Monuments of Avignon

Saint Bénézet Bridge

According to the legend, Saint Bénézet was a very young herdsman when he received the divine order to build a bridge which crossed the Rhone. He built the bridge alone by conforming to what the very high had asked him. After this mission, he became Saint Bénézet and gave his name to the famous "Pont d'Avignon".

The bridge was dated from the XIIth century, it crossed then the Rhone due to its 22 arcs. The particuliarity of this bridge lies in its two chapels which are situated on the bridge halfway between the two banks. The bridge is today partially destroyed.

Le Palais des Papes

Classified World patrimony of the UNESCO, the Popes' Palace was built between 1335 and 1352. It is the vastest Gothic group of Europe with its 15 000 m2.

It is a place of legend, you will see there luxurious Gothic frescoes and maybe the ghost of the alchemist Pope or will discover the golden statues of the apostles hidden in the Palace by the last Pope.

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Saint-Michel Chapel

This chapel was built in 1369, today only a part remains intact. You will find the Saint-Michel chapel on the square of the "Corps Saints", a small pedestrian charming square in the centre of the town.

The chapel is today an art gallery which exhibits Provençal artists' works. Do not hesitate to visit it, this one presents a double cultural interest : the ancient monument and the discovery of the artists from the region.

Square of the "Corps Saints"
Phone : 06 03 98 74 58

The "rocher des Doms" and its garden

This proud roc which raises at the edge of the Rhone facing Villeneuve, is the anchorage point of Avignon. The city seems to snuggle up behind this natural protection. The name remains a mystery and former traces of occupation of the place by men were found there.

Today down from the roc, you will be able to admire the panorama and take advantage of a very pleasant walk in the garden. It was fitted out in 1830, you will discover the "Vénus aux hirondelles" sculptured by Félix Charpentier, a small lake, animals...

Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral

Built in 1150, this Cathedral is an example of the Provençal Romanic style. It contrasts with the purely Gothic style of the Popes' Palace. During centuries two chapels were added, objects disappeared, other ones were brought there.

But since hundred years it dominates the city and protects it, it is dedicated to Notre Dame and the believers pray her. It is the Mecca of spirituality in Provence.

Square of the Palace
Phone : 04 90 86 81 01

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Saint Pierre Church

It is credibly the 1st church of the city, according to the tradition it was built in the VIIth century. Several times destroyed, it was reconstructed in 1358, then reshaped during centuries.

Its Gothic frontage and its wooden sculptured doors are beautiful. The church, as one says, would have sheltered the 1st Bishops' tombs of whom Saint Agricol.

The church is located in the centre of the town. In front of it, spreads its square made with pavements of pebble.

"Hôtel des monnaies"

It is situated in front of the Popes' Palace, this frontage is baroque, it was built in 1619. A registration on the frontage stipulates that it was built by Jean-François de Bagni and that it was dedicated to the pope Paul V.

It is the most Italian monument of Avignon, rich sculptures decorate it (heads of lion, clusters of fruit, eagles). This hotel shelters today the Olivier Messiaen academy of music.

Chapel of the Oratory

It is one of the chapels of Avignon classified ancient monument, the construction dates from the XVIIIth century. We don't know anything of the project manager which began works in 1713 to stop in 1718.

It was reshaped afterward several times, the interest lies in its magnificent sculptured decoration. The gold-coloured wooden altar is from the White Penitents Chapel.

32, rue Joseph Vernet
Phone : 04 90 80 81 78

Saint-Agricol collegiate church

Saint Agricol is a legendary figure of Avignon. In 660 he would have been Bishop of the town, died in 700, his body could be buried in this place. The collegiate church reconstructed in 1322 by the pope Jean XXII' s wish, would be in the base Saint Agricol's house offered by him to become a place of cult. The building would date from the VIIth century.

You will like its square made with former stones and its wide stairs on which one comes to sit down to have a break.

The Célestins' Cloister

The place where raises the Célestins' Cloister was originally a cemetery. According to other one of the numerous legends which counts Avignon, Pierre de Luxembourg's grave, died in 1387 in Avignon, made miracles. It is for this reason that in 1395 the Célestins monks built a convent.

The building was naturally reshaped many times, it was regrettably destroyed during the revolution, the building welcomes today shows for the festival of Avignon during July.

Grey Penitents' Chapel

The place is originally an old oratory, after the seat of the town in 1226. The king of France to fight against the heresy decides to celebrate the "Exaltation de la Sainte-Croix" dressed in a ashes-coloured sack. It is for this occasion that is born the Royal and devout Grey Penitents' Brotherhood which afterward will build its chapel on the place of the procession.

A legend is attached to this place. Indeed, on November 30th, 1433, the Rhone overflowedd and flooded the city. The chapel is then invaded with waters, penitents decided to save "Saint Sacrement" exhibited in the heart of the chapel. The miracle occurred, waters deviated and "Saint Sacrement" was saved.

The town counts several Penitents' brotherhoods : black Penitents, white Penitents, blue Penitents, purple Penitents, red Penitents...

The Opera Theatre

Avignon, city of theater for centuries, welcomed Molière and his troop. From 1825, places sheltering representations were insufficient, it was decided to set up square of the clock a theater. It possessed originally an Italian room, it was one of the most beautiful of France.

Today the streets which line it are called : Molière street in the North, Racine street in the West, Corneille street in the South. It plays a major role for the promotion of the culture in Avignon, programming is rich and diversified.

The Dyers' street

This street goes along the sorgue, the river which takes its source in Fontaine de Vaucluse, charming city of the Luberon. It is a picturesque lane, it is completely paved with pebbles from Durance and bordered with plane trees.

Along the canal you will appreciate ancient houses, small bars and restaurants. It is one of the very former streets of Avignon, which had several lives, in 1817 it counted 23 paddle wheels.