Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
▲▲▲ Jardin du Rochers des Doms
Though the park itself is a delight—with a sweet little café (good prices for food and
drinks) and public WCs—don't miss the climax: a panoramic view of the Rhône River
Valley and the broken bridge. For the best views (and the favorite make-out spot for local
teenagers later in the evening), find the small terrace behind the odd zodiac display across
the grass from the pond-side park café. Ifthe green fence is ruining it foryou,stand onthe
shortwallbehindyou,ordetourafewminutesthroughthepark(totheright,withtheriver
on your left) to find a bigger terrace.
Onaclearday,thetallestpeakyousee,withitswhitelimestonecap,isMontVentoux
(“Windy Mountain”). Below and just to the right, you'll spot free passenger ferries shut-
tlingacrosstheriver(greatviewsfrompathonothersideoftheriver),and—tuckedamidst
the trees on the far side of the river—a fun, recommended restaurant, Le Bercail. The is-
land in the river is the Ile de la Barthelasse, a lush nature preserve where Avignon can
breathe. To the left in the distance, the TGV rail bridge floats gracefully above the valley.
FortSt.André(acrosstheriveronthehill;seetheinfoplaquetotheleft)wasbuiltby
the French in 1360, shortly after the pope moved to Avignon, to counter the papal incur-
sion into this part of Europe. The castle was across the border, in the kingdom of France.
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