Bonjour! Welcome to Villeneuve les Avignon, a charming medieval town just across the Rhone River from the famous Avignon. While its neighbor steals the spotlight with grand monuments, Villeneuve-les-Avignon offers a peaceful retreat filled with historic landmarks, beautiful views, and an authentic regional life.
It’s the perfect destination for those looking to slow down, enjoy a glass of local wine on a sunny terrace, and uncover one of southern France’s hidden gems. And it’s just a quick, few-minute ride from Avignon centre!. Now, let’s explore things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon, France.
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Villeneuve les Avignon, France FAQ
Villeneuve les Avignon is located in the Occitanie in the Gard department in southeastern France on the banks of the Rhône River. It’s just across from Avignon, making it an amazing destination for a half-day trip or a peaceful stop on your Provence itinerary.
Yes, Villeneuve-les-Avignon is a beautiful hidden gem in southern France, visited only by the most in-the-know travelers. It offers impressive historical monuments, beautiful medieval streets, and scenic viewpoints overlooking Avignon and the Rhône River.
Villeneuve-les-Avignon is best known for its rich history connected to the Avignon papacy, the impressive fortress – Fort Saint-André, one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Europe – Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, and a historic tower that once guarded the bridge to Avignon – Tour Philippe-le-Be. The town is also famous for one of the best panoramic views of Avignon and the Papal Palace from across the river – truly stunning!
Villeneuve-les-Avignon is perfect for a half-day or a day trip from Avignon. That gives you plenty of time to visit all the main attractions, enjoy lunch or coffee on a sunny terrace, and take in the scenic views. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Villeneuve les Avignon Brief History
The history of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon dates back long before the town took its current form. In the 6th century, a small religious community settled around Mount Andaon, where the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-André was later established. The real growth, however, began in the late 13th century, when King Philippe le Bel founded a strategic outpost here and ordered the construction of the tower to guard the kingdom’s frontier and control access to the Pont d’Avignon.
When the papacy moved to Avignon in 1309, Villeneuve les Avignon entered a golden age. Cardinals and other high-ranking church officials built grand residences here. The town flourished as a prestigious suburb where wealth and power concentrated. In 1356, Pope Innocent VI founded the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, which grew to become one of the largest and richest Carthusian monasteries in France. The Fort Saint-André was also constructed during this period to protect both the abbey and the growing town.
After the departure of the papal court in the 14th century, the town’s importance slowly faded. In recent years, various organizations have worked to restore the medieval charm of Villeneuve les Avignon. And as you’ll see in a moment, they’ve done a wonderful job.
Things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon
Villeneuve-les-Avignon Historic Centre
One of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon is wandering through its charming old town streets. Unlike many medieval villages that spiral around a hilltop, Villeneuve features an unusual grid layout, influenced by Roman military camps, with two principal streets intersecting at the central square.
In the historic centre, you’ll find many beautiful houses, former cardinal’s palaces, and picturesque streets filled with Provençal character. Don’t miss points of interest like Gothic Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, Place Jean Jaurès – town main square, Rue Montée du Fort – one of the prettiest streets leading up to the Fort Saint-André, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction monastery, and Pierre de Luxembourg Museum.
In addition to the main landmarks, Villeneuve les Avignon centre is full of cozy cafés, restaurants, and little shops where you can take a break and enjoy the local vibe.
The Villeneuve les Avignon Tourist Office is located on Place Charles David, close to the collegiate church. It’s a great place to grab a map and get useful information.
Travel tip. If you plan to visit most of the Villeneuve sites, you can buy a ‘5 Monument Ticket’ to save a buck. It’s available at the monuments’ ticket offices.
Fort Saint-Andre
Fort Saint-André is a massive 14th-century fortress that dominates the skyline of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It features 700-meter-long ramparts that were built to protect the Abbey of Saint-Andrew and to assert French royal power across the river from papal Avignon.
Inside the fortress, you can wander through its courtyards and historic rooms. But the real highlight awaits at the top of the ramparts – a breathtaking panoramic view over Avignon and its Papal Palace, Rhône Valley, and the distant mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon, especially if you love scenic views.
Entrance to Fort Saint-André costs €7 for a ticket and is free for children 0-18 years old (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the fort-saint-andre.fr website.
While exploring, you can also visit the Abbey of Saint-André, located within the fortress walls. Here, what deserves the most attention are its gardens classified among the most beautiful in France. The gardens are open from March to October, and entrance requires a separate ticket. For more information visit abbayesaintandre.com website.
Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
Just below Fort Saint-André you’ll find one of the most remarkable religious sites in France – the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction. This Carthusian monastery was founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI, and became one of the largest in the country. It features a church, three cloisters, forty cells where monks lived in silence and solitude, and gardens.
