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 to he carried a large stone down to the river, convincing the local inhabitants to begin the work in earnest. The bridge was completed in 1185 and became the only place between Lyon and the Mediterranean to cross the Rhône. Thanks to its tolls, the city prospered and grew. However, following the siege by Louis VIII, most of the bridge was destroyed in 1226. The local inhabitants defied a ban to later rebuild the bridge but today 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.

Hiring a car with Carhire3000 allows you to explore the historic town of Avignon as well as the surrounding countryside.  Hire a car in Avignon itself or from the nearby airports of Marseille, Montpellier or Nimes and discover the colourful region which inspired painters such as Cezanne and Van Gogh. Hiring a car in Provence allows you to explore the lavender fields of Gordes, the ochre hills of the Luberon, the spectacular Ardeche gorges, the slopes of Mont Ventoux and the traditional vineyards which flank the Rhone.

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