Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

On the other side of the Rhône river lies the charming village of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Although it's just a short walk from Avignon, it is no longer in the same 'département'. As you cross the river, you're leaving the Vaucluse department and entering the Gard department. The village of Villeneuve-les-Avignon was built around the Mount Andaon thanks to which it has several vantage points overlooking Avignon and the Rhone valley. On top of the hill, far away from the hustle and bustle of Avignon, you'll be struck by the peacefulness and serenity of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.

We spent most of our time wandering around marvelling at the little streets lined by colorful, overgrown houses.

One of the highlights on this side of the river is the Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-val-de-Bénédiction. This monastery has been set up to illustrate what life was like for monks in the middle ages.

Fort Saint-André, then, is a well-preserved fort from the middle ages. Visitors can climb on its ramparts for a stunning view over the Rhone valley.

Fans of panoramic views can also climb the Tour Philippe Le Bel. From up there, you should be able to see the pont Benezet, the Palais des Papes and the Rhone.

The Jardins de l'abbaye Saint-Andre, a lovely secluded garden, is also interesting to visit. Even this garden has several vantage points to overlook the historical center of Avignon.

Feeling tired of walking (watching stunning panoramas is exhausting), we had lunch on the Place Jean Jaurès, a nice square with a very laidback atmosphere.

On our way back to Avignon, we walked through the parc on La Colline des Mourgues. I really loved this place, as it's an(other) oasis of tranquility with panoramic views over the surroundings.

Practical information

• How to get there? You can either take bus 5 from Port d'Ouille to the tourist office of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, or take the the free ferry over the Rhone and walk from there. Expect to walk for about half an hour.

More pictures

Comments

Do you have questions? Did you experience something similar? Did you notice a mistake? Please share!