Today, exploring this peaceful sanctuary is one of the most tranquil things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the austere and contemplative life of the Carthusian monks. Inside the church, you can see the tomb of Pope Innocent VI, along with beautiful frescoes, including ones by Matteo Giovannetti.
Entrance to Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction costs €8 for a normal ticket, and €6.5 for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the chartreuse.org website.
Pierre de Luxembourg Museum
Located in the former Cardinal’s Palace of Pierre de Luxembourg, this small museum sits in the heart of the Villeneuve-les-Avignon historic centre. It showcases a collection of religious artwork from the 14th to 16th centuries. The highlights include the Coronation of the Virgin by Enguerrand Quarton and delicate 14th-century ivory Virgin sculpture. The museum is a nice stop for art and history lovers exploring the town.
Entrance to the Pierre de Luxembourg Museum costs €4.5 for a normal ticket, and €3.5 for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices and opening hours, visit the avignon-tourisme.com website.
Philippe le Bel Tower
The Philippe le Bel Tower stands proudly at the western end of the famous Pont d’Avignon. It was built in the early 14th century by order of King Philippe IV. It once controlled access to the bridge and marked the frontier between the Kingdom of France and the papal territory of Avignon.
Today, you can climb the medieval tower’s three levels to finally reach the terrace with yet another breathtaking view over Avignon, the Papal Palace, and the Pont d’Avignon. On the way up, you can also enjoy an exhibition about the tower’s history. Visiting Philippe le Bel Tower quickly became one of our favorite things to do in Villeneuve les Avignon.
Entrance to the Philippe le Bel Tower costs €4.5 for a normal ticket, and €3.5 for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices and opening hours, visit the avignon-tourisme.com website.
How to get to Villeneuve les Avignon, France?
Villeneuve les Avignon is located only about 3km from Avignon, 20km from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and 40km from Arles. The most convenient way to get to Villeneuve les Avignon is by car or by bus.
Where to park in Villeneuve les Avignon?
In Villeneuve les Avignon we recommend leaving a car in a parking right next to Philippe le Bel Tower or Parking Charles de Gaulle located closer to the historic centre.
To Villeneuve les Avignon with public transport
The most convenient way to reach Villeneuve-les-Avignon is by bus from Avignon. So wherever you’re traveling from, we recommend first reaching Avignon and then continue to Villeneuve.
Look for Line 5 of the Avignon public transport network (ORIZO) that runs regularly between Avignon and Villeneuve-les-Avignon. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses depart from either the Poste bus terminal near Avignon Central train station or the Porte de l’Oulle stop not far from Pont d’Avignon
To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit orizo.fr or rome2rio.com website.
To Villeneuve les Avignon on foot
It’s also possible to walk from Avignon to Villeneuve-les-Avignon in about 40 minutes. The route will take you across the Daladier Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Rhône River, Avignon, and the famous Pont d’Avignon.
Camping Villeneuve les Avignon
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Lodges & Nature Camping or Camping Bagatelle Le Pavillon Bleu might interest you. They are located close to Villeneuve les Avignon.
Villeneuve les Avignon Travel Guide – Summing up
As you can see, Villeneuve-les-Avignon offers a peaceful escape from the busy historic centre of Avignon, filled with rich history, charming streets, and stunning panoramic views. In just half a day, you can explore impressive medieval fortifications, stroll through tranquil monastery cloisters, and enjoy many breathtaking views.
Whether you’re a history lover or simply seeking a more authentic experience, you’ll find it in Villeneuve les Avignon. And its close proximity to Avignon makes it an effortless and rewarding addition to your Provence itinerary. We hope you’ll fall a little in love with this peaceful town. Enjoy your visit!
Our opinion about Villeneuve les Avignon
We visited Villeneuve les Avignon just after exploring Avignon. It was a nice day trip from nearby Orgon, where we stayed for a few weeks. We visited in late May, and during that time the town was pleasantly calm with just a handful of other tourists around. Exploring Villeneuve les Avignon took us about 2 hours.
Even though our visit was short, we really enjoyed the town. What impressed us most was the incredible contrast between Villeneuve and Avignon towns – just a short ride away, we found ourselves in a completely different, more relaxed world. Wandering through the quiet old town streets and taking in the wonderful views was pure pleasure.
We visited Villeneuve-les-Avignon quite late in the day and didn’t make it to most of the landmarks – we only climbed the Philippe le Bel Tower. Still, we’d say Villeneuve les Avignon is absolutely worth the short trip – even a quick visit offers plenty of delightful things to do and moments to remember.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to sleep in Villeneuve les Avignon?
Where to eat in Villeneuve les Avignon?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Villeneuve les Avignon:
