Cite de la Musique © Atout France / H.Guignolet

The Cité de la Musique in Paris is a venue which offers music lovers the opportunity to be totally immersed in the music world. More than just a venue for music performances, the Cité de la Musique contains the Musée de la Musique which has an important collection of rare musical instruments such as a Stradivarius violin and the Pleyel and Érard pianos belonging to Chopin and Franz Liszt respectively.

The Cité de la Musique is located in the Parc de la Villette, a popular Paris park in the 19th arrondissement, just inside the Boulevard Périphérique or Paris ring road. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, it comprises concert halls, exhibition halls and space for workshops and conferences.

Concerts at the Cité de la Musique

There are two concert halls at the Cité de la Musique and between them they host some 250 concerts every year. Its unique proposition is that it offers an eclectic range of western and eastern music spanning from the Middle Ages to today. In addition to world-renowned artists and ensembles from France and abroad, the Cité de la Musique also hosts rare ensembles and unique creations from all over the world.  See what’s on here at the Cité de la Musique.

Since 2006, the Cité de la Musique has charge over the management and organization of the programming for the Salle Pleyel, another prestigious Paris concert hall.

Musée de la Musique

Music Instruments - Classictic

A Music Media Library

The Cité de la Musique also serves as an international reference centre devoted to music. Its Media Library offers numerous digitalised documentary resources on western and non-western music. The Media Library partners with prestigious European concert halls to encourage the creation of music and the promotion of young European talents.

Getting here:

The Cité de la Musique is situated in the popular Parc de la Villette which is also home to the Cite des Sciences.  There is good public transportation to Parc Villette.

• By underground: Line 5, direction Bobigny-Picasso, exit at Porte de Pantin
• By bus: Lines 75, 151, PC2 and PC3 – Noctilien N13 – N41
• By Bike: The Velib docking stations (bicycle stations) are located opposite the Café de la Musique, at the Conservatory and Porte de Pantin – www.velib.paris.fr.

Address:
Cité de la Musique
221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Website: www.citedelamusique.fr/

Hotels Near the Cité de la Musique

If you’re looking for a hotel near the Cité de la Musique or Parc Villette, you can read hotel reviews and book your hotel Here.

Map of Paris:

Champs-Elysées - Christmas Illuminations

It would take a lifetime to see all the attractions that Paris has to offer and if you are wondering what to do in Paris at Christmas time, there are some additional festive events that should not be missed.

Christmas Illuminations

Paris already holds the title of “City of Lights” and its Christmas Illuminations seals the Paris’s reputation as the most romantic city in the world!  More than 125 of Paris’ streets, squares and avenues are decked out in festive decorations and fairy lights to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year.  And these are all energy efficient lighting.

Go to the Champs-Elysées and you’ll be dazzled by the Christmas lights here.  From the Arc de Triomphe all the way down to the Place de la Concorde, 2.4 km of lights cover the trees along this famous boulevard giving it a fairyland appearance.  This is topped off by the big ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde spinning colourful lights into the skyline.

And it’s not just the capital’s streets that are decorated, the Eiffel Tower, public monuments and the big department stores like the Galeries Laffayete and Printemps are also decorated in Christmas lights and decorations.  If you don’t have time to explore all the streets on your own, you can see the Christmas Illuminations on a Paris Christmas Lights Tour.

Marchés de Noël

Then, there are the traditional Christmas markets or Marchés de Noël which add another dimension to the Paris Christmas atmosphere.  At the Marchés de Noël you can mingle with the locals and can get into the festive mood by doing some of your Christmas shopping at the wooden chalets which sell Christmas gifts, crafts and decorations.  This is the opportunity to also try some of the traditional regional festive foods.  Christmas markets can be found in most arrondissements and the Marché de Noël sur les Champs-Elysées is one of the bigger ones.

Ice-skating at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

For those who love ice-skating, Paris City Council has set up two open-air ice rinks on the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), one large rink and a smaller rink for novices and younger visitors. Skates can be hired on site. The ice rinks operate from December 16, 2011 to March 4, 2012.

Christmas Concerts in Magnificent Paris Churches

Paris’s beautiful churches are regular venues for classical music performances and many of these hold special Christmas concerts – see here for the locations and dates.

