the largest surviving Gothic palace in all of Europe which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Renowned for its architectural beauty and filled with plenty of surviving medieval treasures and hidden gems there’s a lot to love about this enchanting pocket of Provence if you happen to be visiting Avignon during July then you’ll be just in time for the annual Festival d’Avignon Showcasing a wide range of performances and cultural events as a result it is the oldest existent festival in France.  The iconic Pont d’Avignon is actually not a full monument but rather what is left of a bridge which washed away during the Middle Ages the bridge originally consisted of 22 connecting arches attaching Avignon with the pretty town which lies on the opposite side of the water The bridge is known worldwide due to the popular famous French nursery rhyme ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ which is learned and sung by French children all over l’Hexagone and dates back to the 15th-century it contributed to making it one of the most famous bridges in all of France you can stand on the bridge for a small fee and wander along its cobbled remains Your guided visit includes an in-depth audioguide which will take you through the history of the bridge This traditional covered marketplace has been a meeting place for the people of the city for over a century Home to a huge array of fresh produce including locally sourced fish and olive stands larger than life while wandering around you’re sure to be tempted as the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas This 19th century traditional French market was made famous by all those who have written about it and depicted the delights it holds including authors such as Peter Mayle and Jean Viard Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 6AM-1:30PM weekdays and open till 2PM on weekends the Palais des Papes is easily the most famous the fortified residence was the abode of seven successive popes during the 14th-century when the ecclesiastical men fled Rome due to uncertainty in the Middle Ages Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 Palais des Papes is considered one of the most important pieces of Gothic style architecture in Europe and is of great historical importance for the papacy you can truly step back in time by visiting the two historic palaces and by admiring the painted rooms throughout the complex The rooftop of the complex offers fantastic views onto the River Rhône Appropriate for all ages, upon arrival you’ll be given an interactive tablet with headphones to borrow (this is included in the price of your ticket) giving visitors the full opportunity to explore each room in further depth. Overall, the Palais des Papes is one of the best things to do in Provence so you will likely need around 2 hours to visit but you can add on a visit to the gardens and/or Pont d’Avignon The garden of the Palace of the Popes lies beneath the citadel’s fortified walls and is a secret green space amidst the hustle and bustle of the maze of cobbled lanes and narrow streets that make up Avignon’s historic city centre With wonderful views of the Papal Palace in all its glory as well as being a stone’s throw away from all of Avignon’s major attractions there are benches on which to sit and relax or perhaps even enjoy a picnic with friends during the summer months it is situated next to the Palais des Papes and is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon the basilica is built in a Romanesque architectural style the Rocher des Domes park is a leafy green space that can be reached from the steps leading from the cathedral Notre Dame des Doms In the park you can immerse yourself in nature and watch the world go by, filled with leaf shaded pathways, a tranquil pond and several benches to sit back and relax on. While you’re enjoying life in the Provencial landscape, why not read a book set in Provence Also found within the confines of the Rocher des Doms park is a vineyard which boasts of wonderful views over the Pont d’Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Though the vineyard may appear as if it has been in situ for centuries the row of vines overlooking the River Rhône were actually planted in the 1990s one of the best ways to get to know the inner city (which is surrounded by fortified walls) is to wander around the maze of cobbled lanes and allow Avignon to reveal itself to you you’ll come across all sorts of amazing boutiques Rue des Teinturiers is considered to be one of the most picturesque streets of the city it offers a serene and tranquil spot to walk along some of the best moments are when we take a moment to sit at a cafe and enjoy a baked delight as we reflect on our surroundings and indulge in letting the world pass by Personally our favourite café in Avignon was Café Tulipe serving an array of specialty coffee and delicious cakes in a bright and open space there are also several outdoor seats if you happen to be visiting when the sun is shining Here are a few other top suggestions for cosy cafes in Avignon (based on web-reviews): this was the first venue after the Palais des Papes that was invested