Discover Avignon

© ATOUT FRANCE/PHOVOIR

Article 1Avigon : The ideal destination for you to discover provenceAvignon, for some time capital of Christendom in the Middle Ages, retains the indelible mark of its grandiose destiny : the palais des papes (palace of the popes), the Saint-Benezet brigde, called the « pont d’Avignon » of worldwide fame through its commemoration by the song, and the ramparts constitute an exceptional complex of monuments listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. In addition dozens of churches and chapels, all remains of a past rich in history give the city its unique atmosphere. Birthplace of the prestigious festival of contemporary theatre, European Capital of Culture in 2000, Avignon also has many museums, an opera house / theatre, an exhibition hall and a congress center with installations on the cutting edge of technology located within the outstanding premises of the Palais des Papes. Only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Paris, one hour from Lyon and 30 minutes from Marseille by TGV (high speed train), Avignon offers numerous possibilities for sightseeing, activities and events, and also has plenty of attractive shops, places to discover Provençal cooking, local specialities and the Côtes du Rhône wines…All the beauty of Provence is on your doorstep. Villages perched high up in the Luberon and the Alpilles, the wild Camargue, Roman towns, lavender fields as far as the eye can see on the plateaux of Vaucluse, the jagged peaks of the dentelles de Montmirail, foothills of Provence’s highest peak, the Mont Ventoux…Enter the realm of seduction and charm that this animated Provençal city offers!Article 2 :Big Bacchus Parade :Big Bacchus parade Parade starts at the Cours Jean Jaurès (rue de la République) and from in front of St Agricol church, and makes its way to Notre Dame des Doms. In the parade: the Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône, the Bacchic brotherhoods, and the Côtes du Rhône choir, with circus artists and brass bands. The parade winds its way to the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral.- 4-6:30 pm: special events for children in the gardens at the Rocher des Doms. Shows, games, entertainment and other events based on the circus, for all ages. - 5:30: Vintner Mass, celebrated at the Notre Dame des Doms cathedral. - 7pm: proclamation of the 15th Côtes du Rhône grape harvest at the Palace of the Popes vineyards in the Rocher des Doms. Grapes are pressed and juice is tasted, singing by the Côtes du Rhône choir.- 7:30-8:30: public tasting of Côtes du Rhône wines.- 8pm: gourmand market featuring regional products from Provence, tasting of Provençal dishes and Côtes du Rhône and sale of the wine made by the Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône, for consumption on site, during a big picnic at the Rocher des Doms.- 9pm to midnight: free concert with Les Invendables, Rock et Rythm & Blues live. - Midnight: end of the Ban des Vendanges 2011 event.