Christmas Illuminations, Paris

Paris Food Walking Tour

With all the food stores stacked with Christmas goodies, this is a good time to do a Food Walking Tour of Paris. You will be taken through a number of Paris neighbourhoods to visit a French bakery, pastry shop, French caterer, wine shop, cheese shop, fruit and vegetable shop and market. Your expert foodie guide will give an overview of French culinary habits and being Christmas you will no doubt get an introduction to selected Christmas specialties in the shops. There is also a specialized Small Group Gourmet Christmas Tour where the focus is on Christmas specialties.

Paris Dinner Shows

Since its beginning, the Moulin Rouge and its Cancan dancers have been thrilling customers who come to experience this famous Parisian cabaret.  You can enjoy a lively Moulin Rouge Christmas Dinner and Show or the the glamorous Lido de Paris Christmas Dinner and Show.

Disneyland Paris at Christmas

For children and the young at hear, a stay at Disneyland Paris would be one of the best Christmas gifts ever.  Disneyland Paris has many special offers to make this Christmas dream come true.

For the complete list of things to do in Paris at Christmas and New Year see Here.

Search Paris Hotel deals and read reviews Here.

See Travel Signposts Paris Photo Gallery Here.

Marchés de Noël © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

For those who love Christmas markets, there are more Marchés de Noël in Paris than just those in the Champs-Elysées and central Paris. From the gigantic Marché de Noël at La Défense to the smaller village-like market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there are plenty of Christmas markets to explore.

Christmas Market: La Défense Christmas Arch
Dates :  Nov 23, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011
Getting there :  Metro: Grande Arche de la Défense | RER: La Défense

When it comes to Christmas market size, you can’t beat La Défense Christmas Market. For the 17th consecutive year, the Parvis de la Défense plays host to one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Ile-de-France region. There are more than 350 chalets selling trinkets, handicraft and thousands of other items that you could give as gifts during the Christmas season. Christmas is a time for special treats and the star attractions of the Christmas market are the chalets with local Christmas fare such as hams from Corsica, cheese from the Alps, French chocolate and lots of other temptations.

Christmas Market: Saint-Germain-des-Prés Village of Father Christmas
Dates : Dec 2, 2011 to Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Along boulevard Saint-Germain visitors will find no less than 25 chalets oozing with the magic of Christmas. A nice market to stop by for some shopping and to taste some seasonal goodies. Note that the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market goes on until January 2nd.

Christmas Market: Place Saint Sulpice Christmas Village
Dates : Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Saint Sulpice | RER: Saint Michel – Notre Dame

The Place Saint Sulpice Christmas Village chalets are a perfect complement to the old Paris atmosphere of the area. Place Saint Sulpice is in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and shoppers will be able to enjoy mulled wine and the Saint Germain des Prés Christmas spirit.

Christmas Market: Montparnasse Christmas Village
Dates : Dec 5, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Montparnasse Bienvenüe

Situated below the Montparnasse tower block, this Christmas village has a wonderful selection of regional products. There are 40 or so chalets where shoppers can stock up for the Christmas goodies. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, you can always enjoy a little snack and soak in the festive spirit.

Christmas Decorations © Atout France / Fabrice Milochau

Shoppers at the italie 2 shopping centre, at Place d’Italie, will be able to enjoy an extra treat. Surrounding the shopping centre are 20 or so chalets for Christmas. An ideal opportunity to pick up a gift or two or meet up with family or friends to sample some Christmas treats in the cold Parisian winter.

Christmas Market: Christmas Market at Place de la Nation
Dates : Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Nation

The theme for the 17th edition of the Christmas Market at Place de la Nation is the ‘craftsmen of the world’.  Occupying the chalets this year are craftsmen from Russia, Vietnam, Peru, Thailand, India, Korea and more.  The craftsmen from all over the world will be showing their collection of different types of handicrafts. This is the Christmas market with plenty of ideas for gifts and decorations, plus the sensation of having travelled the globe.

