Avignon

Trains between Ebbsfleet and Avignon usually run around 12 times a week, but the train due to arrive at 22:07 also runs on Saturday 19th, 26th December 2009 and 2nd January 2010.

Avignon, or Altera Roma (City of the Popes) offers a variety of natural wonders which make it particularly attractive. The most famous sites are close to the town, which retains the mark of the Popes’ stay there.

It was for a while the capital of the Medieval world and is today the capital of the Vaucluse department and a prestigious cultural capital with its world-renowned Theatre Festival. There is also a good farmer’s market and wine trade in the area.

Points of Interest

	The Saint-Bénézet Bridge According to legend, a young shepherd heard a voice commanding him to build a bridge over the Rhône, and was guided by angels to Avignon where the townspeople refused to believe his story until he carried an enormous stone over to the river. Construction of the bridge was started in 1177 and completed in 1185. It is 920 metres long, 4 metres wide with 22 arches, and is called the “marvel of time” because it has threatened to collapse so often.
	Place de l’Horloge and Place Pie The nightlife areas of Avignon. There are many bars and nightclubs, as well as live music venues such as the AJMI Jazz club (Association for Impovisational Jazz Music).
	Nîmes The Nîmes Arena is the best preserved example of a Roman amphitheatre. It was built under the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century A.D. An audio-guided tour is available with information in the gladiators’ section on the games. The Maison Carrée is the only completely preserved Roman temple in the world which now shows 3D films on a giant screen inside and the Magne Tower gives a stunning view over the city of Nîmes. Children are encourage to take part in the history of the Arena through the Cultural Treasure Hunt.
	Palais des Papes This Papal Residence is a key attraction for visitors interested in religion and art, but also has magnificent architecture. The Palace of the Popes was built due to the removal of the Curia from Rome to Avignon under the reign of Clement V, and has been expanded with each papal visit. Parts of the residence to view include: Facade of the Palais Nouveau Interior frescoes and sculptures The Chapelle St-Martial The former Banqueting Hall (Grand Tinel or Magnum Tinellum) The Robing Chamber, the ante-room to the Papal Bedchamber The Cloister of Benedict XII The Consistoire (Consistory) The Great Audience Chamber

Attractions

Top Attractions

La Rochelle Main Attractions

Hotel De Ville The Hotel de Ville is a 14th century gothic style must-see attraction. Within the tour you will see many Henry II staircases and the marble desk of Jean Guiton. The ancient building houses many of La Rochelle?s pieces of history.... La Rochelle, France Musee Des Modeles Reduits This is a one-of-a-kind museum that features 8000 square feet of exhibits that are presented in such manners as moving model trains, computer animated naval battles, and historic scenes. During a certain time of the year they allow the children to ride the train, the museum is great and has fun for all ages.... La Rochelle, France Parc Charruyer The Parc Charruyer is a park that was designed somewhere between 1887 and 1890. The park was built from the legacy of mademoiselle Adele Charruyer. The park encompasses a beautiful 98 acres and has a walkway that is about 2 kilometers long. Starting in 1945 they added a small animal zoo. You can take a nice stroll along the path and see rare plants, little waterways, and ducks for the children to feed.... La Rochelle, France The Aquarium The aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in La Rochelle. This exhibit takes visitors on a two hour long journey into the depths of the seas. They have exhibits for the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, and the tropics. The presentation is amazing, it is held in a tank of water which contains about 3 million liters. Visitors are influenced to dive into the action of about 12000 living underwater species and learn about them.... La Rochelle, France Tour Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne and de la Chaine These are three defensive towers within the city of La Rochelle that were used to guard the harbor. This tower is must see because it dates back to medieval times. The tower requires visitors to climb many stairs, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared.... La Rochelle, France