The Popes' City and its palace, witness to its past as the capital of Christianity in the Middle Ages, offer a particularly welcoming and captivating atmosphere, with its architecture, alleys, cultural sites, bars and restaurants. But Avignon is also its famous Saint-Bénezet bridge, famous all over the world for its singing, its Provençal cuisine, its wines from the Côtes du Rhône and its famous theatre festival (which will take place from 5 to 23 July 2019). Since 1947 and its creation by Jean Vilar, thehe festival is divided between the official program: the In and the presentation of shows in every possible and imaginable place in the city: the Off.
Capital of Christianity since the 13th century
Ancient Celtic centre, a powerful Greek and then Roman city, it has been at the same time spiritual, political, economic and cultural capital throughout its history. Thanks to its past, Avignon can boast an exceptional architectural and artistic heritage that still makes it the largest and most beautiful Gothic ensemble in Europe. It is part of the network of Art Cities labelled by the Ministry of Culture and has also been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995
The real event that marks Avignon takes place at XIIIe siècle when it becomes the City of the Popes and the capital of Christianity médiévale : it is the starting point of a remarkable metamorphosis. Avignon must have been close to 40 000 habitants. This figure, enormous for that time, made it one of the largest cities in Europe and certainly the most cosmopolitan. The Popes' Palace, a true symbol of the Church's influence on the Christian West at XIVe siècle, is the largest medieval fortress, the largest Gothic palace in Europe and the only papal palace built outside Rome. Built in less than 20 ans from 1335, it is signed mainly by two popes, Benoît XII and Clément VI
A unique and prestigious Popes' Palace
The palace is one of the most visited 10 monuments in France. Despite its apparent architectural unity, this building, with a total surface area of 15 000 mètres squares, is divided into two entities resulting from two stages of construction : the Palais-Vieux, on the one hand, and the Palais-Neuf, on the other hand. The large chapel is dedicated, in summer, to art exhibitions. The recent Musée de l'Œuvre tells the story of this prestigious monument in seven rooms. Every year, the main courtyard hosts a large part of the performances of the Festival d'Avignon, the others being scattered in about twenty places, not hesitating to cross the Rhône. This event was created in September 1947. Its impact has gradually attracted a growing number of companies coming to perform spontaneously
Facing the main entrance to the palace, the former Hôtel des Monnaies and its baroque facade deserve a close look. Not far away, the visitor discovers the cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms. The building was built at XIIe siècle, in the middle of the Provençal Romanesque period. A few hundred steps away, the elegant silhouette of the Petit-Palais with its Renaissance facade can be seen. Palace of the Archbishops of Avignon, it now houses a beautiful museum with more than 300 œuvres painted or sculpted. It is an exceptional journey at the heart of artistic creation in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
The city through its museums
This former spiritual and cultural capital also contains other museums closely linked to its history and that of its inhabitants. The Calvet Museum, named in honour of the creator of the eponymous foundation, is characterized by the eclecticism of the works exposées : silverware, earthenware, French and Italian paintings from the 15th century to XXe siècle For its part, the Angladon Museum offers works by Degas, Daumier, Sisley, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso or Modigliani. Also different but very pleasant to visit, the Louis-Vouland Museum displays a rich collection of decorative arts in a rather original way
With a little courage, we climb up to the rock of the Doms. Cradle of the city, the highest point of the city, it offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the Rhône, the island of Barthelasse, Fort Saint-André de Villeneuve and Mont Ventoux
Do not hesitate to cross the Rhône by the free river shuttle to discover Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, which was the main residence of the cardinals and high officials of the papal court at XIVe siècle Among the must-see visits is the Carthusian monastery of Val-de-Bénédiction. The round path of Fort Saint-André, which looks like an impregnable citadel, offers an exceptional panoramic view. From the Benedictine abbey, only the lush Italian-style gardens, which are part of the 120 plus beautiful gardens of France, can be visited
In, prestige above all
Each year, the Cité des Papes presents between 35 and 50 different shows in July. This is called the In. Whether French or foreign, there are no less than 300 performances to attend. But not only that, because the Avignon Festival is also a unique opportunity to meet artists, see exhibitions, attend screenings and readings, etc. And this is true everywhere in the city, since there are at least twenty different places for the In.
But if it is played in the main courtyard of the Popes' Palace and other heritage sites, the main courtyard of the Popes' Palace is an extraordinary stage that makes the heart of the festival beat faster. Located in the heart of the palace, this ephemeral stage only appears in summer to welcome the avant-garde of contemporary theatrical creation. Would the Festival d'Avignon, the "In", have experienced the same enthusiasm, would it have the same prestige without it? I'm not sure. For artists and directors, it is a real honour and a great technical requirement to come and present their works here, in the open air, in this 12th century venue and in front of an audience of experts ready for all kinds of stage experiments! The Court of Honour is the guarantee of attending a very high level representation. A "scene" to see at least once absolutely.
It is also important not to forget to attend a performance in the quarries of Boulbon. They're really magical. And, not to spoil anything, the most contemporary productions bring to life well-known actors and are often controversial. To see!
The Off, the "greatest theatre in the world"
But we also go to Avignon for the "greatest theatre in the world"! Through the richness and diversity of its cultural offerings, the Off, the alternative festival created in 1963 by André Benedetto, is now recognized as one of the largest festivals of independent companies in the world. Imagine, the Off hosts more than 1,000 companies that produce and, above all, finance themselves. In more than a hundred places, this parallel festival is truly transforming the city with its signs everywhere, its eye-catching flyers, its imaginative acrobats competing to bait the barge and its legendary mime. Today, companies come and go from far away. Everything is conducive to theatrical gestures: improbable places arranged (garage, corridors, barge... but also disused school and gymnasium) serving as a room. For the first few days, choosing from among the 1,200 or so shows on offer is a challenge! The Program quickly becomes the festivalgoer's bible: don't forget to pick up yours. Also watch the festival's Web TV and, above all, trust word of mouth. Have a good festival!
Smart info
When? When? Of course, you can go to Avignon all year round, but to attend the 72nd edition of the festival, come and visit us between 5 and 23 July 2019.
Getting there. By train (Courtine TGV station and shuttles to the city centre), by plane (Marseille or Montpellier) or by car (arrival by motorways A7 and A9, RN7 and RN100), everything is possible
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Book your train tickets - Book
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
OFFICE DE TOURISME D'AVIGNON - More information on the website
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AVIGNON FESTIVAL - More information on the website
WEB TV OF THE AVIGNON FESTIVAL - More information on the website
Book your hotel at the best conditions - Compare
Compare the best campsites offers - Compare
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