Christmas Market: Christmas Market – “Noël en Auteuil, les Festiv’ Solidaires”
Dates : Dec 14, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Jasmin

The Festiv Solidaires is five days of festivities at Christmas time, but this is also a Christmas market with a good purpose. It is organized by the members of the ‘Apprentis d’Auteuil’ foundation which works for the social integration of young people in difficulty. Stroll through the Christmas market with its rustic wooden chalets selling regional produce like foie gras, cheese, wine, as well as Christmas decorations like nativity scene figures, Christmas trees, baubles, garlands, etc. There are also concerts, workshops for children, second-hand goods and lots more!

Christmas Market: Boulogne Christmas Market
Dates : Dec 8, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Billancourt

The Christmas Market at Boulogne is now an annual tradition. Every December, the big square opposite the shopping centre  welcomes the great Christmas Market. No less than 45 chalets, special events and a little train spread the magic of Christmas time to visitors.

Paris Hotels

Looking for a hotel near your favourite Paris Christmas market? You can search, read hotel reviews and book your Paris hotel Here.

Champs-Elysee-Christmas-Market © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

Christmas markets have caught on in many towns and cities in France and have become part and parcel of the pre-Christmas activity and attraction. Paris has a good spread of Marchés de Noël and some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the centre of Paris are included below:

Christmas Market: Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Dates : Nov 19, 2011 – Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile | RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile

The Champs-Elysées Christmas market is one of the biggest in Paris and if you only have time to visit one Christmas market in Paris, this has got to be it. Where else would be more ideal to stop off and do some Christmas shopping than on the most beautiful boulevard in the world. There are about 160 authentic chalets lining the Champs-Elysées between the Rond-Point and Place de la Concorde. The Christmas market also offers the opportunity to enjoy some mulled wine and taste some regional produce like foie gras, ham, champagne, etc. And if you don’t mind being taken for a ride, why not hop on the big ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde for a breathtaking view of the Champs-Elysées and the Christmas illuminations.

Christmas Market: Christmas market at the Maison de l’Alsace
Dates : Nov 24, 2011 to Dec 23, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Champs-Elysées

As you stroll along the Champs-Elysées, enjoying its Christmas market, don’t hesitate to stop at the entrance to the Maison de l’Alsace at 39 avenue des Champs-Elysées and enjoy a cup of mulled wine which will be much appreciated in winter time. Better still, go up to the first floor of the Maison de l’Alsace and enjoy an Alsatian Christmas! The Maison de l’Alsace offers a spread of regional products to take away or taste on the premises. Here you can discover specialities from the Alsace region such as bredele (petits fours baked for Christmas), baerewecke (bread with dried fruit served at Advent), gingerbread and chocolate.  Then of course there is the wonderful wine from the Alsace and foie gras which many may want to feature on their  Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve menu.

To enhance the magic of an Alsatian Christmas, a local choir, the Liederkranz from Attenschwiller will open the market on November 23rd. On Tuesday, December 6th at 5.30pm, the Gosspel Kids choir will be singing and children will be treated to a free hot chocolate and gingerbread!

Marchés de Noël, Paris © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

If you’re a fan of Alsatian gastronomy, this is another market for you. The Gare de l’Est is the train station that services trains coming from and going to regions in the east of France. As Christmas approaches, this is where Parisians flock to, to find the best of Alsatian treats. On the square in front of the station you can taste real pretzels, delicious gingerbread and little Christmas biscuits. For your Christmas meals, there is Alsatian wine and delicious foie gras and not forgetting the Christmas decorations for your table. Daily from 9am to 8pm (except Sunday, from 10am to 7pm)

Christmas Market: Le village de Noël Européen du Trocadéro
Dates : Dec 8, 2011 to Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Trocadéro | RER : Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel

The Trocadéro European Christmas Village is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Paris. At this market, visitors can experience and learn about the different European Christmas traditions. At the wooden chalets visitors can shop for gifts and sample produce from various European countries.

For more Paris Christmas markets see Here.

Paris Hotels

Looking for a hotel near your favourite Paris Christmas market? You can search, read hotel reviews and book your Paris hotel Here.

St Sulpice Paris - Travel Signposts

The visit of Silas, the scary albino monk and assassin, to St Sulpice in search of the Holy Grail is a scene that endures in my memory.  And, since The Da Vinci Code, a visit to Eglise St Sulpice will probably never be the same for many.

However, Hollywood blockbuster aside, St Sulpice is not the same – after four years of restoration work, its 71-metre high North tower is as good as new, and in fact much more robust than its original construction.

