Villeneuve les Avignon
A quieter base to visit the sights of Avignon
Just across the Rhône river from Avignon, Villeneuve les Avignon offers a quieter place to base yourself but still be only a stone's throw from Avignon.
Check out our reporter review from visiting the Medieval Fort Saint Andre in the town of Villeneuve les Avignon.
History & Culture in Avignon
Between 1293 and 1307 a citadel went up, called Philip the Fair Tower and today all that remains is the dungeon.
In March 1293, King Philip the Fair created the town christened Villeneuve Saint André which later became Villeneuve lez Avignon.
During the time of the papacy in Avignon (1309-1378), many Popes, Cardinals and other prelates from the pontifical court built convents, churches and fortified palaces (known as "Livrées") in Villeneuve lez Avignon.
In 1333, Cardinal Arnaud de Via founded the church, Notre Dame Collegiate church (now the parish church) which housed the copy of the famous Pietà.
In 1356, Cardinal Etienne Aubert, who became Pope under the name of Pope Innocent VI, founded the Charterhouse monastery – the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction.
Sights & Attractions in Avignon
See the Gothic church, the feudal dungeon, the town oven, the campanile and clock on the old Town Hall, and the Mascs Tower, built by order of King Philip the Fair in 1291.
The monuments of Rochefort-du-Gard not only reflect its history but the laundry pool, the Puits Pousqueiras and the fountains are all reminders of what daily life was like.
Nearby, Pujaut is a charming village built on the side of a hill. Visit the churches, see the fountain and the statue of the Virgin and don't miss the famous aerodrome.
Sights in Avignon
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Requien Museum of natural history
Located in Avignon
This museum owes its growth to the naturalist Esprit Requien (1758-1851), who was the most famous of Avignon scientists of his time. From an old middle class family, he devoted himself early to botany. By age 18, he is active in the Botanical Garden of the city of Avignon and is a herbarium that quickly acquired great importance.
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Collection Lambert
Located in Avignon
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
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Coca-Cola Museum
Located in Avignon
Collector Michel Houche, has filled his house in Avignon, with over 4000 different pieces of Coca Cola memorabilia, creating a unique collection which tells an interesting story behind the brand.
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Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
Located in Avignon
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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Angladon Museum
Located in Avignon
Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).
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Petit Palais museum
Located in Avignon
The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
Events in Avignon
Villeneuve les Avignon is home to markets, concerts and festivals throughout the year. The brocante (flea market) is held on Saturday mornings in the Place du Marche.
Things to do in Avignon
Lots of walking paths and biking paths lead through the surrounding countryside. Just next to Villeneuve lez Avignon lies the old village of Les Angles, which gazes out over the majestic Rhône from its hilltop perch. If you decide to cycle to Villeneuve from Avignon then you can also incorporate a quick spin around Barthelasse Island.
Things To Do in Avignon
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Skydive Pujaut Activity Company, Pujaut
Located in Avignon
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
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Garden Golf Course
Located in Avignon
In the heart of the rugged Vaucluse region, Garden Golf d’Avignon is surrounded by lakes, mountains and forests.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Located in Avignon
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Le Petit Train d'Avignon
Located in Avignon
You will discover the city's most beautiful sites: the Popes Palace, classified as worldwide heritage by the UNESCO, the "Rochers des Doms", the old medieval streets and shopping areas, the town's picturesque quarters, and not to forget the famous "Pont d'Avignon"
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Caneton swimming pool, Sorgues
Located in Avignon
There are two swimming pools here - an indoor one for winter and outdoor one for summer.
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Provence Wine Tours
Provence & Wine offer small guided tours from Avignon and Aix en Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon, the Alpilees and the Cotes du Rhone villages.
