Avignon is a city full of palace secrets, intrigues, and coups.
The French Vatican acquired for a mere trifle – the life of one beauty. According to the legend, Queen Joanna I of Naples killed her husband, Andrew of Hungary, under the devil's order but was acquitted of the murder by the Pope. What was the price of this beauty’s life? A mere pittance, just 80,000 florins, the exact value of the lands on which Avignon stood, much desired by the Pontiff.
Avignon is a medieval city of “holy” schemers who influenced the lives, destinies, and history of half the world, which just 230 years ago was not even part of France; it belonged to the Pope's right up to 1791, the key year of the French Revolution. The Popes did not end up in Avignon by chance: at the end of the 12th
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beginning of the 14th century secular power was growing and the population in many Western European countries, including Italy, increasingly submitted to monarchs. Popes were losing influence, facing criticism, and even calls for their overthrow. Avignon was chosen as a more peaceful and secure where the papal court was under the protection of the French kings and could continue to exist, while riots and political turmoil continued in Rome.
During the Avignon Papacy, a 70-year period that Francesco Petrarch called the“Babylonian Captivity” the Popes were politically dependent on the French king. During these years, the famous Papal Palace was built with unprecedented opulence. Construction lasted 20 long years, and today its vast chambers continue to astound visitors. This historical and architectural monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest palaces in Europe. Visiting the PapalPalace you cannot miss the annual Avignon Theatre Festival. Every July, this vibrant event gathers the world’s most famous theater troupes, filling the city’s streets and squares with festivity.
While in Avignon, we will walk along the bridge Saint-Bénézet, glorified in a famous song and built by the residents of the city for over eight long years. What makes it remarkable? It was never part of a construction plan but appeared in a dream of a young shepherd named Bénézet. Following an angel’s guidance, he allowed the dream to come true, and built a bridge over the fast-flowing RhôneRiver.
We will pass by the spot where the Church of Saint Clare once stood. That is where Petrarch first saw his beloved Laura.
And, of course, we’ll visit the Angladon Museum, where in an intimate atmosphere, we will have the chance to enjoy the works of Cézanne, Sisley, Manet, Modigliani, Degas, Van Gogh, and Picasso. This private collection of 20th-century art was generously donated to the city.
Finally, we will spend a quiet moment with the great Botticelli and his famous“Madonna”. We will pause, holding our breath, and feel the passage of time within arm’s reach...
Avignon and its magical secrets await you!
Tour Cost:
Full tour: Avignon, museum visits, lunch, and visit to a winery (6-8 hours) – €500. designed for 1-4 people.
Sightseeing tour of the historic center of Avignon (2.5 hours) – €250.
Admission tickets to museums, lunch, and wine tastings are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
Starting point of the tour:
On the square in front of the Papal Palace.
