Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon can be explored through its defensive architecture, cultural sites and Rhône landscape. The Tour Philippe-le-Bel combines the history of a royal fortress with panoramic views; Fort Saint-André and the Chartreuse de Villeneuve each offer their own historical and cultural highlights. The “La Rive droite du Rhône” cycle route offers a different perspective, bringing nature and cultural heritage together. For planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between the permanent exhibition, seasonal guided tours and specific event dates.
Fortress, Views and Ways to Visit
The Tour Philippe-le-Bel is the keep of a fortress built by the French king in the 13th century. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon, Avignon and the Rhône Valley. The tower also houses the permanent “Mémoires de tour” museum exhibit. If you plan to visit it, check the current access arrangements for this area before your visit.
Fort Saint-André offers self-guided visits and free visitor information in nine languages. Guided tours take place on Sundays and Wednesdays during school holidays and in summer. This means there are different ways to visit the fort: exploring independently or joining a tour at specific times of the year. If a guided tour is important to your plans, check the dates before you travel. You should also check in advance whether information is currently available in your preferred languages.
A Combined Ticket for Five Monuments
A combined ticket for Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon is available at a set price of 20 euros. It includes the Chartreuse, Fort Saint-André, Abbaye Saint-André, Tour Philippe-le-Bel and Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg. As ticket conditions may change, check current validity and points of sale before your trip.
The Chartreuse and Its Exhibitions
The Chartreuse de Villeneuve brings together several architectural features: the complex has three cloisters, extensive gardens and a church. The Chapel of the Frescoes dates from 1355. The site’s history is also complemented by its cultural programme: throughout the year, the Chartreuse hosts artist residencies, exhibitions, performances and workshops. If you would like to attend a particular event, check what is scheduled for your dates before you travel.
The gardens of the Abbaye Saint-André are also an exhibition venue, with exhibitions held there regularly. Check the current programme if you would like to include a visit in your itinerary. The Chartreuse and the abbey offer different opportunities to explore the city’s cultural offerings.
Nature and Cultural Heritage Along the Cycle Route
The “La Rive droite du Rhône” cycle route loops around Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon and brings nature and cultural heritage together. It follows the Rhône and offers a chance to experience the biodiversity of the wetlands. Unlike visiting individual monuments, the route combines these two themes in a single ride. Check the latest route and access information before setting off.
There are several different options to choose from: fortifications and panoramic views at the Tour Philippe-le-Bel, self-guided or guided visits at the fort, architecture and a year-round cultural programme at the Chartreuse, and nature and cultural heritage along the Rhône. You can decide which perspective to focus on based on your interest in history, exhibitions or landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Lédignan, Mejannes Les Ales, Castillon-Du-Gard, Pompignan, Sauveterre, Montpezat, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, Bellegarde.
For the regional travel overview: Gard.
