Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is 2 km from Avignon, 27 km from the Pont du Gard, 32 km from the Gorges du Gardon, 39 km from Uzès
GPS : Longitude : 4.798333 E - Latitude : 43.966389 N
Altitude : 25 m
Population : 12,108
Facing Avignon, on the other side of the bridge spanning the river Rhône, Villeneuve is a charming small medieval town which is a rich blend of historical heritage, Mediterranean nature and a cultural life of the highest order.
The history of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon:
The village's origins can be traced back to the building of a small abbey at the top of the Mont Andaon in the tenth century. The Abbey of Saint-André, as it was named, prospered and a village of the same name gradually began to develop around it.
With the construction, in 1189, of the Saint-Bénézet bridge linking the town to Avignon - then an independent republic – the latter began to covet the town for itself. In order to protect itself, Villeneuve erected a wall during the twelfth century. Then, in 1226, the Abbot asked that Villeneuve be placed under the protection of the King of France. Feudal treaties were signed, planning the construction of fortresses. The Fort Saint-André was thus built to protect this new frontier for the Kingdom of France, whereas the Tour Philippe le Bel, erected at the edge of the Saint-Bénézet bridge was used to control the trade conducted between the two rival cities.
In 1309, Pope Clément V settled in Avignon.
The arrival of the Papacy in Avignon transformed the city, which became prosperous very quickly, and Villeneuve also profited from these newfound riches. Agriculture and wine growing were developed to meet the needs of the growing population, and magnificent palaces (known as livrées cardinalices) were constructed on the river banks which seemed perfectly suited to calm and rest.
Founded during the 14th century as a monastery, the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction remains to this day one of Villeneuve’s most entrancing jewels.
Over the course of the following centuries, thanks in particular to many gifts, its community grew, reaching a total of up to 200 people, its highest point, in the middle of the 17th century. The Chartreuse owned many buildings and a lot of land and farms, helped the poor, tutored and educated the young… Its influence was widespread and the numerous works of art it owned (paintings, sculptures…), as well as its impressive library (8500 volumes) were further testament to its riches.
The French Revolution and the suppression of Religious orders put an end to this prosperous era and the Chartreuse was listed as a 'National Treasure'.
The site, although left to deteriorate over several decades, has now been superbly refurbished.
It is a fascinating place to visit, and you will be entranced by its monks' cells, sumptuous painted frescoes, cloisters, the church, which houses the mausoleum of Pope Innocent VI…
During the summer months you can enjoy a light meal or drinks in an attractive venue set out under the cloisters.
Other sites of interest: the old part of town, the museum Pierre de Luxembourg, the chapel of the Pénitents Gris, the hill of Les Mourgues…
The market square has a producers' market every Thursday morning and a second hand/antiques fair every Saturday morning.
What to explore: at the crossroads of Languedoc and Provence, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is an ideal base from where to explore the area and its historical sites: amongst these are the Papal city of Avignon and it palace, the Pont du Gard (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Nîmes and its arenas, Arles and the Camargue, the Cévennes, Montpellier and the Mediterranean coast, the Alpilles, the Mont Ventoux…
Activities in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon:
The area’s numerous paths and trails are ideal for walking, running, mountain biking or horse riding, whilst its country roads are very popular with cyclo-tourists. There is of course swimming, canoeing and fishing to be enjoyed on the river Gardon, or maybe you will look to develop your pétanque skills…
The region also counts a great many excellent wine cellars (Côtes du Rhône, vin de pays…). |
