Every year in July, when flying to Provence to watch the Lavender Festival, don’t forget about the Avignon Festival! The Festival d'Avignon is one of the largest art and theatre festivals in the world, lasting for three weeks in July. The festival includes a variety of performance forms, such as drama, dance, music and visual arts, attracting artists and audiences from all over the world. When you come to Avignon during the festival, you can feel the festival atmosphere and the charm of French culture and art anytime and anywhere.
Visit Provence in the treasured ancient city of Avignon, where you can explore its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, lavender fields and charming towns nearby.
- Top 5 Attractions in Avignon
1. Palais des Papes
A world cultural heritage and the largest Gothic palace in medieval Europe, the Papal Palace is the most famous attraction in Avignon. Built in the 14th century, it was the residence of the Pope and is now a museum displaying a rich collection of history and art. Visitors can experience the pope's private chambers, chapel and grand courtyard to experience its former glory.
2. Pont Saint-Bénézet
Although only four arches remain of this bridge built in the 12th century, it is still an essential symbol of Avignon. There is a small church on the bridge, which is said to have been built by the shepherd boy Beneze under the guidance of God. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Rhone River. The broken bridge by the river at sunset is exceptionally photogenic and has been put on canvas by countless famous and unknown painters throughout the ages.
3. Avignon Old Town (Vieille Ville d'Avignon)
Intact city walls, narrow streets, ancient buildings, and lively markets surround the old city. Walking in the old town, you can find many small and exquisite shops and restaurants, a good place to experience local life. I drank a cup of cappuccino in an outdoor cafe in the old town, which I thought was the most wonderful cappuccino in the world.
4. Musée du Petit Palais
The Petit Palais Museum is next to the Papal Palace and houses an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings and sculptures. The collection of Italian Renaissance paintings here is vibrant and is a place to be noticed by art lovers. The building complex itself is of great ornamental value.
5. Seknan Monastery (Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey）
Less than an hour’s drive from Avignon, it is a famous tourist photo-taking spot! Provence's most representative postcard scenery is the lavender field in front of the monastery at sunset. You can also buy lavender-related products in the small shop inside the monastery, including lavender sachets, soaps, essential oils, honey, etc. The products here are high quality and affordable, making it a great place to buy authentic lavender souvenirs.
- 4 Charming Towns around Avignon
1. Gordes
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is nestled in the Luberon Mountains and features spectacular stone houses and charming streets. The lavender fields and olive groves surrounding the village add to its charm.
2. Luberon Valley
The Luberon Valley is famous for its picturesque country towns and vineyards. The red clay town of Roussillon and the ancient stone village of Ménerbes are excellent sightseeing spots.
3. Les Baux-de-Provence
This rock-built village features spectacular castle ruins and beautiful scenery. From its commanding heights, you can overlook the entire Provence region, making it a paradise for photographers.
4. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence）
Vincent van Gogh's health retreat, Saint-Rémy, attracts visitors with its rich historical sites and charming streets. Attractions include the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum and Van Gogh's former residence.
- 4 Courses of Regional Provence Cuisine
1) Provence Stew (Ratatouille)
Stewed with fresh Provençal vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and zucchini, it is a refreshing and healthy vegetarian dish full of Mediterranean flavours.
2) Daube de Provence
This Provençal beef stew is traditionally a poor man's dish but remains a favourite at Southern dinner tables. The beef is slowly simmered in red wine, vegetables, garlic and herbs and served with polenta or gnocchi.
3) Bouillabaisse (Bouillabaisse）
It is the king of Provencal regional cuisine. For locals, its appeal lies in the taste and the ritual of serving and eating it: the broth, the fish, and then generous portions of croutons and pâté (a spicy saffron garnish ).
4）Omelette aux Truffes (Truffle Omelette）
Provence is famous for its "Black Diamond" (Truffle). The production season is from November to March of the following year. Truffle Omelette is winter gourmet food.
PS: Tips for Souvenir Shopping——Les Halles d'Avignon
A large indoor market where visitors can find a variety of fresh local produce, including cheeses, sausages, olive oil and lavender products. It’s also a great place to experience local life and culture.
The scenery of Provence, theatre festivals, lavender festivals, a rich history and cultural heritage, mouth-watering gastronomy and unique shopping experiences—Avignon will make your trip full of surprises and unforgettable memories.
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