Avignon

Avignon is a cosmopolitan city located in south-eastern France.

It is often known as the ‘city of popes’, due to the presence of popes and antipopes from 1309 to 1423 during the Catholic schism. The grand cream-coloured Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) continues to delight visitors every year. However Avignon, with its medieval feel, fashionable boutiques, great restaurants and great nightlife has so much more to offer. If you love theatre, performance art and dance then definitely head to Avignon in June for the festivals that take place. Also make sure to have a good look at the old city walls that surround the city. Take time to visit Parc des Rochers des Domes is a beautiful park with amazing views, it’s a great place for that romantic walk.

Palais des papes Avignon

Like most French cities Avignon is home to a number of museums, all of them have quite well renowned collections. Some of the well known museums are Collection Lambert, Calvet Museum, Angladon Museum, Louis Vouland Museum, The Museum of the Petit Palais, Museum of old Avignon and Requien Museum. If you have time make sure you visit at least one of them. If you are a theatre lover then the Avignon theatre festival draws people from all over the world. It’s a three week festival held in the summer in around twenty venues. It’s definitely worth buying a ticket.
Avignon’s main shopping street is rue de la Republique, with well known chain stores, boutiques and tempting food shops. If you look down the side streets you will find some great chic boutiques and designer outlets like Donna at number 35. If you love markets then the main market Les Halles d’Avignon is the place to be with 40 stalls selling local and regional food and wine and other French treats. North-east of the city centre are large modern shopping malls of Auchan (at Le Pontet) and Buld’air (at Vedene). If you are a lover of wine then a good selection of regional wine can be found at La Cave du Bouffart.

When eating out in Avignon you are really spoilt for choice with its many Michelin Star restaurants to choose from. Some of the best being Christian Etienne, Ginette and Marcel, Hiely-Lucullus, La Fourchette, Le Numero 75, Piedoie and Restaurant l’Essential. However if you like the family pub scene then head to Les 5 sens, AOC or Restaurant La Cour d’Honneur, these are all family friendly places that serve excellent food.
In most French cities you will find plenty of things to do at night, In Avignon you will find most of the entertainment in the area of the place de l’Horloge or Place Pie. If you enjoy the club scene then pub Z on rue Bonneterie is great. If you enjoy live music then Jazz Club on rue Escalier-Ste-Anne hosts live Jazz acts every week. More live music can be found at Le Bistroquest on Ile de la Berthelasse, the Red Zone on rue Carnot and La Tache d’Encre. Another fun place to be is the popular Piano Bar Le Blue on rue Carnot; here the entertainment ranges from live rock and jazz bands to karaoke.

Brücke von Avignon.