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It could be justified to visit Avignon alone for its
annual 300 days of radiant sunshine, glorious light, ancient
city walls, celebrated bridge and World Monument Site -
the Palace of the Popes. But do not forget that the town
contains many more hidden treasures and that, its geographical
position is ideal for discovering all that there is in the
surrounding region.
Realistically within 20 - 60 minutes by car, is an exceptionally
exciting selection of sites to explore. It takes a little
longer if you choose to go by bicycle! |
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| Palace of the Popes in Avignon |
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Once you leave the city there is a vast panorama of
choice at your feet; the best preserved and prestigious
Roman sites of - Arles, Orange and Nimes with their monumental
arenas, the Pont du Gard, St Remy de Provence and Glanum,
Vaison la Romaine, Aix en Provence and there are many other
no less important Roman traces to discover.
Religious buildings are plenty and emotive - synagogues
in Carpentras and Cavaillon (the most ancient in France)-
Roman chapels in Beaumes de Venise or those scattered in
the Ventoux area - the churches and cathedrals of Aix, Carpentras,
Uzes, Arles. Consider visiting Abbey's like - Cistercian
ones of Senanque and Montmajour. Do not forget the multitude
religious artefacts and treasures in Avignon itself, rightly
giving it the nickname of <Ville sonnante> (reference
to all the church bells). One reason why Avignon is twinned
with the equally breathtaking Siena in Italy. |
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cathedral sainte Trophime
in Arles |
Magnificent castles remains are witness to a rich medieval
and Renaissance past - Barbentane, Le Barroux, Ansouis, Lourmarin,
La Tour Aigues and Vaison la Romaine. Mountainous countryside,
magnificent, divers and now protected - like les Alpilles,
Ventoux and the Baronnies, Dentelle de Montmirail and Vaucluse
mountain chains are within easy reach. Also worth noting are
- Luberon, Carmaque, les Baux de Provence and the fertile
land around Saint Remy. More dramatic is the seaside, the
Calanques in Cassis and Marseille.
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| Baux de Provence |
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| The untamed rivers and craggy gorges of the - Ardeche,
Verdon and Gardon and the number of streams that form the
Vaucluse Fountain (Vallis Clausa) which give the region its
name, are well worth a visit. Of course not forgetting the
splendid beaches and fine sand of Saintes Maries de la Mer,
around Aigues Mortes, les Salins de Giraud and the miles of
preserved and protected nature reserve beaches. Alternatively
inland are several lakes created by the many streams. Closer
to Avignon (across the bridge) the island of Barthelasse provides
an Olympic size pool and an incomparable panoramic view of
Avignon. |
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Gordes en Luberon |
| Avignon is the capital of the Côtes du Rhone
wine valley and a good place to sample the tradition of
wine-tasting (No need to drive!). From Avignon many wine
routes lead to the ‘Grand Cru’ producers of
Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Rasteau and Seguret
just to mention a few. Equally good are the neighbouring
domains of Côtes du Ventoux and Luberon.
You could also discover and pick your own ‘Herbes
de Provence’ that without doubt features in the meals
you will be enjoying during your stay. For gourmet aficionados
look no further than to the Black Truffles of Richerenches
and Ventoux. Rich olive oils come straight from the mill
or there are the several classic fruit and vegetable markets
- that still exist in Provence. |
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| Nîmes raman arena |
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Sport and fitness facilities are easily accessible for
everyone - there are well indicated 'paths' in the country
side whether you choose to go by foot, on a bicycle or on
horse-back or for the children donkey. If your handicap
is 8 over par look no further - there is also an excellent
choice of golf courses in the region and there are also
river cruises on the Rhône, hang gliding or ballooning
to try and many other experiences.
For the amateur enthusiast or professional interested in
antiques and second hand markets, visit Isle sur la Sorgues
and its eight ’villages’ of market stands which
are only 20 minutes away from Avignon. Worth noting too
are the many seasonal local antique markets. |
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Festivals en Provence |
Châteauneuf du
Pape |
| Avignon is also well placed for all the local international
concerts and opera festivals - such as at Aix en Provence,
Orange, the recently Pierre Cardin launched Lacoste, Montpelier
and for piano lovers, Rogue d’Antheron.
There is another well kept local secret: to view the works
of Van Gogh and Cézanne there is no need to go to
Aix, St Remy or Arles - there is an impressive number in
Avignon! Together with works by Picasso, Degas, Derain,
Soutine, Modigliani, Sisley, Manet, Duffy....
An addition the great painters Nicolas Mignard (1606-1668)
who worked almost exclusively in Avignon and his brother
Pierre Mignard (1612-1695) as well as Joseph Vernet (1714-1789)
were natives of Avignon. Painters like Hubert Robert, Chardin,
David can also be found in the museums and churches in Avignon.
Exceptionally, to be found in the Petit Palais in Avignon
is the Campana collection of Italian paintings and treasures
from the XIV and XV period. One of the most complete collection
of its kind in the world from this period. Simone Martini
and Matteo Giovannetti who worked for the Popes in Avignon
at the Popes Palace and the Cathedral. Equally Enguerrand
Quarton (his rare surviving example of the Pieta is to be
found in the Louvre in Paris) not to forget Botticelli,
Carpaccio and many others.
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| Discover Avignon and the Provence with Horizon
Provence |
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