Restoration of St Sulpice

Although the construction of Eglise St Sulpice began in 1646, the building was not completed until 1870. Errors made during its original construction and various faulty restoration attempts caused the North tower to become unsafe.

During this latest major restoration project, its five bells, Thèrèse, Caroline, Louise, Marie and Henriette, were brought down from the belfry and completely cleaned and restored in Normandy. This is a laudable triumph as the five bells weigh 50 tonnes in total. The four statues of evangelists were also brought down for the restoration and these weighed 20 tonnes each.   St Sulpice’s organ, one of the largest in the world also got a tuning up for the celebration of the completion of the restoration project.

St Sulpice and The Da Vinci Code

St Sulpice Gnomon by Daniele Raffo/Wiki

St Sulpice is on Place Sulpice in Paris’ fashionable 6th arrondissement and is one of the largest Paris churches. Since The Da Vinci Code, movie buffs,  scholars and scientists  have been flocking to St Sulpice to check out the ‘Rose Line’ and any evidence of the ‘Priory of Sion’, a 900 year-old secret society.  So popular is this movie that the  the church felt it necessary to put up a notice pointing out the Hollywood myths:  The brass inlay meridian line was never called the ‘Rose Line’, St Sulpice  is not associated with any secret society and that the ‘P’ and ‘S’ initials incorporated into the design of the small windows at both ends of the transept refer to Peter and Sulpice and not the Priory of Sion.

What to See in St Sulpice

St Sulpice is a historical church and for those interested in the ‘real’ attractions of this Paris church, the following are some of the main interior attractions:

• the Delacroix frescoes in the Chapelle des Anges (Chapel of the Angels), to the right of the entrance
• the Rococco Chapelle de la Madone (Chapel of the Madonna)
• the tomb of Curé Languet de Gergy in the fifth chapel. He founded the world’s first pediatric hospital and oversaw the completion of St Sulpice
• St Sulpice’s organ – with its 6,588 pipes it is one of the world’s largest

On the exterior, visitors can now enjoy the restored North tower which for many years have been wrapped up under cover.  The fountain in the church square bears sculptures of Fenelon, Massillon, Bossuet, and Flechier, four bishops from the Louis XIV era.

Address:

Place Saint-Sulpice
2, rue Palatine
75006 Paris

Côte d'Or Wine Route

Burgundy is one of France’s main wine producing areas and its vineyards, stretching some 250 kms from north to south, are the source of some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Naturally many visitors come to Burgundy in search of the fine Burgundy wines and wine tourism is big business. Of the many wine routes that visitors can explore, the prize route is the Route des Grands Crus or Grands Crus Wine Route.

The Grands Crus Wine Route

The Grands Crus wine route which covers the world’s greatest wines is sometimes called the Champs-Elysées of Burgundy. This 80 kms noble route follows the wine-growing slopes from Dijon to Santenay and passes through world-famous villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Aloxe-Corton, Beaune, and Pommard.

Along the Grands Crus wine route, visitors have the opportunity to visit premium Burgundy vineyards and sample the wines.  At the wineries, you will be able to meet the people whose work define these unique vineyards and their particular patch of terroirs. Each vineyard has its own secrets, traditions and special techniques and in the sanctuary of their wine cellars, most of which are open all year round, the wine-growers will explain all the nuances of their wines, their colours and noses. It is recommended that you contact them before visiting out of respect for their work, especially during the grape harvest season in September and October.

Grands Crus Wine Route - Cote d'Or

The Grands Crus wine route is beautiful all year round. In addition to wine production, the area offers fine food and culture.

The Grands Cru wine route is located 1 hour 40 minutes from Paris by TGV and 1 hour 30 minutes from Lyon. You can explore the remarkable landscapes along the Grands Crus trail on foot, or follow the specially designed bike route in the Beaunois area from Beaune to Santenay, or by car.

