Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is a city adjacent to Avignon. Its greatest development occurred when the popes resided in Avignon. Many cardinals built their palaces here, some of which have survived to our times.
Around 1000, a Benedictine abbey was built in Villeneuve. It was an important center for the development of science and art. A settlement developed next to the monastery. At the beginning of the 14th century, King Filip the Beautiful decided to build one of the border watchtowers here. For her needs, part of the monastery was adapted and expanded and transformed into Fort Saint-Andre. Today, when visiting Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, you cannot miss this place and the adjacent Saint-Andre Monastery and its gardens. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful in France.
During the period of the Avignon captivity of the popes, many church dignitaries settled in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. To this day, the architecture of the city shows the palaces of bishops and cardinals, which, despite the passage of time, have retained their chic.
Visiting Villeneuve-lès-Avignon can be a great complement to a visit to Avignon because the history of the cities is closely intertwined, and the monuments here date back to the same period.