in by the Festival d’Avignon the cloisters were restored in the 1900s and are now a quiet space to relax For a slightly different view of culture in Avignon visit the small 17th and 18th century decorative arts museum you can visit the collection which includes an exhibition of Parisian furniture Opening times: Closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday 2PM-6PM For those who love a little bit of medieval history one of the best secret spots in Avignon can be found in the form of the old convent of Franciscans The brothers arrived in the city in 1226 and they built their church outside the original fortified walls Building of the church was completed in the mid-14th-century all this changed after the French Revolution when the ecclesiastical building was confiscated and sold off you can expect to find just one tiny chapel a picturesque façade and a crumbling bell tower is all that remains One of the best and yet little-known day trips from Avignon can be found just across the water from the walled city in the form of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon. Easily one of the prettiest towns in Occitanie the walk to this off the beaten path town is just forty minutes while the bus or a car ride takes even less time you’ll soon discover spectacular views of Avignon and the surrounding Provençal countryside You can visit the cultural attraction Fort Saint André a stunning 14th-century fortification where you can meander along the ramparts The main part of town includes a centuries-old collegiate church complete with cloisters There’s a lot to see and explore in Avignon, so ideally you would have at least 3-4 days to see all the main sights. This also allows for enough time to enjoy the city at leisurely pace, as you absolutely should do when visiting the South of France! If you only have a short time in the city, check out our suggested one day in Avignon itinerary Avignon also makes a great base for exploring the wider Provence region and, if you’re looking to enjoy the local area, we recommend taking one or two of our suggested best day trips from Avignon. Avignon has no shortage of wonderful accommodation options to suit almost any budget and taste If you’re visiting during the peak season then it’s best to book your place to stay as far ahead as you can in order to secure your place at your desired place to stay Here are some of the best places to stay in Avignon Budget: For those visiting the south of France on a budget, this well-reviewed B&B offers free parking and Wi-Fi. Though not located within Avignon’s city walls, hence the lower price of the accommodation, it’s not too far to walk to Avignon’s main attractions. Check prices and availability here. Mid-range: This four-star hotel is situated a 9-minute walk from Avignon Cathedral and amenities include air conditioned rooms, a bar and restaurant on site, and free parking. Check prices and availability here. Luxury: The crème de la crème of staying in Avignon is undoubtedly this five-star hotel, which boasts highlights such as daily housekeeping, a close proximity to the Palais des Papes, and a concierge service. Check prices and availability here. Enjoyed reading about the most epic things to do in Avignon When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy Last Updated on 12th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau and straight out of a storybook: if you make it your mission to visit just one town in the Vaucluse the city may be best known for its Medieval History but the town was once known as Avenio during the Roman Era and is filled with hidden gems worth discovering Here’s your complete guide to the most unusual things to do and secret spots in Avignon A quick editor’s note: those who are looking to discover even more about the history and culture of Avignon together with a local guide might consider booking a guided walking tour with wine tasting like this one. Situated on the fringes of the historic city centre the church of the ancient Covent of Carmelites is one of the lesser known ecclesiastical buildings that Avignon has to offer Construction of the church started in 1267 of course there have been plenty of restorations and renovations over the centuries that followed highlights include 17 chapels alongside the nave and early 17th-century panels by Guillaume-Ernest Grève the cloisters were once part of the Carmelite Monastery Complex that used to stand where the square and nearby shops can now be found but Avignon too has a leaning tower which can be spied from many streets away the Augustine bell tower presides over the rue de la Carreterie and is all that’s left of an ancient Augustine Convent The stone tower itself was built between 1372 and 1377 in the typical Avignonaise style High above the Palais des Papes and boasting wonderful views of the Pont d’Avignon the tiny Clos d’Avignon can be found within the confines of the Rocher des Doms park The church was vast in size and wasn’t actually completed until the mid-14th-century Visit today and you can expect to find just one tiny chapel a picturesque façade and a crumbling bell tower Steps away from the exit for the Palais des Papes the