Avignon, written as Avennio or Avenio in the ancient texts and inscriptions, takes its name from the Avennius clan. Founded by the Gallic tribe of the Cavares or Cavari, it became the centre of an important Phocaean colony from Massilia (present Marseilles). In 1033, when Conrad II fell heir to the Kingdom of Arelat, Avignon passed to the Holy Roman Empire. With the German rulers at a distance, Avignon set up as a republic with a consular form of government, between 1135 and 1146. In addition to the Emperor, the Counts of Forcalquier, of Toulouse and of Provence exercised a purely nominal sway over the city; on two occasions, in 1125 and in 1251, the Counts of Toulouse and Provence divided their rights in regard to it, while the Count of Forcalquier resigned any right he possessed to the local Bishops and Consuls in 1135.
On 7 May 1251 Avignon was made a common possession of counts Charles of Anjou and Alphonse de Poitiers, brothers of French king Saint Louis IX. On 25 August 1271, at the death of Alphonse de Poitiers, Avignon and the surrounding countship Comtat-Venaissin (which was governed by rectors since 1274) were united with the French crown.
vignon today is a very enjoyable medium sized city (89,500 inhabitants with the neighboring cities housing 160,000) and should be part of any tour of the Provence region. Avignon offers many amenities which could make it an excellent central point from which to visit all other tourist destinations in the area (Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Arles, the Camargue, Lubéron and Ventoux, Baux de Provence, St Remy and the Alpilles, etc.). It's a question of preference. Some might prefer to stay one or two days in each city. Others might prefer staying in a larger city, then making day trips to explore the Provence region.
London To Avignon by Eurostar:
Eurostar known for its high-speed trains in which you can relax in comfort and with stylish surroundings. London to Avignon is one of the most important and busiest train routes in Western Europe. Both London and Avignon are important cities of that region and hence there are lots of commuters at this route. Eurostar links to over 100 destinations across Europe.
The first departure schedule of Eurostar from London is 7:09am and arrive Avignon at 2:13pm. Eurostar fares for London to Avignon train starts from as low as £119. As you need not to take tickets separately for Eurostar and TGV, this can be a huge time saver.
Hotels in Avignon:
1.Hotel Roques: Hotel Roques is located in Les Angles, on the outskirts of Avignon, far from noise and chaos.
In the summer, guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool or strolling in the quiet, shaded garden. In the winter, they can indulge in a drink or an afternoon tea in the friendly atmosphere of the reading lounge.
The property offers a personalized service and useful sightseeing tips to enjoy the beautiful region of Provence.
2.Hotel Danieli: The Danieli hotel staff are multilingual and are on hand 24 hours-a-day to help you with your tourist and accommodation needs. After a day out and about in Avignon, come back to the Danieli and enjoy a relaxing drink in the hotel bar. Guests can also send faxes, make photocopies and book taxis from the convenience of the hotel reception.
The Danieli Hotel has a computer in reception for guest use.
3.Hotel Mignon: It is Situated in the historic area of the city, the Mignon hotel provides discount accommodation in Avignon – France. Guests staying at this chic Avignon 1 star hotel will appreciate the hotel’s clean rooms equipped with cable TV and free wireless Internet access.
Visitors are also entitled to complimentary use of the hotel’s business center and can enjoy a delicious breakfast brought directly to their room.
4.Hotel Le Magnan: Hotel Le Magnan is superbly located within the historic city walls of Avignon, near the Gare Centrale railway station and not far from all major monuments, including the Saint Bénezet bridge, the Ramparts, the Petit Palais, the Cathedral and the impressive Papal Palace - the largest Gothic building in Europe.
5.Hotel Les Frênes: It is near by Avignon, in five minutes of Ramparts, the Bridge of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes, the Hostelry Les frênes is ideally situated for a stay in Avignon. An oasis of greenery, coolness, peace and serenity invades the traveller as soon as he crosses the doors of the Hostelry Les Frênes, a magnificent house Napoleonic.
Amazing Attractions in Avignon:
1.Palais des Papes : The Palace of the Popes is now a visitor’s treasure. The construction of this building began in 1309, when Pope Clement V leaves Rome and chooses Avignon as the capital of Christianity. It is the most beautiful and strongest mansion in the world according to Froissart. As it has 25 of the rooms which are open to explore. These include the reception halls, cloister, chapels and the Pope’s private apartment ornamented with frescos which was made in the14th-century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Currently the building hosts a museum and an exhibitions hall. One of the most interesting features of the Palace is the great collections of frescoes. These paintings of the Painters are from all Europe and most of them are from Sienna, The ‘Domes’, which holds and an important collection of art and the grave of the Pope Jean XXII, is the only complete Romanesque edifice in Avignon. This museum is opened everyday from 11 am to 6 pm. So travel to Avignon and enjoy your holidays.
2. Pont d’Avignon : Avignon Bridge also called as Pont St Bénézet, made legendary in the children’s nursery rhyme, “Le Pont d’Avignon. This beautiful bridge was built in 12th century, although floods from the Rhône River damaged it extensively over the years. This bridge ends in the middle of the Rhone River. It is Another UNESCO World Heritage site, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and now stands with 4 arches and the St-Nicolas Chapel.
3.Avignon Festival : It is famous all over the world for its annual theatre festival. It is one of the oldest and most famous theatre festivals in the world, theFestival d’Avignon is an important part of this city. Each year you will get to see a new and famous artist in which the festival is themed around. Every July, 3 weeks there’s a non-stop entertainment and top notch theater. 20 venues span the city with over 40 performances. Even the Pope’s Palace is opened. Many artists like street performers, actors, musicians, and of course the ubiquitous tourists join this festival. You will see wonderful collection of art works by masters like Van Gogh, Picasso and Degas. Must go for “papalines” a delicious treat consisting of chocolate and liquor. In front of the Hotels des Monnaies’ is a terrace always full of tourists. From time to time a street artist performs in front of the foreign visitors. The gem of this festival is the performances which take place inside the Pope’s Palace itself. Tickets are expensive, this is organized by many French and European thespians (actor any gender) to be crowned for the achievement of a career. The vast majority of performances are, in French but a number of foreign companies perform in English. Even without attending any events, the atmosphere and street theater give the visitors a marvelous feeling.
4. Summer Markets : Avignon is a real treat for all the shoppers. Shopping in Avignon will give you full satisfying experience. These markets have a large part of the southern culture. These shop open from 7:00am to 1:00pm. You will certainly find your shopping that fits your choice and budget also. You will find Provencal from fabrics to pottery, lavender to olive oil, from wardrobe to tables to antique furniture’s to a fine array of French folk art on hand as well as other decorative items. You can begin your shopping with the main shopping street :
Flea Market: at the Place des Carmes on Sunday mornings
Covered Market: at Les Halles- Place Pie on Tuesday and Sunday
Flower Market: at Place des Carmes on Saturday
Farmer’s Market: at chemin de Halage, Barthelasse Island at 4:00pm from May to October
Marketplace: at Rempart Saint Michel on Saturday and Sunday
Leaving the ‘Place du Palais’ you will get to the ‘Place de l’Horloge’ (Clocktower Square). In this square you will not only find the merry-go-round but many bars and restaurants,Also see three interesting houses: the Town Hall, the Jean Vilar House and the Opera.
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