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uilt to protect the city from the assaults by gangs of marauding mercenaries. Work began in 1355 during the Papacy of Pope Innocent VI and were completed in 1370 under the reign of Pope Urban V. The entrance of the Avignon Bridge provides access onto the ramparts, and to the Rocher des Doms Gardens. The views over the city and the Rhône River are breath-taking. “Very few medieval cities in Provence have intact ramparts today because they were sometimes demolished by kings to weaken the power of the local community for instance Louis XIV ordered the demolition of Orange’s fortifications in 1660, which makes Avignon’s ramparts all the more special. And sometimes they were just taken by the locals to use for building materials.” says Emily Durand of Your Private Provence. But don’t go thinking Avignon is a museum town – it’s a vibrant city with lots of beautiful squares where you can sit and watch the world go by at superb bars and restaurants. There are more than a dozen museums and year-round festivals. You’ll find fabulous markets (don’t miss Les Halles), and it’s the perfect place to wander with picturesque streets lined with magnificent architectural gems. Recommended tour: Heritage sites and lavender tour Where to eat out in Avignon as recommended by the locals Top things to do in Avignon yourprivateprovence.com/escortedtravel-perks/provence-heritage-sites-tour thegoodlifefrance.com/10-greatrestaurants-and-bars-in-avignonprovence/ thegoodlifefrance.com/top-ten-things-tosee-in-avignon/ Palais of the Papes when it was used as a barracks Inside Palais des Papes Palais des Papes The Good Life France | 55