What to do and see in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, France: The Best Places and Tips

The pontifical Carthusian monastery of the Val-de-Bénédiction was founded in the 14th century by Pope Innocent VI. The frescoes of the Saint John Baptist's Chapel were painted by Matteo Giovanetti, who created the frescoes in Avignon Palace. The three cloisters, surrounded by forty cells and Gardens, made it one of the largest Carthusian monstery in France.

At the heart of the enclosure created by the walls of Fort Saint-André, which dominates Villeneuve-lez-Avignon (Gard Department), the royal Benedictine Abbey of Saint-André welcomes visitors to its magnificent terraced Gardens and abbatial palace. A rare place that harmoniously combines the art of Gardens with a mosaic of the heritage and rich history of the Languedoc and Provence regions since the 6th century, the Abbey is open for Independent visits or guided tours from March 1to November 1. Art and music are also regular guests at the Abbey, offering special moments not to be missed. The Gardens Classified among the most beautiful in France, the Abbey's Gardens unfold with old roses, Mediterranean natives, and olive and pine trees more than a century old among the remains of Romanesque style churches and tombs dating as far back as the 6th century. At the foot of the abbatial palace lies a parterre garden in 16th century Tuscan style adorned with ponds, vases and sculptures, and bordered by a pergola covered with wisteria and roses. From the heights of Mount Andaon, these terraced Gardens offer panoramic views of the Popes' Palace in Avignon across the Rhone River. The Abbatial Palace Both a spiritual and a strategic site, the Abbey has an extensive history. Originally the retreat of a woman named St. Casarie, then a Benedictine monastery, Saint-André became a royal Abbey in the 13th century, overseeing 211 priories nearby. Restored at the end of the 17th century by the King's architect Pierre Mignard, the abbatial palace has retained its elegantly vaulted rooms, grand entry doors and monumental staircase.Émile Bernard's murals as well as numerous collections of objects ranging from art to dinnerware to dolls may be seen during guided tours.

Built to affirm the hegemony of the Capetian monarchy over its neighbours in Avignon the Fort of Saint-André, which is very well preserved, exemplifies the degree of perfection attained by military architecture of the 14th century. Dominating the Charterhouse of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon it can be considered as an outstanding monument. Open: > 1st April to 15th May: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. > 16th May to 15th September: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 16th to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 40 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

The residence of the soveriegn pontiffs in the 14th century is the largest Gothic Palace in the world. 25 areas to visit : ceremonila halls, chapels, cloister, the Pope's provate apartments with their priceless frescos, as well as a scenographic area, the Musée de l'Oeuvre, wich presents the development and history of the building since it was build. Ranked as UNESCO world heritage.