A guide to holidaying in Avignon

A Guide to Holidaying in Avignon

Chateau de Varenne – Hotel Avignon France

Staying with us is the perfect location while you visit the ‘Palace of the Popes’, or as it is otherwise known, Avignon. We are only 10kms from Avignon and our Chateau which was built in 1738, is one of the few castle hotels Avignon has to offer and our swimming pool is the only one in the area.

We hope you will take full advantage of your stay at Chateau de Varenne and take in the beautiful sights, culture and atmosphere of Avignon. We have assembled together a mini guide of the area to help you maximise your time here:

About Avignon:

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in the year 2000, Avignon is situated on the Rhone river and is surrounded by impressive scenery and stone work dating back to 1355.  This city is  steeped in history and with its narrow winding streets, beautiful city mansions and cafés, this is a unique city full of character.

Culture:
Avignon has a long and varied history where you will find fascinating Roman inspired architectural heritage. In the 12th century Avignon’s bridge, Pont d’Avignon, which lies over the Rhône played an important part in history. The arrival of the Popes in the 14th century, gave Avignon the title of ‘second Rome’, and that name stuck until the French Revolution.

Avignon has a rich culture and there are plenty of festivals throughout the year which span across different areas such as cultural life, opera, theater and dance.

Every Saturday and Sunday morning there are various markets located in Avignon’s city centre. Clothes, shoes and flowers are just some of the items for sale at the market as well as providing a great opportunity to sample delicious local products produced in the French countryside.

Getting Around:

We are located 10kms from Avignon and recommend hiring a car to make the most of the beautiful scenery and landscape here.

Outdoors:
Located in the French countryside, Avignon is the perfect location as it provides an abundance of options for those who seek adventure. Lovers of the outdoors have plenty to choose from including hill walking, hiking, cycling, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, water activities or aerial activities such as hot air balloon rides.

Côtes du Rhône Wine:

Avignon is the host for the the amazing Côtes du Rhône wines. Only a few kilometres north of Avignon, you will find the beautiful vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape which creates internationally famous produce.

Restaurants:

There are many fantastic restaurants to choose from in this area and we are happy to recommend the best eatery to suit you. Here are just a few of our favorites:

1. A beautiful Italian restaurant in the village which is only a 50 meter walk from the castle (5 minutes by car).

2. The ‘Gasttronomique’ restaurant never fails to impress. It is located between Vine and Garrigue and has one Michelin star.

3. In the nearby village of Villeneuve, Lez Avignon, which is only 10 minutes by car, you will find:

• Gourmet restaurant – ‘The Priory’ – (1 Michelin star)
• ‘Aoc’ – Restaurant and wine bar
• ‘The Tavern’

We will be happy to advise and suggest many more restaurant options in Avignon to you.

Events:

There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city. For an up to date list of events please visit the events section of our website but here are just a few:

The Avignon Festival: In July, Avignon hosts its annual festival. Each year the festival hosts between 35 and 40 different shows (French and non-French) which amounts to about 300 performances.

The festival spans across 3 weeks in July, where contemporary creations hosted in over twenty venues in the city, including the Honour Courtyard at the ‘Palace of the Popes’. One notable highlight of the festival is referred to as “The Festival Off”. This adds to the amazing  atmosphere throughout Avignon as hundreds of theater troupes put on countless spectacular shows.

Harvest Proclamation – Ban des Vendange: On the 3rd of September, The Papal City of Avignon takes part in a tradition which goes back centuries to the Middle Ages which is known as ‘a Bacchic’. This is a popular celebration to mark the beginning of the grape harvest.

A fun day of sharing and learning about wine in a charming atmosphere is what you find in Avignon at this time of year. Parades and music are just some of the events that occur along with a mass in Provence at the Cathedral. There is plenty to do for all the family with games, performances and other events for children as well as a picnic. In the evening – tastings, regional products market and concerts.

This event is free of charge!

Cheval Passion Horse Show: In January, Avignon becomes the centre of the equestrian world as the 27th Cheval Passion horse show takes place from January 19-23rd 2012. The show takes place at the Avignon fairgrounds which is known as the “Parc des Expositions”. With over 1,000 horses spanning across over 90 hours of performances,  this is one show not to be missed by horse enthusiasts.

It is the 3rd largest show in Europe with over 250 exhibitors, competitions and the performances never stop! The organisers have promised that next years show in 2012 will have a few surprises in store!

For more info: cheval-passion@wanadoo.fr – www.cheval-passion.com