Villeneuve Lez Avignon in Provence | EUROtoday
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Across the river rhône which flows previous the traditional papal metropolis of avignon in Provence, lies Villeneuve lez Avignon – A Place that Most Visitors to its Famous Neighbour Never Discover. But I Promise You The Short Journey to Discover this Little Gem is Well Worth it Says Janine Marsh.
A Little Bit of History
Villeneuve Lez Avignon has lengthy and wealthy historical past. Legend has it that within the 1st CENTURY AD, Saint Martha, The Patron Saint of Avignon “Resurreted” A Shepherd from the Town After He Drowned within the Rhone (Resurrections Were Rather More Frequent in Those Days). Some 400 Years Later, Another Saint Settled in Villeneuve because the Locals Call It, a Visigoth Princess-Hermit who Devoted Her Life to God on Puy Andaon, The Hill that Dominates Villeneuve. She died within the yr 587 and within the 10th Century, Benedictine Monks Built the Abbey of St André to Shelter Her Bones and Offer A Place to Stay to Pilgrims on the Route de Compostela.
From the 13th To the 15th Centuries, Villeneuve Lez Avignon was a fortess Town when the rhone river was a pure frontier between France and provence, Though within the 14th Century, French Kings Allowed the Cardinals of Papal Avignon to Build Themselves Sumptuous Mansre.
Until across the 18th Century, Villeneuve was joined to avignon by way of a bridge because the rhone was nearer to villeneuve then, however after it was destroyed by a storm the river change. Villeneuve, Once a Mighty Rival to Avignon, Became a Much Sleepier Place.
What to see in and do in Villeneuve
Villeneuve has a really totally different vibe from its tourism-packed neighbour avignon throughout the river. A Small Town with a Village Vibe, The Narrow, Ancient Streets Are Daughter with Magnifice Old Buildings, Works of Art, Monuments, Cafes, Restaurants, Boutiques and Bakeries.
Must embrace The Soaring Philippe Le Bel’s Tower, Created within the 13th Century to regulate the Entrance to the Long-Gone Bridge-On Clear Day you possibly can see all the best way to the Alpilles from right here. The Majestic 14th Century Abbey Saint-André Fort Perched Above the Town is an outstanding Example of Military Buildings of the Time; From right here there are excellent views of the hilly vineyards, Avignon and the Papal Palace (at its Most Spectacular on a Late afternoon on Sunny Day) and as Far as Mont Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence.”
The Terraced Gardens of the Form Abbey Saint-André, Spilling Down the Slopes of Puy Andaon Are Classified Among the 100 Most Beautiful in France with Italian and Mediterranean Style Gardens with Ponds and Gazebos, Old Roses, Wisteria and Mediterranean Plants, Olive Trees. A Chapel within the Groups Dating Back 1000 Years is the place Saint Casarie is Said to have died. Her Funerary Stone stays right here unit the French revolution and is now exhibited within the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, Once the Chapel of A Mansion Belinging to A Cardinal.
The Royal Abbey (Which was backwarded within the 17th CENTURY) is elegant, has an eclectic assortment rowing from artwork to dolls, and recurrently hosts exhibitions. And don Miss the café – Great for Brunch, a snack and the views (from April to September).
Founded by Pope Innocent VI within the 14th Century, the Chartreuse Du Val de Blessing Once Housed Hundreds of Monks is now a cultural Hotspot Which Hosts Artists in Residence, and Houses a Library and Lively Café, and Relaxing Gardens the place the LOVE TO MEET FOR AN APERITIF. It’s effectively Worth a Visit for the Superb Architecture, Papal Chapel with its 14th Century frescoes and pope harmless vo’s tomb (He was reinterred right here in 1960 – earlier than that the tomb operated as a rabbit hutch alizedly!).
Weekly Markets: Thursday Morning Food Market, Saturday Morning Brocante (Flea Market).
Pop to the tourism workplace to search out out occasions, festivals and plenty of extra museums, monuments and sights (1 place Charles David).
Villeneuve Lez Avignon in Provence is a fascinating Town in its personal proper with full to see and do, and likewise makes for a terrific base for exploring the broader are.
Find Out More: Grandavignon-destinations.fr
Eat Out:
Delicious Dishes: Restaurant L’Emulsion, Under the Porticoes, Fabulous Fresh, Seasonal Dishes With Friendly Service.
LOVE LOCALS: The blue hour, a Superb tea room with fabulous gentle dishes and scrumptic truffles. It’s additionally a b & b in an previous mansion.
Where to remain: Atelier de l’Atelier 3* – A Beautifully Restored 16th Century Mansion, Complete with Creaking Stirs, Comfy Rooms and Oodles of Atmosphere.
How to get there: Hop on the bus line 5 from town – it takes round 10 minutes to Villeneuve. Hire a bicycle and revel in at 5-10 minute pretty journey throughout the rhône river. On the best way again, discover the Barthelasse River Island Between the Two Towns, Along Quiet Shady Roads Between Orchards and Agricultural Fields.
Janine Marsh is the Author of Several Internationally Best Selling Books about France. Her newest e-book How to be French – A Celebration of the French Lifestyle and artwork of residingis out now – a take a look at the French lifestyle. Find All Books on Her Website Janinemarsh.com
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