Remparts d'Avignon

The Remparts d'Avignon are the medieval city walls that enclose the old town, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Built in the 14th century under the popes, they run for about 4.3 kilometres, with 39 towers and several gates, and are among the best-preserved city walls in Europe. They were restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, who added crenellations and machicolations that give them their present appearance. The walls are made of pale limestone and are punctuated by gates such as Porte de la République, Porte Saint-Lazare and Porte du Rhône, many of which allow cars and pedestrians through. Visitors can walk beside the walls at street level along the Cours Jean Jaurès and along the outer boulevards, and short sections can be walked on top in some places. The walls can be seen almost in full from the road circling the town, and the walk around the perimeter takes between one and two hours at an easy pace. The best photographs are taken from the Île de la Barthelasse, which offers views of the western walls with the Palais des Papes above, and from the gardens near Porte Saint-Michel. The walls are free and open at all times, and crowds are minimal compared with the palace. The Avignon-Centre railway station lies just outside the Porte de la République, which makes the walls the first sight for many arriving visitors. Late afternoon light turns the stone golden.