47. Avignon - Villeneuve Lez Avignon

On the afternoon we arrived in Avignon, Nathalie picked us up from the TGV station, and after a luscious lunch at her place, we went across the river to Villeneuve Lez Avignon.

The town's origin dates to the Abbey Saint André founded in the 6th century. King Philippe le Bel (the Fair) gave orders to construct a forteress to command the bridge of Saint-Bénézet of Avignon. Cardinals, popes and other clergy built palatial residences (livrées) and founded convents and churches.

Despite this churchmen's presence, Villeneuve was part of the Kingdom of France, while Avignon was part of the Papal States until 1768. Avignon's inclusion as part of France was formally recognised by the pope on 30 May 1814.

Below: First stop in Villeneuve was this orchard, where we spent an hour contentedly picking (and eating - well, gorging on) cherries. We had enough cherries to keep us going for days afterwards.

Below: Looking towards Fort Saint-André. Under the contreol of the King of France, it is surrounded by walls built in the 14th century. We climed up and walked around the castle, which is still in private hands, and occupied. There are terrific views across the Rhone and to Mont Ventoux and Les Alpilles mountain range. (see my enbtry on Les Baux for views of Les Alpilles) . The apricots were not quite ripe. To see what it looked like a week later, see Nathalie's blog here.
Below: One view from the castle. (I think I bumped the setting on my camera, and these pictures didn't turn out all that well)

Below: Another view, with Mont Ventoux (Windy Mountain) on the left in the background.
Below: The view towards Avignon - you can see the gilded Madonna statue on Notre dame de Doms cathedral. In the foreground, a courtyard of the Carthusian Monastery, Chartreuse of Val de Bénédiction. It now hosts author and artists in residence programs and retreats.
Below: The main square of the village of Villeneuve Lez Avignon. The plaque reads: Le Lézard. Symbole de la doucer de vivre à Villeneuve Lez Avignon, le lézard vous invite à prendre le temps de "Lézarder" dans notre ville et de découvrir sa légende. Inaugure le 25 juin 2005 par Monsieur le Député Maire Jean-Marc Roubard et l'Association de Commerçants - The Lizard. Symbol of the sweet life in Villeneuve Lez Avignon, the lizard invites you to spend "Lizard" time in our village and to discover its story. Unveiled 25 June 2005 by The deputy Mayor, Mr Jean-Marc Roubard and the Chamber of Commerce.