Burgundy Wine Tours

Alternatively, from Dijon, there are a couple of wine tours that you can join which will journey through the vineyards of the Cote de Nuits wine district, traveling through the villages of Fixin, Gevrey- Chambertin, Morey Saint Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee and Nuits St Georges on the Route des Grands Crus and along small vineyard roads.  One these tours, your wine specialist-guide will explain the different varieties and wine qualities as well as different tasks performed throughout the year to care for the vines, the harvest, and historical aspects of the vines and villages. The tour stops for a guided cellar visit and comprehensive wine tasting where everything you’ve learned throughout the day comes together.  See here for wine tours >

See Travelsignposts Côte d’Or wine tour and wine-tasting visits HERE.

Provence countryside

The town of Avignon has plenty to keep visitors occupied during their visit, however, if you are spending a few days here, don’t miss Avignon’s beautiful and diverse countryside and the neighbouring towns and villages.

Avignon sits at the cross roads of Provence and Languedoc and within a short time, visitors can get to the many varied sites such as Fontaine de Vaucluse, Mount Ventoux, the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, the Luberon range with its old high perched villages and the marshes, wetlands and salt flats of the Camargue with its Rhone delta. Other amazing sites such as Pont du Gard, Baux de Provence and the Alpilles mountain chain are all within striking range.

In addition to its countless natural attractions, the Avignon countryside and neighbouring towns and villages offer rich cultural and architectural heritage:

• Roman ruins in Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine, Arles, Nîmes, Pont du Gard
• Romanesque and Gothic churches, abbeys
• Ansouis, Lourmarin, Barbentane castles
• Many art museums and various collections
• Folk museums such as the Bakery Museum in Bonnieux, the Lavender Museum in Coustellet or the Vinegrower Museum in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Jean-Henri Fabre’s house, and much more

Some Provence Tours from Avignon

If you’re travelling to Avignon by train or air,  there are several Provence tours that you can do that will allow you to explore the Avignon countryside and the neighbouring regions, such as the following:

Pont du Gard - Roman aqueduct

• The Roman Sites tour is a small group day trip that takes you to Roman and historical sites such as Nimes, Uzes and the famous Pont du Gard.

• The Provence and Lavender Museum tour takes visitors to Sault, the lavender capital of Provence, to see the lavender fields that Provence is famous for.

• On the Orange and Chateauneuf-du-Pape tour, visitors can combine a sightseeing tour of the historic Roman ruins in Orange with a wine tour and wine-tasting.

• The Grand Tour of Provence offers the best that Provence has to offer, including Roman and medieval sights, wine-tasting, Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence, a picturesque medieval village in the Alpilles mountains and much more.

The above a just a sample of the tours available.  For all other Avignon tours see HERE >

A Performance in the Palais des Papes square

For theatre-lovers, July is the prime time to visit Avignon when for three full weeks the whole of Avignon becomes a stage for the Festival d’Avignon and the Off Festival.

Festival d’Avignon

The Avignon Festival is the biggest cultural event in the Vaucluse département and a major event on the French festival of the arts calendar. The Festival was founded by Jean Vilar in 1947, making it one of the oldest theatrical festivals in France and also a famous theatre festival in the world.

During the three-week festival, the Avignon Theatre Festival presents contemporary French and international productions and many of the shows are created especially for the Festival or are being presented in France for the first time. The Avignon Festival is also a place for artists, producers and audiences to come together. Not only is it a source of avant-garde creation, it has also become point of reference for amateur and professional artists, producers and media people who wish to keep abreast on the world of theatre and other Performing Arts.

Off Festival

Courtesy Off Festival

Running alongside the Festival d’Avignon is the Off Festival, which is the Avignon fringe festival. Like the Festival d’Avignon, many French and international theatre companies present their shows in some 100 venues around Avignon. Apart from the common timing of the two festivals, the organisation of the Avignon Off Festival is completely separate from the Festival d’Avignon.

During the Festival d’Avignon and Avignon Off Festival hundreds of different theatre companies from all of France and many other nations converge on the city of Avignon, turning it into one huge  stage – some one hundred different venues throughout Avignon serve as theatres.

If you’re contemplating a visit to the Avignon festivals, you should book early as the festivals are very popular and tickets to popular shows sell out. Also, booking your Avignon hotel early is advisable.

For more information on the Avignon festivals, see their website on:

Avignon Festival 2011
Avignon Off Festival

Eglise St Pierre, Avignon

With the Avignon papacy in the 14th century and seven Sovereign pontiffs having resided in Avignon, it is not surprising that this town has many cathedrals, churches and chapels. Although not a major church, one of the Avignon churches that stand out is the Église St Pierre or Church of St Pierre.

