Place du Palais: The wide open space that sets off the Papal Palace isn’t here by accident.It was laid out by the anti pope Benedict XII in the early 15th century, when the winding streets around the palace were razed to enhance the grandeur of the structure.On the square you’ve got the perfect view of the palace, as well as the renaissance Petit Palais, Avignon’s Romanesque cathedral and the Hôtel des Monnaies (mint), which was renovated in the baroque style in 1619.
Pont Saint-Bénézet: Known to all as the Pont d’Avignon, the mythic bridge is from the late-12th century, linking France with Papal Territory. It was positioned on the tightest part of the bend in the Rhône to lessen its exposure to the river’s notorious strong currents. Originally there were 22 arches, of which four remain today, and the bridge was 915 meters long, sensational dimensions for the time it was built.
Place de l’Horloge: Avignon’s main square is where you’ll find the city hall and opera house. Place de l’Horloge is named after the Avignon’s Gothic clock tower, but this can actually be quite tough to spot on the square as it’s hidden behind the newer neoclassical city hall buildings. In the summer nearly half of Place de l’Horloge is taken up by rows of seating for the line of restaurants that spans the entire length of the square.
Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon: Local folklore has it that this church’s predecessor was destroyed by the moors in the 7th century.The current Gothic building was started in the 1300s during the papacy of Innocent IV, who was the fifth Avignon Pope.Before you enter, take a little time to appreciate the monumental wooden tours, sculpted from walnut in 1551 by Antoine Volard. There’s a trove of art to see inside too, like the gilded choir from the 1700s, renaissance and baroque paintings, as well as the 15th-century relics of Saint-Pierre de Luxembourg, with his actual cardinal’s robes and hat.
1930- Dinner at Restaurant Le Bercail– If nothing else, make a reservation here for the view. In the walled city, it can be easy to forget you’re situated beside a stunning river, the Rhône. Here at Le Bercail, located on Barthelasse Island, you can perch yourself waterside and take in views of the fortified town and the Saint-Bénézet Bridge.
