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Explore Avignon’s Famous Sites and Where to Eat Lunch

We almost always visit Avignon a few days after we arrive in Provence. Our home in Sablet (available for holiday rentals) is only about 40 kilometres away, so it’s a quick drive. The old part of Avignon is enclosed within ancient walls along the Rhone River. The largest town in the Vaucluse, Avignon, is ancient and full of history, art, music, and activity.

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Explore Avignon

Notre des Doms Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church next to the Palais des Papes in Avignon. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon. The Romanesque building was constructed primarily in the second half of the 12th century. The bell tower collapsed in 1405 and was rebuilt in 1425.

The Pope’s Palace is a historical place in Avignon, one of Europe’s largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings. Once, the fortress and palace, the papal residence, were the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palace, leading to the election of five Popes and one Antipope. Please continue reading here for the original Our House in Provence article.

Must-See Sites Avignon

Lunch in Avignon

We learned early on that, except for cafes that tourists mostly frequent, it is not a good idea to drop into a restaurant in France without reservations. You will probably find they are “complet” (full) even if they have empty tables. You might get lucky if you show up just as they open their door for service. Our visits to Avignon are always timed so we can enjoy a leisurely lunch in a nice restaurant. We frequently dine at La Fourchette. 
 
La Fourchette Restaurant
17, Rue Racine
84000 Avignon
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 85 20 93
 
On our most recent visit, we made reservations for lunch at Bibendum on Rue Joseph Vernet, a restaurant recently designated by Michelin as Bib Gourmand. Bibendum is set in an old cloister that includes the restaurant, a wine bar, a cocktail bar and an inner courtyard with a patio where we chose to dine. Mathieu Desmarest, chef of the Michelin one-star restaurant Pollen, devises the menu, while his wife Emilie oversees this venue.
 
Bibendum
83 Rue Joseph Vernet
84000 Avignon, France
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 91 78 39
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Getting to Avignon

Avignon is a large, sprawling urban centre with over 90,000 residents. Trains from Paris (2 1/2 hours), Marseille, and the French Riviera arrive at Avignon’s TGV station. From there, it’s a quick trip to the historic centre, the old part of Avignon. The restored ramparts surround the ancient city, and inside those massive stone walls—Intramuros—lies a fascinating centre well worth exploring. More about the must-see sites in Avignon.

Where to Stay near Avignon

Rent this beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of a boulangerie, cafe, butcher, tabac (news store), grocery store, pharmacy and medical offices. Three (3) bedroom house with three (3) bathrooms which include showers and toilets. Large, well-furnished kitchen with a sitting area, wood-burning fireplace, and adjoining terrace. The master bedroom has an adjoining terrace. The house is air-conditioned and heated by electricity. Sablet is a wine village known for its Côte du Rhone wines. Although as charming as all “touristy” villages as a working wine village, shops and other village services are open year-round.

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Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.

2 Comments

  1. Doris
    July 20, 2024 at 11:13 am — Reply

    Avignon looks like a wonderful place to visit with its rich history and beautiful sites. The recommendations for restaurants and things to see are very helpful. The holiday rental in Sablet also seems like a perfect home base for exploring Provence.

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