FRANCE - VILLENEUVE-LES-AVIGNON - Collégiale Notre-Dame (26)
Villeneuve-les-Avignon
The medieval town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon sits on the banks of the Rhône opposite Avignon. It is dominated by the imposing Fort Saint-André, which stands on top of a hill and has well-preserved 14th century ramparts. The charterhouse of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon shelters peaceful cloisters and an artistic centre.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the city of the Popes: only the Rhône separates them, but history indisputably links them.
Around the year 1000, the Abbey of St André was built by the Benedictines on Mount Andaon. The town of Saint André then became a fortress and military outpost, under the influence of King Philippe Le Bel - eager to control access to the Rhône between Avignon and the Gard - after its attachment to the French crown.
Fortress town where life was good in the 14th century; built on hills and largely wooded; the commune of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is then considered as a suburb of Avignon. At that time, just like Avignon, it saw its economic growth surge. Cardinals and other prelates built vast villas to stay there or delivered them out of sight, ensuring their comfort and security.
It should be noted that the Saint Bénezet bridge, from the 13th century, connected to the Tour Philippe le Bel, has modified and facilitated travel, and particularly commercial relations - even if before and after its destruction the crossing of the Rhône was done above all by small boat.
However, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon was abandoned in the 15th century, following the departure of the papal court.
FRANCE - VILLENEUVE-LES-AVIGNON - Collégiale Notre-Dame (26)
Villeneuve-les-Avignon
The medieval town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon sits on the banks of the Rhône opposite Avignon. It is dominated by the imposing Fort Saint-André, which stands on top of a hill and has well-preserved 14th century ramparts. The charterhouse of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon shelters peaceful cloisters and an artistic centre.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the city of the Popes: only the Rhône separates them, but history indisputably links them.
Around the year 1000, the Abbey of St André was built by the Benedictines on Mount Andaon. The town of Saint André then became a fortress and military outpost, under the influence of King Philippe Le Bel - eager to control access to the Rhône between Avignon and the Gard - after its attachment to the French crown.
Fortress town where life was good in the 14th century; built on hills and largely wooded; the commune of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is then considered as a suburb of Avignon. At that time, just like Avignon, it saw its economic growth surge. Cardinals and other prelates built vast villas to stay there or delivered them out of sight, ensuring their comfort and security.
It should be noted that the Saint Bénezet bridge, from the 13th century, connected to the Tour Philippe le Bel, has modified and facilitated travel, and particularly commercial relations - even if before and after its destruction the crossing of the Rhône was done above all by small boat.
However, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon was abandoned in the 15th century, following the departure of the papal court.