Duvies

Hi All,

we'll have an 'easy' day in Avignon itself (part of three full days staying on the island) and we need some help with what to do. What would you recommend for such a day? We would not really like to do anything formal, except maybe the Popes Palace. We are 50+ and not interested in skydiving and the likes and we'll probably be in Avignon the other two evenings as well.

Thanks in advance.

StuDudley

Get the Michelin Green Guide for Provence. Read the section about Avignon. Michelin gives "ratings" to the various sites. Hope your visit is not on a Sunday or Monday morning when most things will be closed.

Stu Dudley

Duvies

Hi Stu, we will be there on a Sunday, but that is our L'Isle sur la Sorgue and Luberon day.

I have looked at the guide a;ready, so maybe we should do a structured walk around the old town after visiting the Popes Palace, except if there is something un-touristy we can do?

StCirq

What island?

Go to the official Avignon website and see if there's anything there that strikes you as "un-touristy." Maybe you could go to church or join a neighborhood cleanup.

Southam

The Avignon tourist authority is very helpful for the city and surrounding area. It proposes various excursions or visits around and in the city. There's a decent art gallery, and always the city walls to walk. The view from the centre across the river is spectacular. Also, of course, the broken Roman bridge in the river where, for an admission fee, you too can dance like the kids' song. There used to be a free ferry to the nearest island allowing a healthy hike back to the highway bride at the edge of town. I could spend a couple of days in Avignon any time.

TPAYT

Underhill

Another puzzlement about "on the island." Avignon is NOT an island.

janisj

Well - everything across the bridges is an island, surrounded by two branches of the river. The city is not on an island.

Duvies

Hi, to clear my confusing post: we are staying on Isle de la Barthelasse at Hotel Restaurant la Ferme for four days in September. That is the island that I referred to in my OP. Please accept my apologies.

Southam and TPAYT, I think your recommendations are great, thank you very much. If the inside of the Palace of the Popes is not that interesting, then we'll surely consider not doing it.

vinonobile987

Vttraveler

The monastery in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is also interesting and much less crowded than the Papal Palace.
FWIW I consider the Pope's Palace interesting, too.

Duvies

Thanks Vinonobile and Vttraveller. I took a quick look at Villeneuve-les-Avignon and it certainly seems worth a visit. I think we'll keep it in mind for a quick visit, but if Avignon keeps us too busy, then next time ....