The Church of St Pierre is located right in the centre of Avignon, in a cobbled square that bears the same name – the Place Saint-Pierre, a stone’s throw from the Palace of the Popes.

St Pierre is famous for its elaborate and flamboyant Gothic facade and amongst its many noteworthy features are its solid walnut doors. The doors were paid for by a rich merchant and their elaborate carvings include images of St Gerome and St Julien on the left door and the Virgin and the Angel of Annunciation are depicted on the right. On the central column that separates the two doors is a beautiful and fine sculpture of the Virgin and child.

Eglise St-Pierre’s History

The existence of Église St Pierre can be traced back to the 7th century as the burial site of the first bishops of Avignon. Sacked by the Saracens,  the earliest written text on the church shows that a new church was built on the site in the 10th century. In 1385, the church was rebuilt, through the generosity of Cardinal Pierre de Près.

However Église St Pierre did not achieve its current form until a few centuries later after various expansions and improvements were made. The solid walnut doors for instance were not added till 1551 and in 1854, Father Pougnet, a priest and architect, did further restoration works on the church.

Church of St Pierre, Avignon

Inside Eglise St-Pierre, the lights are kept quite dim probably to protect the many important works of art in the church.  As you can see in the photo, between each set of gilded columns are artwork depicting various religious scenes.

The highly gilded, multi-panelled High Renaissance altar is a work of art.  The gold-gilded alter was first built in 1617 and in 1634 it was completed with the addition of the grand portico which includes the painting of “La Remise des clefs à Saint Pierre”.   Other paintings depicting biblical scenes, include Saint Pierre and other saints.

Along both sides of the interior are four chapels each, dedicated to saints. A famous painting “l’Adoration des Bergers” or Adoration of the Shepherds by Simon de Chalons can be seen at the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lourdes - the third chapel on the right from the entrance.

Église St Pierre is a beautiful church and definitely worth a visit on your Avignon holidays. My only regret was not having enough time to admire all of its features.

See more of our Church of St Pierre photos HERE >

Rocher des Doms - Avignon

To escape the summer heat and the crowds in and around the Palais des Papes square, take a stroll up to the Rocher des Doms, a lovely and shady garden located at the summit of the Doms Rock.

Rocher des Doms offers great views of the Rhône River and the entire Rhône plain. The rock faces Villeneuve-lez-Avignon across the Rhône and you can the famous Pont St-Bénézet and the magnificent Fort St-André. From the viewing platform you can enjoy panoramic views of the area and the picture panels indicate what you’re looking at and distances to places.

Avignon Jardin

Rocher des Doms is botanical park with 29,000m² of green space. It has a large pond with swans, ducks, geese and carp, which have been delighting young visitors for generations. In the middle of the pond is the statue of Venus with Swallows. Originally it was in Place Carnot, but its nudity caused it to be moved here in 1894.  The statues that you see scattered around the park are of famous Avignon citizens such as Jean Althen and Félix Gras. The cafe by the pond is a nice spot to enjoy a refreshing drink as well as the cooling effects from the pond.

From Neolithic Settlement to the Palace of the Popes

Pond at Rocher des Doms

Once a limestone island towering a hundred foot above the Rhône plain, Rocher des Doms was the cradle of civilization in Avignon. Its position offered excellent natural protection to the first inhabitants here at the end of the Prehistoric period.

First, a large Neolithic settlement existed, and then an oppidum (the main settlement of an administrative area). The fortified oppidum was transformed into a military defensive position protecting the Roman town. Over the ages, the citadel was replaced by a chateau, symbol of the Count’s power. In the 12th century, the free commune in its turn built a palace on the rocky outcrop. Finally, in the 14th century, the Palais des Papes was built to symbolize the supreme power of the Church.

Getting to the Garden

The Rocher des Doms can be reached by the steps leading from the cathedral Notre Dame des Doms or by the St-Anne steps. However, if you don’t feel like walking, the small tourist train that leaves the Palais des Papes square will deposit you at the garden gates.

See Rocher des Doms with Travelsignposts Avignon photos HERE >