Avignon, a strategic site in the Rhone valley, owes its origine to the Doms rock. With the arrival of the popes in the 14th Century, the city became a second Rome. It was enriched by art ine the 17th and 18th Centuries, and it remained papal property up to the French revolution.

Stroll the shopping streets in the pedestrian area, Joseph Vernet and St Agricol streets, the district of la Balance and the large Republic avenue. in addition to the large variety of well stocked luxury shops, you will find Provencal materails, ceramics and pottery, terra cotta figurines (santons), handicrafts, and other specialities of the region.

The Popes' palace
The biggest Gothic palace in the world.
The Palace of the Popes, home to the Sovereign Pontiffs in the 14th century, is the largest Gothic palace in Europe. You can visit 25 rooms of the Palace, including the ceremonial rooms, chapels, cloister, private papal apartments with priceless frescoes, and others. The Palace is ranked among UNESCO World Heritage.

Place du palais
tel. + 33 (0)4 90 27 50 00
fax + 33 (0)4 90 27 50 88
b.cattan@palais-des-papes.com
www.palais-des-papes.com

The Bouteillerie of the Popes' palace :
tel : 04 90 27 50 85
j.autard@palais-des-papes.com


Le Pont St Bénezet : The legendary bridge.
The St Bénezet bridge, a significant symbol of the history of Avignon, is famous throughout the world due to the beloved children's song. The bridge was built in the late 1100's. Though it was often rebuilt after damage inflicted by the raging flood waters of the Rhone . The bridge is ranked among UNESCO World Heritage

Le musée du Petit Palais
Outstanding collection of Italian and Provencal paintings from the late 13th to the early 16th centuries, and collection of Romanesque and Gothic Avignon sculptures.

Palais des archevêques, place du Palais des Papes
tel. + 33 (0)4 90 86 44 58 - fax + 33 (0)4 90 82 18 72
musee.petitpalais@wanadoo.fr

Open every day except Tuesday 9:30-1 pm/2-5:30 pm October to May
10 am-1 pm/2-6pm June to September
Closed 1/01, 1/05, 14/07, 1/11 and 25/12.

Le musée Calvet
The museum is housed in a magnificent 18th century private home, and holds Fine Arts collections from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The Marcel Puech Donation contains furnishings, faiences, bronzes. Victor Martin modern art room: Soutine, Manet, Gleizes…

65, rue Joseph Vernet
tel. + 33 (0)4 90 86 33 84 fax + 33 (0)4 90 14 62 45
musee.calvet@wanadoo.fr

Open every day except Tuesday, 10-1/2-6 (closed 1 January 1 May, 25 December

Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, The Avignon theatre festival has become the place of the living show in the world. As a rule it takes place between July 10th to August 2nd. Each year, the Festival Directors invite an artist to be associated with the Festival and whose work, viewpoint and the questions he asks inspires their programming choices. Festival of creation, its programme is done around the theatre, the dance and the music actuality. It greets an audience of 120 000 people. An advance programme is available every year from March 15th, whereas the programme is broadcast from May 10th.