Car Hire Avignon - Mini guide to Avignon
Avignon is famous due to its religious history. In the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, as the popes lived in Avignon, not Rome. This history and legacy makes Avignon one of the most interesting and beautiful medieval cities in France.
Today the walled city still boasts breathtaking architecture and long history. The annual Festival d’Avignon in July and August is famous for its music, theatre and art and attracts visitors from all over the world. Avignon is becoming more and more known as a cultural centre, boasting many galleries, cinemas and theatres and thus is attracting many artists and painters.
The most impressive attractions are those with a religious affiliation. Palais des Papes, a part fortress, part palace, looms over the town and was home to a group of cardinals that fled to Avignon in the 14th century. The Chapelle St-Jean is known for its beautiful frescoes from the 14th century. The rooms in the Palais, such as the Banquet Hall and the pope’s bedroom are magnificent and opulent. Near the Palais lies the 12th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms, containing the tombs of many popes. Stroll to the Promenade du Rocher-des-Doms and through the gardens there to enjoy the beautiful views across the Rhône to Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon.
A quick trip to Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon, across the Rhône, is a must. This is where the cardinals lived and the town is quaint and full of beautiful buildings. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and tasty food. Nearby Eglise Notre-Dame is also worth a visit.
The Aeroport Avignon-Caumont is located 8kms from the city and the one-hour flight from Paris’ Orly Airport is a very convenient way to travel to Avignon. From Paris, the train is also an option, with the TGV trains departing from Gare de Lyon. Journey times are roughly 3 hours and the journey from Marseille takes 70 minutes. The drive from Paris to Avignon is almost 700 kilometres. Take the A6 south to Lyon, then A7 south all the way to Avignon. Avignon is 106kms north west of Marseille and 80kms northwest of Aix-en-Provence.
