The Originals City Hôtel Cap Sud

It’s hard to miss the city’s most famous monument, celebrated in the equally famous nursery rhyme. The place “where we dance, where we dance” (and not only in a circle) also reveals the fascinating story of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, its real name. Of the bridge’s original 22 arches spanning the Rhône since 1185, only 4 remain today, survivors of floods and wars that damaged the structure, which has remained unrestored since the reign of Louis XIV due to lack of funding. Still, it offers a stunning vantage point over the Palace of the Popes, the city walls, and Fort Saint-André.

Did you know that with over 600,000 visitors each year, the Palace of the Popes ranks among the ten most visited monuments in France? It’s no surprise, the largest Gothic palace in the Western world impresses with its vast scale and fortress-like appearance. Nine popes resided here between 1309 and 1377. Within the shadowy halls of the Old Palace or the grand spaces of the New Palace, let yourself be carried away by the magic of the place, or by augmented reality, which offers a virtual journey into the very heart of the Palace’s history.

Welcome to the heart, and stomach, of Avignon! This is where you’ll find the city’s Grand Market, rich with the scents and colors of Provence. The square takes its name from Pope Pius III, and although nothing remains of the old Baltard-style pavilion, it was replaced in the 1970s by a modern structure. Since 2005, however, the site has once again drawn curious visitors, captivated by the vast green wall covering the building’s north façade. And every Saturday, local top chefs come here to showcase their best recipes through live cooking demonstrations.

Stretching nearly 5 km and punctuated by 39 towers and 7 main gates, Avignon’s city walls date back to the 14th century. Remarkably, Avignon is one of the rare cities in France to have preserved its entire medieval defensive structure. A true historical treasure, best discovered on a leisurely walk that also offers the bonus of stunning views over the city and the Rhône River.