Avignon's Architectural Jewels (Self Guided), Avignon

Centuries of history in Avignon are well seen in the stones of some of France’s best preserved architectural monuments. The city's architecture may well not be as diverse as elsewhere in the country, but it is really difficult to find another place whose history is just as complicated and dynamic as Avignon's.

Being one of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the headquarters of the Catholic Church, apart from Rome, Avignon has long placed itself on record as the City of the Popes. Resulting from such an exceptional historic episode as the move of the Holy See from Rome for almost a century was Avignon's major role in the development and diffusion of a particular form of culture throughout a vast region of Europe.

Indeed, the 70-year span of the Avignon Papacy created incredible buildings unlike any other on the continent, making the city a truly unique place – a medieval center of arts, learning, and architecture. Despite its relatively small size, Avignon has no shortage of outstanding sights, such as:

Pont Saint-Bénézet – aka the Avignon Bridge, or rather what's left of the stone overpass that once bridged the Rhône, from 1234 to 1633, until collapsing when the river ran too high; listed as a Historical Monument since 1840.

Palais des Papes – The Palace of the Popes, an austere-looking fortress and outstanding piece of Gothic architecture dominating the city.

Opéra Théâtre – the most gracious of the buildings erected in Avignon in the 19th century.

Eglise Saint-Agricol – the Church of St Agricola, the oldest place of worship in Avignon still in place; built in the early 1300s.

To explore these and other architectural jewels of historic Avignon, take this self-guided walking tour and enjoy yourself.