adjacent garden lies beneath the citadel’s fortified walls and is a secret green space amidst the hustle and bustle of the maze of cobbled lanes and narrow streets that make up Avignon’s historic city centre as well as being a stone’s throw away from all of Avignon’s major attractions would be complete without at least a brief glimpse of the Pont d’Avignon the bridge has not only since become a symbol for Avignon still a chapel on the bridge that you can visit (though bear in mind that to actually stand on the bridge what many people don’t realise is that there’s also the crumbling walls of the 1731 constructed Chapel of Saint Nicolas next to the quay and directly below the bridge Though Avignon may be best known for its medieval history the city was first founded centuries below and was once know to the Roman as Avenio the windy scene. One of the best places to experience the best of Roman Avignon is on Place de la Mirande The square is not only home to the exit of the Palais des Papes but also one of the most luxurious hotels in the city The name ‘Mirande Square’ actually derives from a ceremonial room to be found within the Palais des Papes gardens Back to the Roman remains and you’ll have to look pretty closely to actually spy the crumbling ruins on the left-hand side of the square when facing away from the hotel there are just a few blocks of stone that date back to the 1st century CE everyone knows about the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Palais des Papes there are also several more unusual museums in Avignon One such can be found close to the town walls in the form of the Louis Vouland Museum Housed within the walls of a former mansion house the permanent collections feature Decorative Art from the 17th and 18th-centuries One of the best and yet little-known day trips from Avignon can be found just across the water from the walled city in the form of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon. Easily one of the prettiest towns in Occitanie you’ll soon discover spectacular views of Avignon and the surrounding Provençal countryside Fort Saint André is a stunning 14th-century fortification where you can meander along the ramparts while the main part of town includes a centuries-old collegiate church complete with cloisters Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading Last Updated on 3rd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau and modern metropolises: there’s no shortage of incredible settlements to visit during your trip to South West France Here’s your guide to the best cities and towns in Occitanie you simply must visit Occitanie can be found in the South West of France this region is the most Southern point of Metropolitan France (excluding Corsica) The area consists of the former French regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées which were grouped together as part of a 2016 administrative shakeup then no doubt you’ll have heard of Roquefort one of the most famous blue cheeses in the world This cheese originates from the sleepy little town of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon which has a population of just under 600 residents Only cheese made within the vicinity of the village is allowed to be called Roquefort thanks to its status as an AOC Appearing as if it comes straight out of a storybook Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France) Home to thirteen historic listed buildings as well as several impressive French Châteaux the quaint settlement sits high above the River Lot Also of note is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie’s position along the French section of the Way of Saint James The pink city of France (otherwise known as La Ville Rose in French) is one of the most popular cities in France for tourism and it’s not hard to see why. After all, as the capital of the Region of Occitanie, Toulouse has plenty of things to do, and even more attractions to see, including lots of hidden gems the city counts several UNESCO world heritage sites among its historic buildings including the Basilica of St Sernin and the Canal du Midi be sure to pay a visit to the Capitole building where you’ll find a breathtaking array of staterooms that are free to visit Just a short train ride away from Toulouse Albi is characterised by its picturesque architecture notably in the form of a historic bridge spanning the River Tarn and the imposing Gothic and fortified red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral With over three hundred days of sunshine a year it should come as no surprise that one of the best cities in Occitanie is Montpellier and cultural activities to do in Montpellier You may well have heard of the small South West town of Lourdes before thanks to a series of alleged apparitions by Mary to a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous in the 19th-century with water from the place said to be able to cure all manner of illnesses and ailments one of the more striking attractions in Lourdes is the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes the imposing Château fort de Lourdes sits high above the town and has a history dating back well over a thousand