A cradle of medieval Catholicism
Capital of the Catholic world in the 14th century, Avignon has preserved an exceptional heritage, hence its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its highlights: the Papal Palace, the Musée du Petit Palais and the Cathédrale des Doms…
Nicknamed ‘the daughter of the Rhône’, the mighty river still plays a major role in the city’s life, starting with the tourist sight of Saint-Bénezet Bridge, referred to in the famous song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ as a place where people went to dance. Every July, the city hosts the Festival d’Avignon, France’s answer to The Edinburgh Festival, dedicated to theatre.
Custom route
Custom route
Caderousse / Avignon
Leave the village of Caderousse using a provisional stretch of the ViaRhôna route leading to the famed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The way takes you along steep vine-covered slopes with beautiful views down on the Rhône Valley. However, reaching the 3.5km stretch of retail parks and industrial zones in the parishes of Sorgues and Le Pontet, take care until you reach the canal-side greenway leading into Avignon. Enjoy impressive first views of France’s historic papal city as you approach it.
Avignon / Beaucaire
Take a last look back at the great papal city before ViaRhôna leads you across the Rhône into the county of the Gard. A dedicated cycle track will be put in place here; for the moment, follow the green strip of land between the TGV rail bridges and Aramon Bridge. Then the route zigzags between vineyards and orchards before joining the Pont du Gard Greenway, heading to the Rhône-side port of Beaucaire, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its rich historical legacy, and set at a point where the regions of Languedoc and Provence meet.