Avignon - the heart of Provence

Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, near the border with Italy, the city of Avignon is not only famous for its Protestant religious beliefs dating back to the Middle Ages and the stories of the papal reigns, but also possesses a romantic beauty that captivates thousands of visitors every year.

Avignon possesses a romantic beauty that captivates thousands of visitors every year.

Architecture with strong ecclesiastical influences.

Avignon is a French city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Between 1309 and 1377, seven successive popes resided in Avignon. Pope Clement VI then purchased the town and controlled it until 1791, when the French Revolution broke out, officially making Avignon part of France. The beauty and charm of its well-preserved ancient architecture, along with its tumultuous history, led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

The Palais des Papes is a prominent Gothic architectural masterpiece in Avignon, built starting in 1334 and taking 30 years to complete. It served as the residence of the Western Roman Pope throughout the 14th century. The palace is surrounded by sturdy walls, enclosing the main buildings used for meetings, ceremonies, and personal life. In 1995, the Palais des Papes was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 650,000 visitors annually. It also serves as the city's major convention center, hosting numerous meetings, and houses the archives of the Vaucluse region, including a major research center on the papacy of Avignon, run by the École française de Rome.

The Cathedral of Christ (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms), built during the Middle Ages, occupies a unique location on a hilltop in the city. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, the columns and arches are exquisitely carved. Especially noteworthy is the panoramic view of the entire city from the cathedral, a memorable souvenir of your Avignon trip.

The Saint-Bénézet Bridge, spanning the Rhône River in Avignon, is a famous bridge that dates back to the Middle Ages. For many years, it was a vital link in trade between the former Roman Empire in Southern Europe and other regions.

According to legend, it all began when Bénézet, a 12-year-old shepherd boy from Ardèche, arrived in Avignon in 1177. He received a divine command to call for the construction of a bridge in Avignon. He proclaimed this divine message and was immediately ridiculed by the local inhabitants. The leaders of Avignon then forced Bénézet to take a stone and throw it into the Rhône River. With divine assistance, Bénézet managed to lift the stone and throw it into the river. This was the first stone that laid the foundation for the bridge.

Peruse Les Halles Market is a popular destination not only for tourists but also for locals who come to shop and enjoy local cuisine . The spacious interior features numerous stalls selling a wide variety of fresh produce and traditional local dishes. Notably, every Saturday at 11 am, a renowned chef performs a cooking demonstration using ingredients from the Provence region.

Unique festivals

Avignon is a city famous for its many unique festivals, among which the "Festival of Avignon" (International Theatre Arts Festival), held annually in July, certainly deserves mention. It attracts around 8,000 participating artists and over 70,000 visitors from all over the world.

The Festival of Avignon originated from an idea by French director Jean Villar, was first held in 1947, and was highly acclaimed in Europe. Later, with its widespread popularity, the Festival of Avignon became one of the world's largest theatrical events, featuring hundreds of performances of traditional art forms such as puppetry, opera, theater, and contemporary dance.

Avignon is also home to the Wine Festival, one of the most important festivals for the locals, expressing their hopes of producing exceptional wines. The Wine Festival takes place annually in August. During the festival, people can dance and celebrate all night long, followed by a parade. Around this time, the streets of Avignon are filled with the aroma of red wine, rosé wine, and grape juice. All the vineyards in the region open their doors on the last Saturday of the month to welcome visitors.

NGUYEN THAO

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202502/avignon-trai-tim-cua-xu-provence-1034316/