{"id":51374,"date":"2025-10-04T15:15:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T13:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=51374"},"modified":"2025-10-04T15:20:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T13:20:24","slug":"villeneuve-les-avignon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/04\/villeneuve-les-avignon\/","title":{"rendered":"Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon shares its treasures, with the Saint-Andr\u00e9 Fort & Abbey, plus Le Prieur\u00e9 Baumani\u00e8re hotel restaurant"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Just across the Rh\u00f4ne river Valley, from bustling Avignon, Villeneuve-L\u00e8s-Avignon unveils a quieter but equally fascinating side of Proven\u00e7al heritage. Three landmarks stand out as unmissable must-sees, such as the Fort Saint-Andr\u00e9, the Abbaye Saint-Andr\u00e9 and the Mus\u00e9e Pierre De Luxembourg. Together, they form an exceptional journey through medieval power, spiritual memory and artistic brilliance. <\/strong>By AP<\/em><\/p>\n

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..the Fort Saint-Andr\u00e9<\/strong> has stood like asilhouette<\/strong> <\/em>for over six centuries<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Perched atop the hill of the charming city of Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>, perched on a hill overlooking the Rh\u00f4ne River<\/strong>, the Fort Saint-Andr\u00e9<\/strong><\/em><\/a> stands as a silent witness<\/strong> to the medieval<\/strong> power struggle between two giants<\/strong>, the papacy<\/strong> settled in Avignon<\/strong> and the French monarchy<\/strong>. Built in the 14th century<\/strong> under Philip the Fair<\/strong> and later John the Good<\/strong>, this national monument<\/strong> impresses with its majestic ramparts<\/strong>, twin towers<\/strong>, and its walkway<\/strong> offering endless views<\/strong>. From the top of its walls<\/strong>, your gaze<\/strong> sweeps across the entire valley<\/strong>, where the Mont Ventoux<\/strong>, the Alpilles<\/strong>, Avignon<\/strong>, and its Palace of the Popes<\/strong><\/em> (photo credits: AP).<\/p>\n

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..the Kingdom of France\u2019s <\/strong>authority against the power of the papacy<\/strong> in Avignon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Built in the 14th century<\/strong> by Philip the Fair<\/strong> and John the Good<\/strong>, it was erected to assert..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But beyond this postcard-worthy scenery<\/strong>, the fort<\/strong> holds a unique atmosphere<\/strong>, where you can explore the Romanesque chapel<\/strong> of Notre-Dame de Belvezet<\/strong><\/em>, the mysterious Tower of the Masks<\/strong>, and the gardens<\/strong> of the Benedictine <\/strong>abbey. Today, the site<\/strong> comes alive with guided tours<\/strong>, summer night visits<\/strong>, and cultural events<\/strong> that breathe life back into this once-defensive stronghold<\/strong>. More than a defensive bastion<\/strong>, the fort<\/strong> also protected the Saint-Andr\u00e9 <\/strong>village and the adjoining Benedictine <\/strong>abbey. Today, it offers a visit<\/strong> that is as much a historical immersion<\/strong> as a landscape discovery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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..flanked by twin towers<\/strong>, and watchtowers<\/strong> still convey the site<\/strong>‘s strategic importance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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An example<\/strong> of intact medieval military <\/strong>architecture, massive walls<\/strong>, monumental gate<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the rampart walkway<\/strong>, you\u2019ll enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view<\/strong>, overlooking the Mont Ventoux<\/strong>, the Alpilles<\/strong>, the Rh\u00f4ne Valley<\/strong>, and directly across, the City of the Popes<\/strong> and its monumental palace<\/strong>. Inside, the path leads to the Romanesque chapel<\/strong> of Notre-Dame de Belvezet<\/strong><\/em>, the enigmatic Tower of the Masks<\/strong>, and the abbey<\/strong>\u2019s lush gardens<\/strong>, a serene setting perfect for contemplation<\/strong>. Now a listed national monument<\/strong>, the fort<\/strong> also hosts cultural programs<\/strong> and nighttime visits<\/strong> in summer, bringing its ancient stones<\/strong> to life once again. Open year-round<\/strong>, the fort<\/strong> can also be visited with an annual pass<\/strong>, with access to other treasures in Villeneuve<\/strong>, including the Chartreuse<\/strong>, the Philippe-le-Bel Tower<\/strong>, and the Pierre de Luxembourg Museum<\/strong><\/em>, for a scenic view<\/strong>, <\/strong>through French history<\/strong>.<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\n

