A DAY OF DISCOVERY

And after you’ve been up the Eiffel Tower, why not discover one of the hundreds of other historic landmarks within a few hours of the city. Remember, these are only suggestions to inspire you, these are not full travel packages. And If you’ve actually taken some of these trips, please share your comments.

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A Day of Papal Palaces and Provençal Paintings in Avignon

Culture

A Day of Papal Palaces and Provençal Paintings in Avignon Le Palais des Papes is the largest gothic palace in Europe and was the residence of Roman Catholic popes in the 14th century. A trip to Avignon is never complete without time spent wandering through its halls or among the seven centuries of art contained in nearby buildings.





Morning

Once inside the palace explore over 20 different rooms, including reception halls, cloisters, chapels and the Pope’s private apartment with its frescoes by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. The Popes’ Palace also offers a selection of cultural activities throughout the year, like art exhibitions in the Great Chapel and performances as part of the Avignon Theater Festival in the Honor Courtyard during the summer. If you are visiting on a weekend, take the Secret Palace tour that offers a behind-the-scenes visit with a small group of up to twenty people. Hear interesting stories about the history and daily life in the palace, with insights into the Popes’ personal lives and the palace’s construction. Enjoy a Provençal brunch on the panoramic terraces in the Great Dignitaries’ wing. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine at the Bouteillerie at the Palace of the Popes, offering a selection of over 40 local wines and sommeliers on hand to help you choose.

Afternoon

Located adjacent to the Palace, visit Le musée du Petit Palais which displays an outstanding collection of Italian and Provençal paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries, including a rare canvas by Italian Renaissance master, Botticelli. The museum also has a sizeable Roman and Gothic sculpture collection with pieces from the Provence region.

Round out your day with a visit to Le musée Angladon, a private collection of works by major artists from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries located in a mansion in the heart of the old Avignon. The Angladon-Dubrujeaud museum’s works include pieces by Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Vuillard, Picasso, Modigliani and Foujita. On the upper floor, the museum features medieval and Renaissance rooms, an artists' studio, a Chinese themed room and an18th century living room which displays canvases, drawings, signed furniture and works of art.

Details:

Le Palais des Papes
-6, rue Pente Rapide
-Charles Ansidei, 84000 Avignon
-Tel. + 33/4-9027-5000
-Open daily. Admission: €7.50 in low season, €9.50 in high season
-“Palais secret" tour from September 1 to June 1
-Saturday at 12.30pm, Sunday at 10.30am (including brunch): €30

Bouteillerie at the Palace of the Popes
-Located at the back of the palace, in the former Artillery Room
-Open daily
-Wine by the glass from €3.50

Le musée du Petit Palais
-Palais des archevêques, place du Palais des Papes, 84000 Avignon
-Tel. + 33/4-9086-4458
-Open Wednesday to Monday 9:30am to1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm October to May,
10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm June to September
-Admission: €6, Students and children €2

Le musée Angladon
-5, rue Laboureur, 84000 Avignon
-Tel. +33/4-9082-2903
-Open Wednesday to Sunday (and Tuesday in high season) 1pm to 6 pm
-Admission: €6

Journey Time: 2hr40
Frequency: 30
Departure Station: Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrival Station: Avignon TGV
Prices From: 112 (Economy) to 466 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)

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