years Founded by the Romans as a port city over two millennia ago, silt and sand has built over the centuries, to the extent that the city of Narbonne now lies over ten kilometres from the sea if you’re looking to enjoy the beach then you’ll need to visit Narbonne Plages Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France including a two-tiered Roman amphitheatre that was built in around 70 CE and is still used for events and concerts today Other highlights of Nimes include the Roman aqueduct a Roman tower with breathtaking panoramic views Slightly similar in appearance to Albi, Beziers is one of the oldest towns in France and thus making it just slightly younger than the city of Marseille With its own international airport and train links to the rest of France a visit to Beziers couldn’t be easier even if you don’t have access to a car With a population of just under 60,000 residents Montauban is a charming Occitanie town situated along the banks of the River Tarn at its confluence with the River Tescou the city has been designated a City of Art and History since 2015 highlights of Montauban include exploring the historic upper town and enjoying plenty of traditional French food Easy to reach from the nearby cities of Montpellier and Beziers (should you get a train from one city to the other you’ll even be able to spot Sète from the carriage windows!) the port of Sete has deep historical roots in the fishing industry the port city is one of the best places in France to enjoy seafood A fairytale castle sits atop a mountainous peak: welcome to Rocamadour The clifftop village is often cited as a Cité Réligieuse thanks to the sheer number of ecclesiastical buildings within Rocamadour’s limits and highlights include a Romanesque-Gothic Basilica Perhaps the most famous fortified city in the world is that of Carcassonne Dating all the way back to the 12th-century the fairytale-esque look of the Château is thanks to extensive renovations and reparations by Viollet-le-Duc (the same man who modified Mont Saint Michel) in the 19th-century Just across the water from the world-famous Avignon and its semi-washed-away bridge Villeneuve-lès-Avignon can even be spied from the Palais des Papes Around a forty minute walk from Provence (and even less by bus or car) highlights of this medieval town include a church with beautiful cloisters Constructed so as to serve as With a red sea that gets its appearance from the region’s rich salt deposits Aigues-Mortes was founded by Louis IX in the 13th-century for the purpose of expanding France’s trade routes the walled city is breathtaking to look at and is filled with tiny coffee houses narrow cobbled streets (many of which are pedestrian only) and lots of shopping opportunities The delightful Burgundian town of Uzès comprises of a smattering of little lanes The town is centred around Place aux Herbes a square surrounded by cafés and eateries and where you can indulge in a favourite French pastime: people watching If it’s your first time in Occitanie there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the region for all ages French is the official language spoken in Occitanie Though many touristic spots will be home to people who speak a good level of English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language. ‘Please,’ ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘sorry’ are a great place to start. Bring along a French phrasebook like this one to help you get by Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha celebrated Father's Day in style in Avignon The Obamas covered a tour of a gothic palace in Avignon and then headed for a lavish dinner at Michelin-starred La Mirande The former first family is reportedly taking some time to see the sites of the Provence region and the South of France during their tour and all the Obama ladies dressed stylishly for the special day, the Daily Mail reports While Malia sported a white backless jumpsuit her younger sister Sasha was pictured in a yellow snakeskin dress with white sneakers Former first lady Michelle Obama was seen wearing a black sun dress during the family's Sunday trip As the family left the restaurant in Avignon waving at the president and his family.  the family had visited the biggest gothic palace in the world The monument was built in the 1300s by popes and has 25 of its rooms open to the public The tour includes a visit to the private rooms where the pope lived including the Papal Chamber and the Stag Room that is “decorated with frescoes on a naturalistic were also spotted in the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market which is a key attraction in the town popularly called the “Venice of Provence.” Reports state that the Obamas are set to be in France for a week for their summer vacation The family trip comes right after Sasha's graduation from Sidwell Friends School in Washington She is set to move to the University of Michigan for her freshman year in the fall While Malia is currently on her summer break from Harvard The family is reportedly staying in a mansion in Villeneuve-les-Avignon (Gard) which is located in the middle of a pear orchard on the island of La Motte