Fort Saint-Andr\u00e9<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, 58 Rue MNT du Fort, 30400 Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon (France) \/ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 90 25 45 35. More details on their official website<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n

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..a territory<\/strong>, full of hidden parts<\/strong> and surprises<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Visit the Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/strong><\/em>, where melt heritage<\/strong>, gardens<\/strong>, and the Mount Andaon<\/strong><\/em>..  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just in front and still in Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>, the Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/strong><\/em><\/a> rises from the summit of Mount Andaon<\/strong>, in a timeless dialogue across the Rh\u00f4ne River<\/strong> with the Palace of the Popes<\/strong>. Founded in the 10th century<\/strong> by Benedictine monks<\/strong> on the site of the hermit Saint Casaria<\/strong>, it became one of the most powerful spiritual centers<\/strong> in southern France<\/strong>, with influence over more than 200 priories<\/strong>. Rebuilt in the 17th <\/strong>and 18th centuries<\/strong> by architect Pierre Mignard<\/strong>, the abbey<\/strong> reached its peak<\/strong>, before being partially dismantled after the French Revolution<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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..a guardian of memory<\/strong>, and a living testament to France\u2019s <\/strong>medieval grandeur<\/strong><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Rich in history<\/strong> and landscape<\/strong>, the Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/strong> <\/em>remains a majestic sentinel<\/strong>.. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Today, this listed Historic Monument<\/strong> attracts visitors for its “Remarkable Garden”<\/strong><\/em> label. Spanning nearly two hectares<\/strong>, the gardens blend Italian-style <\/strong>formality, with ponds<\/strong>, symmetrical flowerbeds<\/strong>, and flowering pergolas<\/strong>\u2014with a freer Mediterranean <\/strong>landscape filled with centuries-old olive trees<\/strong>. From the terraces<\/strong>, visitors<\/strong> can enjoy sweeping views<\/strong> of Mont Ventoux<\/strong>, the Luberon<\/strong>, the Alpilles<\/strong>, and, below, Avignon<\/strong>. The tour also leads to the Chapel of Saint Casaria<\/strong> and a medieval necropolis<\/strong> with paleo-Christian sarcophagi<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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..as a deep immersion into family heritage<\/strong>, and art<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Follow the guide<\/strong> through those old stones<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2025<\/strong>, the abbey<\/strong> even adds an artistic <\/strong>dimension with a major exhibition<\/strong>, dedicated to Gustave Fayet <\/strong>(1865\u20131925), a painter<\/strong> and visionary collector<\/strong> of Van Gogh<\/strong>, Gauguin<\/strong>, and Matisse<\/strong>. Therefore, Gustave Fayet<\/strong> turned this Saint-Andr\u00e9<\/strong> domain into a major source <\/strong>of inspiration<\/strong>. Over 100 artworks<\/strong>, including drawings<\/strong>, watercolors<\/strong>, and paintings<\/strong>, revealing the artistic<\/strong> perspective of this collector<\/strong> all over Provence<\/strong>. Blending spiritual memory<\/strong>, artistic creativity<\/strong>, and a certain natural beauty<\/strong>, the Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/strong> remains an exceptional heritage site<\/strong> and a must-see<\/strong> stop in Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, fort St Andr\u00e9, 30400 Villeneuve L\u00e8s Avignon (France) \/ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 90 25 55 95. More details on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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..enter a jewel of medieval<\/strong> and baroque Art<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In the heart of Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Discreet yet essential, the Pierre de Luxembourg Museum<\/strong><\/em><\/a> is as well tucked in the heart of Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>, housed in a 17th-century <\/strong>mansion, once the palace<\/strong> of Cardinal Ceccano<\/strong>. This listed building<\/strong> tells the story of the town\u2019s religious <\/strong>and artistic<\/strong> legacy. One of the masterpieces<\/strong> resides in the Coronation of the Virgin<\/strong><\/em>, painted in 1453<\/strong> by Enguerrand Quarton<\/strong>, is considered one of the greatest artworks<\/strong> of occidental medieval art<\/strong>. Alongside it, the rare and delicate Virgin in Ivory<\/strong><\/em>, dating from the 14th century<\/strong>, sculpted in Paris<\/strong>, showcases the finesse<\/em> of Gothic craftsmanship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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..in order to reach those incredible artworks<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A majestic staircase<\/strong> to elegantly climb..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The museum<\/strong>\u2019s collections, notably enriched by various artworks<\/strong>, from the Charterhouse <\/strong>of the Val de B\u00e9n\u00e9diction<\/strong><\/em> and Saint-Andr\u00e9 Abbey<\/strong><\/em>, offer an impressive survey of religious painting<\/strong> from the 16th <\/strong>to the 18th centuries<\/strong>. For example, you could admire various illustrious artists<\/strong>, such as Simon de Ch\u00e2lons<\/strong>, Nicolas Mignard<\/strong>, Philippe de Champaigne<\/strong>, and Reynaud Levieux<\/strong> evoke the spirituality<\/strong> and splendor<\/strong> of their era.<\/p>\n

