Avignon
The City of the Popes
For 70 years, in the 14th century, Avignon became the capital of the Catholic Church when a few Popes settled there.
These few decades, which placed this city of Provence at the centre of the medieval world, have given Avignon a heritage of rare richness , including a sumptuous Popes’ Palace and its famous bridge over the Rhône.
However, don’t limit your visit to these two emblematic sites during your stay at the Domaine de Gaujac, but take the time to stroll through the old town which is hidden in the shelter of its medieval walls.
The City of the Popes and the Pont d’Avignon
After dancing on the Pont d’Avignon, venture into the small cobbled streets of the old town. You will be able to discover for example the very pretty park of the Rocher des Doms, shaded and ideal for a picnic. Linger inside the ramparts, in the heart of the historic centre.
In the morning, it’s an opportunity to discover the very pleasant covered market housing the daily market and its fifty or so traders who will make you taste their local specialities. Church lovers will make a detour to Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon, a 12th century cathedral that houses the tombs of the popes of Avignon, and the beautiful Gothic basilica of Saint-Pierre d’Avignon. Avignon, the city of the Popes, is home to several remarkable abbeys: Saint-André Abbey, Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet Abbey, etc.
As for art lovers, they will be delighted with the many museums in the city, such as the Calvet Museum, the Lapidary Museum or the Palais du Roure and its evocations of Provençal culture.
