The museums of Avignon, in the footsteps of Provence at the time of the Popes

To the west of the city lies one of the most important museums. The wealth of works collected here is quite impressive. The Calvet museum houses archaeological remains as well as other artistic disciplines such as gold and silverware, earthenware and large tapestries. This prestigious museum is the work of a wealthy doctor with a passion for art, Esprit Claude François Calvet, who bequeathed a considerable sum of money to his home town in order to preserve the local cultural heritage. The museum was named in his honour to preserve his memory and a collection of works he owned.

Housed in a splendid listed 18th-century town house, it houses an authentic collection of paintings, sculptures and objets d'art. The paintings on display date from the 15th to the 20th century. For bronze lovers, some magnificent Italian pieces are on display, blending perfectly with the neighbouring paintings.

Paintings, sculptures, prehistory, Asian art and Oriental art are all on show. The gallery even contains a treasure trove that visitors can't get their hands on. This is a collection of drawings from France and elsewhere, notably Spain, Italy and even the North. More recently, a room dedicated to modern art has been opened to the public.

Practical information

📍 Address: 65, rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon (84 000).

⏰ Opening times :

• 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm,
• closed on Tuesdays.

Just a 4-minute walk from the Musée Calvet, a second gallery houses collections from archaeological digs. The Musée Lapidaire holds an impressive collection of pottery and vases. But also sculptures, ornaments, funerary objects and even... sarcophagi. All incredibly well preserved.

Located in the former Jesuit chapel on a classical plan with a single nave, the architecture is rich in sculpted detail, giving the place a singular atmosphere that makes the visit even more enjoyable. Large stained glass windows overhang the cornices and let the light in, bringing out the white of the omnipresent stone. Stroll from room to room and let yourself be transported on a journey through time, between Roman remains and Gallic art.

Practical information

📍 Address: 27, rue de la république, Avignon (84 000).

⏰Opening times :

• Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm,
• closed on monday.

This castle-like museum is the little brother of its big neighbour, the Palais des Papes. Contrary to its name, it nevertheless covers an area of 3,000 m², testifying to the importance of the city of Avignon during the papal era. The building is organised around two large, rather classical interior courtyards adorned with arches. The interior remains simple, but the former neo-Gothic chapel has a trompe l'oeil painted ceiling adorned with columns sculpted in the shape of a palm tree.

It offers free permanent exhibitions. These include Italian paintings, local sculptures and works from the Ecole d'Avignon. The building also has a library on the second floor, which is accessible by appointment and offers a lovely view over the Place du Palais des Papes and Notre Dame des Doms.

Practical information

📍 Address: palais des archevêques, place du Palais des Papes, Avignon (84000)

⏰Opening times: opening times may vary depending on the period, it is worth consulting the website.

For gourmets in search of fresh produce and home cooking, head for Le Cochon Bleu, a traditional restaurant with a generous menu that varies according to the market. It's a concentration of Provençal cuisine with a touch of Lyon. In short, you're in for a treat.