Villeneuve les Avignon

Considered a gateway to Provence, Avignon is one of France’s most interesting and beautiful cities. Avignon is fun to explore—a wonderful selection of shops line its streets, a festive air prevails with numerous street performers, and the historical attractions are monumental. Villeneuve les Avignon is separated from Avignon by the Rhône. Villeneuve flourished when the pope held residence in Avignon and a number of cardinals chose it for their magnificent estates. Today it presents a lovely setting on the river, enjoys magnificent views of its neighbor, and yet benefits from a quieter setting and pace. A stronghold that once guarded the frontier of France when Avignon was allied to the Holy Roman Empire, it has towering on its skyline Fort Saint André whose vantage point commands a magnificent view across the Rhône to Avignon and the Popes’ Palace. Another military structure still standing is the Philippe le Bel Tower and the curator is often on hand to provide all the historical facts. The Saturday morning antique and flea market is a popular attraction.