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Pierre de Luxembourg Museum<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, 3 rue de la R\u00e9publique, 30400 Villeneuve-L\u00e8s-Avignon (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)4 90 27 49 66. More details on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.   <\/p>\n

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..where French art de vivre<\/strong><\/em> meets creativity<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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This destination<\/strong> cements in an exceptional house<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still in Villeneuve-l\u00e8s-Avignon<\/strong>, nearby the vaults of the Coll\u00e9giale Notre-Dame<\/strong><\/em>, facing the ramparts of Avignon<\/strong>, the Le Prieur\u00e9 Baumani\u00e8re<\/strong><\/em><\/a> hotel masterfully blends heritage<\/strong> and modernity<\/strong>. A haven of serenity<\/strong> nestled in a shaded garden<\/strong>, the property<\/strong> captivates with its timeless elegance<\/strong> and the creativity<\/strong> of its cuisine<\/strong>. At the helm, Chef Christophe Chiavola<\/strong>, recently awarded a Michelin<\/em> star<\/strong>, presents an outdoor noon culinary journey<\/strong> that celebrates sharing<\/strong> and instinct<\/strong>, inspired by the warm, primal spirit of the brasero<\/em> <\/strong>way of cooking. Here, any lunch<\/strong> is conceived as a convivial experience<\/strong>.<\/i><\/p>\n

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..where boldness<\/strong> joins a certain warmth<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Let the fire of their brasero<\/strong> <\/em>take you away..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/i>Here, a certain philosophy<\/strong> is clear from the starters<\/strong>, initiated with some delicious chilled watermelon<\/strong>, elevated with feta<\/strong><\/em>, arugula<\/strong>, and sauce vierge<\/strong><\/em>, siting alongside a tuna tartare<\/em><\/strong>, scented with sesame<\/strong>, coriander<\/strong>, and ponzu<\/strong><\/em>, brightened by a hint of citrus zest<\/strong>. Even more Mediterranean<\/strong>, a creamy tzatziki<\/strong> is served with grilled prawns<\/strong>, crisp cucumber<\/strong>, and soft focaccia<\/strong><\/em>. Then, summer<\/strong> continues with refreshing true elegance<\/strong>, through a fennel-celery duo<\/strong> topped with bottarga<\/strong> <\/em>and a zingy salsa verde<\/strong><\/em>, or flambadou<\/em><\/strong>-seared oysters<\/strong>, paired with Iberian ham<\/strong> and golden croutons<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

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..like this marinated octopus<\/strong>, and a cheerful atmosphere<\/strong> for an instinctive gastronomy<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Like a culinary<\/strong> theatre, full of crackling flames<\/strong>, and daring plates<\/strong> to share..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then comes the main event<\/strong>, an open-fire <\/strong>cooking, in collaboration with Ofyr<\/strong> <\/em>and The Bastard<\/strong><\/em>, where flames<\/strong> elevate each ingredient into a feast<\/strong>. For instance, octopus<\/strong> is seared in a chorizo-orange <\/strong>juice, while a cut of Iberian pork<\/strong> reveals all its succulence<\/strong>. Sharing dishes<\/strong> embody the art of generosity<\/strong>, starring honey-roasted eggplant<\/strong> with parmesan<\/strong><\/em>, ratte potatoes<\/strong> with herbal <\/strong>condiments, or seasonal vegetables<\/strong>, flavored with bergamot<\/strong>. To end this summer journey<\/strong>, desserts also embrace freshness<\/strong> and lightness<\/strong>. A peach soup<\/strong> with herbs<\/strong> and olive oil <\/strong>filled ice cream<\/strong> rivals an apricot<\/strong> served both roasted<\/strong> and as a sorbet<\/strong>, enhanced with a buckwheat crumble<\/strong>. For the true sweet tooth, a coconut-chocolate choux<\/em><\/strong> brings an elegant<\/strong> and intense <\/strong>finale.<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_10_placeholder\n

Le Prieur\u00e9 Baumani\u00e8re<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, 7 place Chapitre, 30400 Villeneuve L\u00e8s Avignon (France) \/ Phone: 00 33 (0)4 90 15 90 15. More details on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.   <\/p>\n

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