Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
chapel frescoes, painted by Matteo Giovannetti; in the intricate walls of the Pope's bed-
room; and in the superb Chambre du Cerf, alive with medieval hunting scenes.
Self-guided tours direct you from lower floors to crenellations; stop for coffee in the
sky-high cafe. The guided two-hour
Visite Palais Secret
(Secret Palace Tour) takes you to
secret towers, rooftop walkways and hidden chambers; reservations essential. The Eng-
lish- language version (€19.50) runs on Fridays, spring and autumn; the French-language
version (€34.50) runs Saturday and Sunday, September to May, and includes brunch.
Check the website for a complete list of opening hours throughout the year.
Place du Palais
A golden statue of Virgin Mary (weighing 4.5 tons) stands on the dome of Romanesque
Cathédrale Notre Dame des Doms
(built 1671-72), her outstretched arms protecting the
city. Next to the cathedral, hilltop
Rocher des Doms
gardens provide knockout views of
the Rhône, Mont Ventoux and Les Alpilles; there's also a
playground
. Opposite the Pal-
ais des Papes, the much-photographed building dripping with carvings of fruit and herald-
ic beasts, is the former 17th-century mint,
Hôtel des Monnaies
.
SQUARE
Pont St-Bénézet
(adult/child €4.50/3.50; 9am-8pm Jul, 9am-9pm Aug, shorter hours Sep-Jun)
Accord-
ing to legend, pastor Bénezet had three saintly visions urging him to build a bridge across
the Rhône. Completed in 1185, the bridge linked Avignon with Villeneuve-lès-Avignon,
controlling trade at this vital crossroads. It was rebuilt several times, before all but four of
its spans were washed away in the mid-1600s.
Don't be surprised if you spot someone attempting a dance. In France, Pont St-Béezet is
known as the Pont d'Avignon, from the chirpy nursery rhyme: 'Sur le pont d'Avignon /
L'on y danse, l'on y danse…' (On Avignon Bridge, all are dancing…).
If you don't want to pay to visit the bridge, you can see it free from the Rocher des
Doms park, Pont Édouard Daladier or from across the river on the Île de la Barhelasse's
chemin des Berges.
BRIDGE
City Walks
One of Avignon's chief joys is to wander aimlessly around the photogenic old city. Within
its 14th-century
ramparts
lie crooked streets and leafy squares, medieval churches, and
handsome houses with ornate doorways. The tourist office has a free map, outlining four
WALK
