We stayed at Camping Bagatelle https://www.campingbagatelle.com/en/avignon-camping/ which is located on the island of Barthelasse. Right outside the campsite you get a fabulous panoramic view of the Saint Bénézet bridge and the Palais des Papes. The campsite itself is basic but functional and cost 18 euros per night with our ACSI discount. The pitches were quite spacious and it was lovely and quiet at night.
The UNESCO listed Bridge of Avignon (Saint Benezet’s Bridge) was started in 1177 and at almost 1km long and consisting of 22 arches it was rightly considered a marvel of its time. It was the only place to cross the river Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean and the tolls it generated helped the city to prosper which is possibly why the Popes decided to settle here in the 14C. The bridge was destroyed many times by siege and floods until the 17C when the City decided it could no longer bear the cost of the bridges maintenance and why only 4 arches remain.
The christmas lights were up and showed Avignon off in all its glory. Its no wonder the City is referred to as the City of Lights. We have never seen a city so beautifully decorated before with Christmas lights, it really got us into the festive mood.
The historic centre is just breathtakingly beautiful and the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Pont d’Avignon became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. The medieval monuments are very well preserved and its no wonder so many people visit Avignon each year.
The Rue des Teinturiers is nicknamed by Avignon residents as the “Rue des Roues” (street of the wheels), it is undoubtedly the most picturesque street in the old city of Avignon.
The Rue des Teinturiers was the centre of an important textile industry in the 15th century. The textile industry peaked in the 17th century when it was the main economic activity of the city. Fabrication of “Indienne” – printed fabrics with brightly coloured patterns still manufactured in Provence – was banned because Nimes and Lyon feared competition from the papal city of Avignon. It resumed after the Revolution before disappearing in the late 19th century.
The street used to have 23 paddle wheels which used to run the textile machinery but now there are only 4 left.
We would highly recommend a visit to Avignon.
