Avignon Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Avignon

The thing about a wall around a city is to keep unwanted visitors out. But the massive walls encircling Avignon tend to keep visitors in. And the visitors don't mind it. Is this a mystery? Not when one considers what is inside the walls of Avignon. And forget driving. Park the car and walk.

First encounter is the Popes' Palace. This awesome mountain of a palace was built in the 1300s. It was the work of two popes, the tight-fisted Benedict II and the spend-thrift Clement VI. They created the largest Gothic edifice of its kind in all Europe.

Close to the Palace is is the Avignon Cathedral. On top of its bell tower a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary watches over the town. Across the Palace Square dragons and eagles guard the Hotel des Monnaies, formerly the mint of the city.

See the Little Palace Museum, a cardinal's residence turned into a museum housing a fine collection of Italian primitives. Need a break from sightseeing? Go up to the Doms Rock Gardens, a park above the city with a pond featuring Venus and her swans. Have a snack and enjoy the panoramic views.

The Clock Square is at the exact center of the city. Here the Republic Street divides the city. Walk to the Avignon Market Halls, a covered market with a living green facade. There are more museums, churches, palaces, and above all there is the Bridge St Benezet also known as Le Pont d'Avignon of the song of the same name.

Avignon is for all seasons, including its own "fifth season." The sights, the events, the life of Avignon never stop moving behind the ancient walls.