Things To Do In Avignon

Being the centre of culture that it is, it’s no surprise that Avignon’s list of attractions are based heavily around museums and historical buildings. Holidaymakers looking for theme parks and purpose-built attractions will probably be disappointed; however, those hoping to learn something of the city’s extensive history and in particular it’s religious history, will find a plethora of original sites and dedicated centres offering in-depth looks into the various significant periods in Avignon’s past.

Palais des Papes

The Palace of Popes is the city’s most historically significant construction, dating back to the time when Avignon replaced Rome as the papal residence and saw a gathering of schismatic cardinals attempt to overthrow the authority held by others in the Italian capital. The Palace is made up of a number of buildings and guided tours are available that take in such highlights as the pope’s bedchamber, Chapelle St Martial, the pope’s antechamber, the stag room and the grand tinel. If you’re holidaying in the summer season, it’s best to visit the palace in the late afternoon, when the weather’s not so hot and there are fewer tourists.

Cathdrale Notre-Dame des Doms

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms is situated close to the Palace of Popes and is a magnificent 12th century cathedral, which is home to the magnificent tombs of some of the popes from the 14th century. Visitors can take in sights such as the splendid gilded statue of the Virgin Mary as well as the ornately decorated church interior. The church is still a working religious facility and opening hours for visitors are dependent on its ceremony schedule. 

Chartreuse du Val-de-Bndiction

Chartreuse du Val-de-Bénédiction is the biggest Carthusian monastery in the country and dates back to 1352. Inside the monastery, visitors can view the well preserved church, cloisters and cells that were once home to medieval monks as well as the tomb of Pope Innocent VI. A portion of the monastery is dedicated to practicing artists, who are permitted to live here rent-free for a year while they hone their skills. Exhibitions of their artwork are displayed regularly throughout the year.

La Fondation Angladon-Dubrujeaud

Open since 1995, this museum is home to the private art collection of the famous Parisian haute couture designer, Jacques Doucet. The works include those by famous artists such as Picasso, Duchamp, Braque, Max Jacob and Guillaume Apollinaire, who Doucet paid personal attention to and helped encourage the development of their talents. The museum features Doucet’s former living quarters, within which visitors will find many rare antiques and objets d’art including Louis XVI chairs, designed by Max Jacob, and some original 16th century Buddha icons.

Muse Calvet

At Musée Calvet, visitors will find a neoclassical 18th century mansion with an impressive collection of ancient silver as well as artworks by various reputable artists. Pieces by Corot, Manet, Vernet, David and Soutine are all available for viewing, while the mansion’s architecture is itself a highly aesthetically pleasing sight.

Muse Lapidaire

At Musée Lapidaire, visitors will find a 17th century Jesuit church built in the Baroque style that has now been converted into a museum displaying a modest collection of Gallo-Roman sculptures. Various other artefacts tell something of the history of the Provence region, while some ancient sarcophagi and examples of funerary art are also available for viewing.

Museums

Avignon has no shortage of centres offering insights into its cultural and historical high points of the city and besides the museums mentioned above, there are various other covering similar themes.

At the Musée Louis-Vouland, you’ll find a 19th century mansion, where various objets d'art and antiques from the 17th and 18th centuries are on display. Among the museum’s collection are tapestries from Aubusson and Gobelins, Sèvres porcelain and the comtesse du Barry's tea set. Meanwhile, at the Musée Requien, you’ll find a natural history facility with a herbarium that’s home to around 200,000 specimens from across the globe.

Finally, at the Musée du Petit-Palais you’ll find the original buildings where the city’s first two popes resided before Benedict XII built the Palais des Papes. An impressive selection of paintings is on display at the museum as well as various Roman and Gothic sculptures.