What to See & Do
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | La Chartreuse | ★★☆☆☆ | Monastery | Self | Paid |
| 02 | St. André Fort | ★★☆☆☆ | Fort + Panorama | Self | Paid |
| 03 | St. André Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Paid |
| 04 | Food Market | ★★☆☆☆ | Food Market | Self | Free |
| 05 | Flea Market | ★★☆☆☆ | Flea Market | Self | Free |
| 06 | Tower Philippe Le Bel | ★★☆☆☆ | Tower + Panorama | Self | Paid |
| 07 | Notre-Dame Church | ★★☆☆☆ | Church & Cloister | Self | Free |
| 08 | Hill of Mourgues Park | ★☆☆☆☆ | Park + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 09 | Pompidou Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Free |
| 10 | Streets | ★☆☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 11 | Pierre-de-Lux Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Religious Art | Self | Paid |
01. La Chartreuse
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Monastry
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Officially named the Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Bénédiction, it was once a Carthusian monastery, belonging to the monastic order that originated in the Chartreuse Mountains at the foot of the Alps.
Founded in the 14th century by the Pope in Avignon, the Chartreuse was the largest complex of this monastic order. The monastery experienced many turbulent periods, especially during the French Revolution when it was partially destroyed and repurposed.
Notable elements include the Cloister, the church ruins, the chapel, and the monastic cells, offering insight into the austere lives of the monks.
02. St. André Fort
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Fort + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Paid
St. André Fort was a fortress from the 14th century. Today, mainly the ramparts remain, dominating the skyline of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and offering visitors a panoramic view of the countryside and the town of Avignon on the other side of the river.
Entry to the fort’s grounds is free, while access to the ramparts is paid.
03. St. André Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Paid
St. André Garden is located within the grounds of St. André Fort. The garden is a blend of French formal gardens and Mediterranean flora.
The garden belongs to the adjacent abbey of the same name (which can only be visited by groups on guided tours upon request).
04. Food Market
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Food Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The town’s main food market takes place on Thursday mornings.
It is held in the same location as the flea market (mentioned below)
05. Flea Market
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Flea Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The town has a flea market that takes place on Saturday mornings.
It is held in the same location as the food market (mentioned above).
06. Tower Philippe Le Bel
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Tower + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The tower, built in the 14th century, was used to monitor the entrance to the famous Pont d’Avignon. The summit, accessible by a staircase of 120 steps, offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.
07. Notre-Dame Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church & Cloister
Visit Self
Cost Free
Notre-Dame Church dates back to the 14th century and is of Gothic style. It houses several paintings and also features a cloister.
08. Hill of Mourgues Park
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Park + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
An elevated area, the Mourgues Hill consists of a relatively large park where visitors can enjoy a short hike and take in panoramic views.
Inside the park is the very small Notre-Dame de Consolation Chapel. Although access is closed, it is possible to view the interior, which is entirely covered with frescoes from 2002.
09. Pompidou Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Free
Pompidou Garden is a small, well-kept public garden.
10. Streets
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon doesn’t really have a defined town center, but the streets between the tourist sites have a historic style and charm.
11. Pierre-de-Luxembourg Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Religious Art Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
A small museum located in a 14th-century mansion, it houses Christian paintings.
Avignon
On the other side of the river lies the beautiful town of Avignon.
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Things to Do in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
