Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

Between the bustling French cities of Lyon and Marseille sits the picturesque city of Avignon – home to several medieval monuments that are now protected as UNESCO Heritage Sites.

 

Avignon rests quietly along the left bank of the Rhone River, making it accessible to all those who go on a Rhone River Cruise. Several of these cruises, including the Arosa Stella, make it a point to stop at Avignon and allow tourists to enjoy the breathtaking vistas unique to the city.

Avignon's Popes Pa;ace

One of the most popular destinations in Avignon is the Palais des Papes, also known as Palace of the Popes. This is the largest gothic structure that exists to this very day.

This palace was home to seven popes from the year 1309 to 1377. These popes fled from Rome, knowing it was becoming corrupt and hoping to put the Catholic Church back on the right path. Today, the magnificent palace still stands and is a beautiful showcase of medieval artists’ architectural talents and creativity. It is already breathtaking from the outside, but tourists are welcome to tour inside the palace and admire 25 elaborately decorated rooms.

Aside from the pope palace, other attractions in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon, the Place du Palais, Place de l’Horloge, and grand cathedrals including the Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon.

 

Avignon Sightseeing tram

The best way to go around the city is by riding the Petite Train, which goes around the city and passes by all the picturesque attractions that Avignon has to offer. A ride around the city will take you 40 minutes and leave you wonderstruck.

The next time you decide to go on vacation on European river cruises, choose a route that includes the city of Avignon in its itinerary, like the A-ROSA Stella. You can never find other cities whose medieval architecture equals those found in Avignon.

A-ROSA CRUISE LINE cruises the Rhone, aboard the A-ROSA Stella, featuring short river cruises with English and German language onboard.  There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board.  All meals are served as a buffet.  There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

The ships have bicycles with helmets on board for cycling tours.   A-ROSA is also known for its superior spa facilities onboard.  A-ROSA offers 5-night, and 7-night round-trip Lyon river cruise itineraries.  There is also a 7-night Southern Med itinerary.  A-ROSA also allows children 15 and under to cruise free with their parents in the same cabin in Cat S cabins.  There is limited availability on the A-ROSA STELLA.

Prices include the cruise, all meals, a beverage package with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi.  Excursions are additional.

For more information on any of the Danube River cruise itineraries or other rivers, please call or email:713 240 6753 or 888 869 7907  jan@europeanbarging.com