Harbour

Avignon

3.6France

Maximum length: 21 m
Maximum draught: 3 m

River port on the Rhône along the Allées de l'Oulle, on the left bank opposite the Île de la Barthelasse, in the city of Avignon.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Reached via the navigable Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean. Max draught 3 m. The Rhône current is strong, especially during spring snowmelt. The bridge of Saint-Bénezet, known as Pont d'Avignon, is partly ruined and does not obstruct the navigable channel.

Practical

About 10 berths for visiting yachts. Fuel station on site. Water and power on the quay. City centre within the ramparts about 300 m away, with full shops, restaurants and the covered market Les Halles d'Avignon.

Ashore

Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénezet, both UNESCO World Heritage since 1995, less than 500 m from the berths. Walks on the Île de la Barthelasse directly across the river. Festival d'Avignon theatre festival every July in venues across the old town.

History

Avignon was the seat of the Catholic papacy from 1309 to 1377, when seven successive popes resided at the Palais des Papes. The city remained papal territory until the French Revolution annexed the Comtat Venaissin in 1791.