VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON rises up a rocky escarpment above the west bank of the Rhône, looking down upon its older neighbour from behind far more convincing fortifications. Historically, Villeneuve operated largely as a suburb of Avignon, with palatial residences constructed by the cardinals and a great monastery founded by Pope Innocent VI.To this day, Villeneuve is technically a part of Languedoc and not Provence, and would score better in the hierarchy of towns to visit were it further from Avignon, whose monuments it can almost match for colossal scale and impressiveness. In summer, at least, it benefits, providing venues for the Avignon Festival as well as alternatives for accommodation overspill; and it's certainly worth a day, whatever time of year you visit.
Pages in section ‘Villeneuve’: The Town, Arrival, information and accommodation, Museum pass, Eating and drinking.
Alternate spellings:: France, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Villeneuve-les-Avignon
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