Destination Spotlight - France: Provence

Nimes	Arles	Mont Ventoux	Vaison-la-Romaine	Orange	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	Avignon

Orange

Wine tours from Châteauneuf-du-Pape also extend to nearby Orange. However, Orange is equally as famous for its Roman history as its wine production thanks to some of the best preserved examples of Roman architecture to be seen anywhere in Europe.

The Théâtre Antique, a carefully restored Roman theatre that dates back to the time of Augustus, is without question one of the greatest surviving examples of Roman architecture that exists today. Built into the side of a hill, this incredibly well maintained 1st Century venue is breathtaking, once able to accommodate as many as 8,000 spectators in its tiered seats. The Théâtre Antique is so well maintained in fact, that concerts and operas are still held there to this day.

Within a short walking distance lies the Musée Municipal d'Orange, which contains artefacts and original pieces of the Roman ruins from the town.

Older still is the Arc de Triomphe. Although not as well-preserved as the theatre, this three-arc monument celebrating the conquering legions of Caesar remains equally as impressive. Rising 72 feet from the ground, the arc is famous for once being used as a dungeon in the Middle Ages.

Orange is also home to the beautiful Colline St Eutrope Park, perfect for a picnic or a photo opportunity of the surrounding valley and mulberry plantations. which punctuate the landscape.

Avignon

From Orange, head back towards the coast and you will stumble across the delightful town of Avignon.

Christened “City of the Popes”, Avignon is perhaps best known for the Saint Benezet bridge - immortalised in the nursery song “Sur Le Pont D’Avignon”.

The legend of the bridge began when a lowly shepherd (Benezet) heard a voice commanding him to build a bridge over the Rhone at Avignon. To prove his faith, he carried a large stone down to the river, convincing the local inhabitants to begin the work in earnest. Completed in 1185, the bridge became the only place between Lyon and the Mediterranean to cross the Rhône and, thanks to its tolls, the city prospered. However, following the siege by Louis VIII, most of the bridge was destroyed in 1226. Although the local inhabitants defied a ban to rebuild the bridge, only the lower Chapel of St Benezet remains from the original structure. In 1603 the arches started to collapse following years of poor maintenance. Just months after repairs were finally completed in 1633, 2 arches were once again swept away by the strong currents.

Visitors today will find the remaining arches of the bridge renovated, their full history narrated by an audio tour.

From the visitor centre at the bridge, visitors also have access to the 13th and 14th century city walls for views over the Rhone and the surrounding countryside as well as the gardens which now fill the former moat.

No visit to Avignon is complete without a visit to the Popes’ Palace (“Palais des Papes”), a spectacular fortress which testifies to the strength of the Church in the 14th century. The guided tour presents over 20 rooms including the private apartments of the Popes with their sumptuous décor and ornate frescos. Also within the Palace is the Museum of Old Avignon which depicts medieval life within the city walls.

Outside is the “Place du Palais” which buzzes with life throughout the summer months. Here you will find numerous restaurants which spill out onto the square, street entertainers and at the far end, adjoining the Palace, stands the “Petit Palais”, home to the archbishops of Avignon. The pavement tables can be a little pricey but this is an ideal spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

First time visitors to the town can take the “Petit Train” from the square for a circular tour of the town and get their bearings. Alternatively, walk up the ramps at the far end of the square, from the Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms to the public park which surrounds the Rocher des Doms. The shady trees and cool fountains of the park provide a welcome retreat on a hot summer’s day whilst the viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape. Here you will also find a restaurant, snack bar and children’s play area.

Avignon is renowned for its heritage and gothic buildings but the modern city is also worth a visit. A lively atmosphere pervades and you will find a range of busy shops from designer boutiques to chain stores. And, nestled along the city walls, there are numerous antique shops and artisans selling everything from local lavender products to scenic watercolours.

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