Vaison-la-Romaine, known to its early inhabitants as Vasio, lies a bit off the beaten path of tourist destinations. This former Roman city is a relatively quiet community with a number of historical and interesting sights. Some of what you’ll see … Continue reading
Category Archives: South of France
Things to do in Vaison-la-Romaine – Visit Our Lady of Nazareth
The Vaison Cathedral, located near the ruins of La Villasse, is one of Vaison-la-Romaine’s major historical sites and it’s open free to the public. Officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth), this former bishopric stands on … Continue reading
Things to do in Vaison-la-Romaine – Visit the Ancient Site of La Villasse
La Villasse takes visitors back 2000 years to the Roman city of Vasio. And, in combination with Puymin, its sister site across the street, it’s one of Vaison-la-Romaine’s main tourist attractions. As you wander amidst the stone ruins of La Villasse, once home … Continue reading
Things to do in Vaison-la-Romaine – Visit the Ancient Site of Puymin
The main tourist attractions in Vaison-la-Romaine are its ancient Roman ruins, which consist of various archaeological sites, including the Ancient Site of Puymin. Covering an area of over 35 acres, the collective ruins make up what is reportedly the largest … Continue reading
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Vaison-la-Romaine, straddling the Ouvèze River in southern France, lies a bit off the beaten path of tourist destinations and offers visitors fewer historical sites than places nearby like Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Avignon. Yet, what it does offer makes it a … Continue reading
Things to do in Avignon – Visit the Petit Palais Museum
Next door to the Palais des Papes, you’ll find the Musée du Petit Palais. This ‘Little Palace’, built for Cardinal Bérenger Fredol in the early 14th century, serves as a museum devoted to Christian art of the Middle Ages. Housed … Continue reading
Things to do in Avignon – Visit the Musée Calvet
Established in 1811 by imperial decree (of Napoleon Bonaparte) at the bequest of local physician and collector Esprit Calvet – who bequeathed his private collection of art and antiquities to the city of Avignon – the Musée Calvet is a museum worth … Continue reading
Free things to do in Avignon – Stroll through Rocher des Doms
If you’re looking for a nice way to spend an hour while in Avignon, stroll through Rocher des Doms. This cool, quiet, and shady public park – located on the ‘Rock of the Doms’, a promontory alongside the Cathedral des Doms … Continue reading
The cheapest and easiest way to get from Marseille to Avignon
The cheapest and easiest way to get from Marseille to Avignon is by regional train. Here are our step-by-step directions for getting from the Marseille train station (Gare de Saint-Charles) to Avignon Centre: Step 1: Make your way to the Marseille … Continue reading
Things to do in Avignon – Visit the Bridge of Avignon
The Bridge of Avignon, also known as Saint Bénezet Bridge, is one of the top attractions in Avignon that together with the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) and several other sites makes up the city’s Historic Center – a … Continue reading
Things to do in Avignon – Visit the Palace of the Popes
Most visitors to Avignon will undoubtedly want to visit the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes); it’s the main tourist attraction within the city walls. Built to serve as the palace of the Avignon Popes, this immense 14th-century Gothic … Continue reading
Avignon, France
Known to the ancient Romans as Avenio, the walled-city of Avignon is one of the most visited cities in Provence, attracting millions of visitors each year. The main sight within the medieval walls is the Pope’s Palace (Palais des Papes) … Continue reading