Avignon city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and hotels

Avignon, on the leafy banks of the Rhône, is probably best-known these days for the children’s song – Sur le pont d’Avignon and all that. But for several decades in the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city’s Unesco-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city’s intact ramparts and pedestrianised centre lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each summer, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d’Avignon (from 4-25 July this year). And the new Eurostar route will bring all of these delights within six hours’ journey from London.

 

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