Avignon and the Popes’ Palace

A Glimpse into the Splendour of Avignon’s Papal History

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Avignon Bridge with Popes Palace and Rhone river at sunset - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Avignon and the Popes’ Palace

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: Avignon’s Scenic Retreat; A Blend of History and Modern Charm; The French Alps in Summer and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Les Deux Alpes is a popular ski resort in the French Alps

• Mange: French Cooking: How and why French Cuisine came to rule the World

• Xtra: Avignon - Exploring the Palace of the Popes, the Medieval Town & its Iconic Bridge

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Avignon and the Popes’ Palace

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Popes' Palace in Avignon is Europe's largest Gothic palace and medieval fortress, attracting 650,000 visitors annually. Built in less than 20 years during the 14th century, it houses the Old Palace, built by Pope Benedict XII, and the New Palace, built by Pope Clement VI.

Occupied by seven popes, the palace showcases over 25 rooms, including ceremonial halls, chapels with frescoes by Matteo Giovanetti, and private papal apartments. Visitors can enjoy cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.

During summer, the Great Chapel hosts art exhibitions, and the Main Courtyard transforms into an open-air theatre for the Avignon Theatre Festival. From mid-August to October, the palace hosts "Luminescences," a stunning video and sensory experience

Palace of the Popes and Avignon Cathedral - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

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Around The Web

Avignon’s Scenic Retreat

Offering stunning views of the Rhône, Mont Ventoux, and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the Rocher des Doms is a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll. Discover beautiful gardens, statues, and the Venus with Swallows sculpture. A perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the breathtaking panorama

A Blend of History and Modern Charm

Avignon, known for its medieval history as the papal seat, offers more than just historical sights. Explore the Palace of the Popes, the St. Bénezet Bridge, and the vibrant streets full of cafés, shops, and galleries. With its youthful atmosphere, Avignon is a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary life

Le Petit Grand

Located on Place des Corps Saints, Le Petit Grand offers a monthly-changing menu featuring tapas and gourmet dishes made from fresh, local, and seasonal produce. Enjoy a brunch on Sundays, and take advantage of the restaurant's delivery and takeaway services for a taste of Avignon at home

Tour Avignon by Petit Train

Explore the heart of Avignon aboard the Petit Train, visiting iconic sites like the Palais des Papes, Rocher des Doms, and Pont d'Avignon. With commentary available in 10 languages, including a children's version, enjoy a fun and informative tour of the city and Villeneuve-lés-Avignon

A Day Trip to Van Gogh’s Provençal Paradise

Discover the charm of Arles, where history and art converge. Stroll through colourful streets that inspired Van Gogh, visit Roman monuments, and explore the nearby wild beauty of the Camargue. A perfect day trip filled with culture and natural beauty

The French Alps in Summer

When most people think of the French Alps, they picture snow-covered mountains and busy ski resorts. But in summer, this stunning region transforms into a peaceful paradise filled with green valleys, sparkling lakes, and fresh mountain air. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the great outdoors.

The French Alps are not just for winter sports. In summer, you can hike along scenic trails, swim in clear alpine lakes, ride cable cars to high peaks, or simply relax with a picnic in a flower-filled meadow. Towns like Chamonix, Annecy, and Grenoble offer a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, climbing, or just taking in beautiful views, there’s something here for everyone

Arve river and Mont-Blanc massif from the centre of Chamonix - Shutterstock

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

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From Social Media

Les Deux Alpes is a popular ski resort in the French Alps. It's known for its high slopes, great snow, and one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe

Mange

French Cooking: How and why French Cuisine came to rule the World

Xtra

Avignon - Exploring the Palace of the Popes, the Medieval Town & its Iconic Bridge

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