The bridge and the Rocher des Doms
People no longer dance on the Saint-Bénezet Bridge, but the song has crossed the centuries. UNESCO-listed, the bridge now stops in the middle of the Rhône, offering a surprising perspective. Just above, the Rocher des Doms, laid out as a romantic garden, has a pond, a statue and a sweeping view of Mont Ventoux: perfect for a sunrise date.
The ramparts and Barthelasse
Avignon is one of the few cities in France to have kept its 14th-century ramparts intact, running for more than four kilometres. For the view, cross them and take the free river shuttle to the Île de la Barthelasse, a vast farming and natural area in the middle of the Rhône. Picnic, cycling, open-air pool in summer: the place feels like countryside, minutes from the centre.
Villeneuve, the other bank
Facing Avignon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon reveals Fort Saint-André perched on Mont Andaon and its elegant Chartreuse. For a typical lunch, head to the Halles market behind the Palace, with its Provençal stalls. On Lyad, people from Avignon share their favourite corners; a chance to find someone to cycle to Barthelasse with.
Date ideas
- Saint-Bénezet Bridge
- Rocher des Doms
- Avignon ramparts
- Barthelasse Island
- Rhône
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
- Fort Saint-André
- Halles market
