Villeneuve les Avignon

Between 1293 and 1307 a citadel went up, called Philip the Fair Tower and today all that remains is the dungeon.

In March 1293, King Philip the Fair created the town christened Villeneuve Saint André which later became Villeneuve lez Avignon.

During the time of the papacy in Avignon (1309-1378), many Popes, Cardinals and other prelates from the pontifical court built convents, churches and fortified palaces (known as "Livrées") in Villeneuve lez Avignon.

In 1333, Cardinal Arnaud de Via founded the church, Notre Dame Collegiate church (now the parish church) which housed the copy of the famous Pietà.

In 1356, Cardinal Etienne Aubert, who became Pope under the name of Pope Innocent VI, founded the Charterhouse monastery – the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction.

See the Gothic church, the feudal dungeon, the town oven, the campanile and clock on the old Town Hall, and the Mascs Tower, built by order of King Philip the Fair in 1291.

The monuments of Rochefort-du-Gard not only reflect its history but the laundry pool, the Puits Pousqueiras and the fountains are all reminders of what daily life was like.

Nearby, Pujaut is a charming village built on the side of a hill. Visit the churches, see the fountain and the statue of the Virgin and don't miss the famous aerodrome.

Villeneuve les Avignon is home to markets, concerts and festivals throughout the year. The brocante (flea market) is held on Saturday mornings in the Place du Marche.

Lots of walking paths and biking paths lead through the surrounding countryside. Just next to Villeneuve lez Avignon lies the old village of Les Angles, which gazes out over the majestic Rhône from its hilltop perch. If you decide to cycle to Villeneuve from Avignon then you can also incorporate a quick spin around Barthelasse Island.