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| Home > City Guide - Avignon - Further Distractions | ||
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Further Distractions Rocher des Doms Ramps from the Palais des Papes lead up past the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms to the Rocher des Doms. The site of Avignon’s earliest settlement, the rocky area was landscaped in the 18th century, into a pleasant plateau with an artificial rock garden. Nineteenth-century additions include a lake and the statues of prominent Provençal figures, such as writer Félix Gras and artists Paul Saïn and Paul Vaysan. Terraces were laid out in the 20th century, offering views onto the River Rhône, Pont St-Bénézet, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the Alpilles. Rocher des Doms, off place du Palais Transport: Bus to place de l’Horloge. Opening hours: Daily sunrise to sunset. Admission: Free. Musée Louis Vouland (Louis Vouland Museum) Successful businessman and art collector Louis Vouland (1883-1973) bequeathed his 19th-century mansion to the state. His home was opened as a museum in 1982, offering a quirky collection of 17th- and 18th-century decorative arts. Highlights include faïence (earthenware) from Vincennes and Sèvres and tapestries woven in Flanders, Aubusson and Gobelins. However, a dainty travel tea set in Sèvres faïence, which belonged to the Comtesse du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, steals the show. 17 rue Victor Hugo Tel: (04) 9086 0379. Fax: (04) 9085 1204. E-mail: musee-vouland@avignon-et-provence.com Website: www.vouland.com Transport: Bus to rue de la République, post office or porte de l’Oulle. Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1200 and 1400-1800, Sun 1400-1800 (2 May- 31 Oct); Tues-Sun 1400-1800 (1 Nov-30 Apr). Admission: €4; concessions available. |
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