Avignon: A medieval town with a youthful attitude
While there's so much to see in fascinating Provence, a detour to Avignon is time well spent. Clean, lively, and popular with travelers, this city is an intriguing blend of medieval history, youthful energy, and urban sophistication.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Hotel la Mirande pampers its guests with traditional luxury in a quiet, central location behind the Palace of the Popes (splurge, www.la-mirande.fr). Autour du Petit Paradis Apartments and Aux Augustins offer 22 contemporary, well-furnished rooms and studios with kitchenettes spread over two locations (moderate, www.autourdupetitparadis.com).
EATING: Restaurant Numero 75 serves delightful salads, fish, and French cuisine in a romantic, chandeliered setting (splurge, 75 Rue Guillaume Puy, www.numero-75.com). L'Amista is a cozy, youthful, and welcoming place with a fun Provençal/Spanish-inspired menu that includes vegetarian options and tapas-style plates (moderate, 23 Rue Bonneterie, tel. 011 33 6 19 24 15 47).
GETTING AROUND: Avignon is essentially traffic-free and perfectly walkable in the old center. Shuttle vans loop through the old city and a free shuttle boat crosses the Rhone River from near the St. Benezet Bridge to a peaceful island, Ile de la Barthelasse.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.avignon-tourisme.com.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2020 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
