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Avignon and its region of Provence
AVIGNON ,
is one of the best known cities of Provence. The walled city lies proudly on the banks of the Rhone river, the silhouette of the Papal Palace visible from far around, souvenir of the Popes presence in the 16th century.
Now a very exciting city with the biggest Arts Festival of France, beautiful shops from French designers and the old quarters with many restaurants of the famous names of French gastronomie.
Avignon is the gateway to the centre of Provence and the Luberon . Many beautiful and famous towns are at an easy distance ; St Rémy de Provence, Aix en Provence and the imposing hilltop town of les Baux de Provence.
For antique lovers, l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue offers a weekly antique market; many other shops and galleries abound in this pretty riverside village. Further to the west lies the Luberon mountain range with many typical Provençal villages to be explored, Roussillon, Menerbes, Opède-le-Vieux, Bonnieux, Gordes and Lacoste to name but a few.
On the "Rive Droite" of the Rhône ,facing the Papal Palace, is Villeneuve-lès-Avignon with its imposing Fort and ancient Chartreuse and cloisters. At just a couple of kms can be found the small village of Pujaut, Tavel , renowned for its Rosé wine,
and Rochefort du Gard .
This is the heart of the Côtes du Rhône wine valley; Lirac, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape all have many cellars with producers happy to provide tastings and advice.
Access :
Airports:
- Avignon ( internal flights )
- Nimes (Ryanair )at 30 mins
- Marseille & Montpellier at 1 hr
- Lyon at 2 _ hrs
Eurostar & TGV trains: on the spot
Motorway: A7 exit Avignon
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