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Sightseeing

In Avignon, everything worth seeing is within easy walking distance and orientation is not difficult. The city is enclosed by fortified medieval walls, with the River Rhône to the north and west of the town. The Palais des Papes and Pont St-Benezet are in the north, connected by place du Palais, which itself runs into Avignon's central square -place de l'Horloge - just a little south. This square is home to the impressive Hôtel de Ville and the Opera House, decorated with statues of former visitors Corneille and Molière. From here, the main thoroughfare, the rue de la Republique turns into the cours Jean Jaurès as it approaches the southern city walls and the railway station. To the east are several shopping streets and a mass of interesting restaurants and cafÉs.

The best way to explore Avignon is to wander its maze of medieval streets. Many take their names from inns, such as rue du Chapeau Rouge; or from trades - rue des Fourbisseurs ('weapon sharpeners'), rue du Vieux Sextier ('Old Sexton') and Rue des Teinturiers, named after the dying process inherent in calico printing. For travelling off the beaten path, the rue Joseph-Vernet is a good bet, lined with Avignon's most stylish shops, old hotels and quaint courtyards and gardens. More imposing, but still frequented mainly by the locals, is the cathedral, Notre-Dame des Doms a brief walk past the Palais des Papes. The cathedral is surrounded by Rocher des Doms, a charming public park. Steep steps lead up to it, so there are not usually many other people about to share the magnificent views of the city and the Rhône. Avignon also has a cluster of interesting little museums that are clearly detailed on a free map available at the Tourist Office. Most notable is the MusÉe Angladon, 5 rue Laboureur (tel: (04) 90 82 29 03), which displays the private collection of aesthete Jacques Doucet, including Modigliani's The Pink Blouse and Van Gogh's The Railroad Cars.

Tourist Information

Office de Tourisme d'Avignon

41 cours Jean Jaurès
Tel: (04) 32 74 32 74. Fax: (04) 90 82 95 03.
E-mail: information@ot-avignon.fr
Web site: www.avignon-tourisme.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300, Sun 1400-1700. During the Avignon Festival Mon-Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1000-1700.
There is also an information office at Espace St-Benezet, open May-Sep daily 0900-1900.

Passes

The Avignon Passion card is available free at participating museums, on tourist transport and at Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon tourist offices. The pass offers cut-price admission (reductions of 20-50%) after the first full-price attraction has been visited and includes all the various sightseeing tours listed in the Tours of the City section. The pass is valid for two weeks of unlimited visits for the holder and their family.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
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