Avignon in Provence ~ Campervan Castaways

It’s October and we’re driving to a city which has to be one of the must see in France. It’s a short distance South to Avignon in Provence from Remoulins and the wonderful Pont du Gard. We first came to Avignon in our first motorhome 20 years ago so know a little about this popular destination.

Today we’re staying at Camping Bagatelle, but it takes us a couple of go-arounds before we find the approach road! Eventually, we spot the correct lane, arriving at 1pm to the shady site with plenty of tall trees. There’s an information sign which says “no arrivals before 2pm”. “Oh no” we say, but it’s quiet, the office is open and staff have no issue checking in.

Camping Bagatelle – Avignon in Provence

We’re given a pitch number and park up in this fairly large site. We have been here years ago in the height of Summer and it was really busy. Now it’s the opposite, quiet and plenty of pitches free. Another good point is that it takes ACSI, making the rate 20 Euro per night.

Camping Bagatelle is basic but functional. The facilities are fairly old but cleaning staff ensure the toilets and showers are kept clean and showers are nice and hot. Next door is the municipal swimming pool, which we’re not going to use this time, but we have been to it previously and found it really good.

Outside the camping are steps leading up to a bridge which leads across the Rhone River to the historic centre. From the entrance and adjacent promenade, we can see the famous Pont d’Avignon looking splendid on this clear Autumn sunny day.

Camping Bagatelle Avignon — Entrance to the campsite

The Palais des Papas – Avignon in Provence

After lunch we set off on foot to explore Avignon centre. It’s only about a 10 minute walk, crossing the river and entering the historic town through its stone walls. There’s a labyrinth of bustling streets leading to inner squares, shopping streets and cobbled alleyways.

At its core is the Palais des Papas, the huge stone complex which can be seen for miles around. This is the former residence of popes from centuries gone by and affords UNESCO World Heritage status.

We find ourselves at the entrance, paying 17.50 Euro each for a dual ticket which also gives entrance to the Pont d’Avignon.

The Popes Palace is interesting and vast, yet relatively informal in comparison to the Vatican. Each visitor has an interactive device in their desired language. This shows how each area would have looked during its time of the popes who lived here, so you need to allow a bit of time to get through this huge complex.

We have to rush a bit, because time is ticking on before closing, soon we realise it’s actually the biggest Gothic palace in the World.

Pont d’Avignon

Adjacent to the Popes Palace is the cathedral of Avignon – which is free to enter. This has a separate entrance and is a peaceful place of solitude and reflection.

Walking towards the river through the streets of Avignon brings us to the next big attraction – the Pont d’Avignon. This famous bridge standing today, is only a small section of a much larger design. This was once a project to build a bridge to span the entire width of the river, linking the town of Villneuve d’Avigon on the opposite bank.

We’re not entirely sure if the entire bridge was ever built or why so little remains. Information says construction was extremely difficult. This was due to the river itself and regular heavy flooding, putting great pressure on the structure over hundreds of years.

Walking out onto what remains of the bridge is quite beautiful. There’s a tower, in fact 2 towers and a lower section leading to a place to look back up at this pretty stone structure. As the late afternoon falls low in the sky, the light reflects perfectly on the river, making an extra special appearance.

Finally – do you remember the song about the bridge? Yes, the famous tune is ringing in our ears as we make our way back to the campervan.

Avignon by Night

Returning into Avignon in the evening brings a different perspective to this wonderful old city. It’s quite a big place to explore with numerous shops, bars, pavement restaurants and general activity to keep you entertained.

Stopping for a beer at a pavement bar gives a chance to sample some tapas, choosing Calamari as one sample dish. It’s a place to watch local artist and theatricals walk by, as this is where musical schools mingle with the historic sights and tourists.

Avignon has a somewhat relaxed feel, a place filled with artistic flare and wonderful architecture. A city steeped in history, it’s no wonder it attracts so many visitors to its cultural centre.

The streets glisten under the moon light and the romance of the river, provides a perfect backdrop to a still, Autumn night.

Sleepy Avignon

Before heading further into Provence, we take one last stroll into Avignon from the campsite. It’s morning and sleepy Avignon is yet to awake. The old centre is quiet, more sedate and atmosphere lacking from the previous evening.

Still, we enjoy the stroll and it gives a chance to see Avignon in a more relaxed way. Overall we feel this visit has been better than the last couple of times we’ve been here. There seems to have been improvements and everywhere is clean and tidy.

Avignon has been great, but now we’re moving on. Next time join us in Isle Sur La Sorgue, where the clear water of its river and numerous antique shops take centre stage.