PROVENCE - France 2014 - page 952

Orientation to Avignon
Cours Jean Jaurès, which turns into Rue de la République, runs straight from the Centre-
Ville train station to Place de l'Horloge and the Palace of the Popes, splitting Avignon in
two. The larger eastern half is where the action is. Climb to the Jardin du Rochers des
Doms for the town's best view, consider touring the pope's immense palace, lose your-
self in Avignon's back streets (you can follow my “Discovering Avignon's Back Streets”
self-guided walk), and find a shady square to call home. Avignon's shopping district fills
the traffic-free streets near where Rue de la République meets Place de l'Horloge. As you
wander, look for signs in Occitan—the language of the Occitania region; you might see
the name of the city written as “Avinhon” or “Avignoun.”
Tourist Information
The main TI is between the Centre-Ville train station and the old town, at 41 Cours Jean
Jaurès (April-Oct Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00—until 19:00 in July, Sun 9:45-17:00; Nov-March
Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-12:00; tel. [phone], www.avignon-
tourisme.com ) . From April through mid-October, a branch TI office is open inside Les
Halles market (Fri-Sun 10:00-13:00, closed Mon-Thu). At any TI, get the helpful map.
If you're staying awhile, pick up the free Guide Touristique (info on bike rentals, hotels,
apartment rentals, events, and museums).
Sightseeing Pass: Everyoneshouldpickupthefree Avignon Passion Pass (valid15
days, for up to 5 family members). Get the pass stamped when you pay full price at your
first sight, and then receive reductions at the others (for example, €2 less at the Palace of
thePopesand€3lessatthePetitPalais).Thediscountsaddup—alwaysshowyourPassion
Pass when buying a ticket. The pass comes with the Avignon “Passion” map and guide,
which includes several good (but tricky-to-follow) walking tours.
Arrival in Avignon
By Train
Avignon has two train stations: TGV (linked to downtown by frequent shuttle buses)
and Centre-Ville. While most TGV trains serve only the TGV Station, some also stop at
Centre-Ville—verify your station in advance.