Avignon occupies a special place in French history, and even world history. This city, nestled on the banks of the Rhône, was the seat of the Papacy throughout the 14th century. This prestigious status has given it an exceptional heritage that is well worth discovering during your camping holiday in Vaucluse or Bouches-du-Rhône.
Our campsites in Avignon and Provence.
During the Middle Ages, and particularly throughout the 13th century, popes had become accustomed to staying outside Rome for varying lengths of time. However, none of the cities where they resided became a new capital of Christendom to replace Rome. At the dawn of the 14th century, Rome was a troubled city, torn apart by rival clans. Since the schism between the Eastern and Western churches, the great Italian city had also found itself on the periphery of the Catholic world, in which France and England were the main powers. When he moved to Avignon in 1309, Pope Clement V did not intend to make it a new religious capital. But Avignon had some attractive assets. In contrast to its Italian rival, the city enjoyed the deep peace that reigned in Provence and offered the advantage of bringing the Pope closer to the kingdoms of France and England. He therefore settled there permanently and was followed by his six successors until 1376 (John XXII, Benedict XII, Clement VI, Innocent VI, Urban V and Gregory XI). Upon the death of Gregory XI, the Catholic Church entered a period of turmoil. Supported by England, Italy and the German emperor, a pope regained his seat in Rome, while France and Spain kept Clement VII in Avignon. His successor, Benedict XIII, gradually lost all his support and fled Avignon in 1403. Rome then regained its status as the capital of Christendom. For nearly a century, the Pope lived in Avignon with his court. The city experienced a population explosion, growing from 6,000 to 40,000 inhabitants, and became one of the largest cities in Europe. From this period, it inherited an exceptional architectural heritage. Throughout the 14th century, the city was transformed and adorned with Gothic monuments. The emblem of this period is the Palais des Papes, which you must visit during your camping holiday in Avignon.
Visit the Palais des Papes during your camping holiday in Avignon
The Palais des Papes is the main legacy of the popes in Avignon. It is essentially the work of two popes, Benedict XII and Clement VI. They built this monumental palace in less than 20 years. With its 15,000 m² of floor space, it is the largest Gothic palace in the world. In terms of volume, this palace is equivalent to four Gothic cathedrals! That’s quite something… Your visit will take you through 25 rooms in the palace, from the grand state rooms to the pope’s private apartments. Don’t miss the terraces, which offer breathtaking views of the Rhône and the pink tiles of Avignon’s old town. To decorate what was to be the masterpiece of its time, the popes brought in some of the greatest artists of the era, such as the Italian painter Mattéo Giovannetti. In addition to its refined architecture, the palace also boasts priceless frescoes. To complement your visit, you can explore the palace with a digital augmented reality tour on a tablet, the Histopad. To gain a better understanding of the Palais des Papes and the history of Avignon, extend your visit with a trip to the Petit Palais museum, one of the most beautiful museums of medieval art in Europe.
During the Avignon Theatre Festival, held every year in July, the courtyard of the Palais des Papes hosts prestigious theatrical productions.
Along with the Pont Saint Bénezet bridge, the Petit Palais, the cathedral and the ramparts of Avignon, the Palais des Papes is a unique architectural ensemble that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dominating the city, the Notre-Dame des Doms Basilica, which adjoins the Palais des Papes, completes the picture. It can be seen from afar, topped by its golden virgin. Considered one of the masterpieces of Provençal Romanesque art, it is a must-see during your camping holiday in Provence.
The admission fee for the Palais des Papes is €12 (Palais + Pont ticket: €14.50).
Go dancing on the Pont d’Avignon from your campsite in Provence
The Saint Bénezet Bridge is another iconic site that has contributed to Avignon’s reputation. Construction began in the 12th century and continued over several centuries. It spanned the Rhône River and had 22 arches stretching 920 metres. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during a flood in the 15th century. All that remains today are four arches.
The medieval charm of Avignon
While the city of the Popes boasts prestigious monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is also renowned for its old town. Sheltered by 4.3 kilometres of ramparts, the historic heart of Avignon has retained its medieval charm with its narrow cobbled streets bearing evocative names such as Rue des Teinturiers (Dyers’ Street). The old town of Avignon is dotted with pretty little shaded squares where the Provençal art of living is expressed better than anywhere else. Of all the squares, Place Pie is the liveliest, with its bars and restaurants whose terraces stretch out under the plane trees. Avignon’s religious heritage did not end with the departure of the Popes. The history of the city is written in the stone of its churches. As you stroll around, you will discover Gothic or Baroque chapels around every corner. There are many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered, such as the Chapel of the Black Penitents and the Chapel of the Grey Penitents. Well hidden on a small cobbled square, the Basilica of Saint Peter often reveals itself by chance to visitors, who feel lucky to have discovered it as they contemplate the stone lacework of its façade.
Camping in Provence during the Avignon Festival
Every year in July, Avignon celebrates theatre and the performing arts during its prestigious festival. Created in 1947 by director Jean Vilar, this festival takes place in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes, the cloisters and even school playgrounds. Actors, musicians and dancers perform to the delight of tens of thousands of spectators who flock to Avignon for the occasion. Every year, Avignon hosts around forty performances for the official festival and many more for the OFF festival. Avignon is then buzzing with incredible artistic activity. But, let’s be honest, it’s not the best time of year to visit Avignon. If you don’t like crowds, choose another time of year.
Our campsites in Avignon
A selection of campsites for caravans, tents and motorhomes around Avignon.
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