An Artist's Tour of Provence - Part IV

Le Pont d’Avignon

Avignon

We have made several trips to Avignon and even made it our base of operations on one trip so we could thoroughly scout the town for another painting workshop. Even though it is only about an hour’s drive from Aix, it is a full day’s excursion, especially so if one wants to see a bit of the nearby wine country of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We always get an early start.

The ancient town of Avignon is now the capital of the Vaucluse departement. Between 1309 and 1377, seven consecutive popes resided in Avignon. It remained in papal control until 1791 when it became a part of France during the French revolution. The historic center of Avignon is one of the few remaining historic towns in France to retain its original ramparts. Inside you will find, the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral and the famous Pont d’Avignon. Avignon was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. It is among the 10 most-visited monuments in F…