Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Provence, France
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (also called Villeneuve-lez-Avignon) is a historically rich town situated on the opposite bank of the river Rhone from the majestic city of Avignon. This strategic position made it a crucial stronghold during the papal period. The town is defined by several characteristic landmarks, including the impressive 13th-century abbey, the massive Fort Saint-André at the summit of the Andaon hill, and the fascinating 13th-century watchtower, Philippe le Bel. A short distance away, you can also find the iconic Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, making the area a treasure trove of historical sites.
Parking in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
You can visit the town during your stay in Avignon. You should just cross the Pont du Royaume bridge to the other side of the Rhone river, then turn right and drive about 4 km until you reach a large parking lot at the Avenue Charles de Gaulle (1; GPS: 43.963479, 4.800090). There you can leave your car. The parking is free.
This large, free parking area is a major advantage for visitors, offering a hassle-free start to your tour without the stress of finding a spot in the narrow streets of the old town. Its location provides easy access to the main attractions, allowing you to quickly embark on your walk to the fort or the town center, saving both time and money.
Fort Saint-André
Fort Saint-André is a huge medieval fortress built on top of the Andaon hill. We can very quickly get to it from the parking lot using the shortcut in the form of Pente Rapide street. However, please watch out on the surface, because it is fairly steep and additionally it is built of rounded stones so walking it on a rainy day can be a little bit dangerous. For this reason, you can find handrails installed at this street. You can of course walk longer path through the old town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Fort Saint-André welcomes you with solid walls and towers (A; GPS: 43.965315, 4.800609). The walls and buildings in the fort are well maintained, and the visitors are impressed by the scale of work and the strategic location of buildings on top of the highest hill of the area. We pass a gateway to the interior of the fort, and then buy tickets. Ticket prices: adults - 6€, reduced - 5€. In addition to the fort, you can also visit interesting abbey from thirteenth century - we visited the place on Monday, and unfortunately in this day entrance to the abbey is closed. If anyone is interested, please refer to the website of the abbey.
After buying the tickets we walk uphill a stony road. Then we enter the open area and get to the northern walls of the fortification (B; GPS: 43.966877, 4.800491). This place offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. We turn left and walk the path along the ramparts reaching a small chapel of Notre-Dame de Belvezet built in twelfth century. This was once a parish church of a small village of Bourg Saint-André. Going farther we reach the tower Tour des Masques which is located in the lower left corner of the walls (C; GPS: 43.965696, 4.799611).
The northern walls offer one of the most stunning panoramic viewpoints in the region, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the fort and its strategic importance. The well-preserved rampart walk provides a historical journey with a view, while the small chapel of Notre-Dame de Belvezet is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The entire path is a fascinating journey through centuries of military history.
The old town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
After visiting the fort we walk the Rue Montée du Fort in a westerly direction to the center of the old town, finally reaching the Jean Jaurès Square, with shops and nice café terraces (D; GPS: 43.964033, 4.797205). Then we can go down the Rue de la République in the northern direction toward the monastery of Notre-Dame-du-val-de-Benediction (E; GPS: 43.965993, 4.796216), which can be visited (the charges apply, more on the website), or go in the opposite direction to visit the Gothic church Collégiale Notre-Dame from the fourteenth century (F; GPS: 43.963243, 4.796664).
The Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, the monastery, is one of the most important monastic complexes in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its serene cloisters and beautiful gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the town. The Collégiale Notre-Dame is an architectural marvel with its elegant Gothic facade and stunning interior, making it a key religious landmark. Both sites offer a deep dive into the town's ecclesiastical history.
You can also climb the Philippe le Bel tower (G; GPS: 43.958571, 4.797516) located right on the bank of the river Rhone (tickets: normal 2.5€, reduced 2€). Reaching the tower on foot will take you about 10 minutes (700 m from the town's center). You can also drive there and park your car in a small parking lot near the tower (2; GPS: 43.958346, 4.797037).
The Tower of Philippe le Bel served as a critical watchtower, protecting the king's property and monitoring the movement of people and goods on the Rhone. Its commanding position provides an unparalleled 360-degree view of Avignon's Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d'Avignon, and the surrounding landscape, making the small entrance fee well worth it for the spectacular photo opportunities.
Gastronomy and Shopping in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
After a day of exploring historical sites, the old town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon provides a lovely setting for a culinary break. Jean Jaurès Square is the perfect place to find a variety of nice café terraces where you can enjoy a coffee, a snack, or a full meal while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. The town's restaurants offer authentic Provençal cuisine, featuring fresh, local ingredients from the region.
As you wander through the streets, you'll also find a selection of local shops, including boutiques, artisanal craft stores, and small markets selling regional products. This is an excellent opportunity to discover local delicacies such as olive oils, cheeses, and wines from the nearby vineyards. The shops and cafes add a lively, contemporary feel to the ancient town, making it a perfect blend of old and new.
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