Tour Philippe-le-Bel

Visited at 2pm on a Thursday in mid October. Entry 4.50 euro. About 2 people there! You'll need to walk up the 124 step narrow stone spiral staircase with views out the narrow slit windows as you go. There are 3 levels - first level up there is a large room with several audiovisual booths - you can sit on a stone seat to listen in French or English. It was quite peaceful and cool there, hearing about history and construction. And one could look out the windows too. Level 2 was another large room with what looked like some stone walls with original painted designs. I didn't spend long here. Up further to the roof, one passes through an old hinged wooden door (keep it closed to stop pigeons coming in!). The top has parapets and another round tower which is inaccessible. The views are 360° - beautiful! Of the rooftops of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, the Rhône river, Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon. Being mid-afternoon the light was gorgeous - reflecting off the dark grey clouds and silvery Rhône of the west. You can observe life happening below on and off the river. I think the ambience of the place was heightened by being there totally alone - and thinking of what had taken place in this area over the centuries. Well worth the climb and entry fee!!

A definite must see for history buffs. I think this important monument is often overlooked because it’s not centrally located (within close proximity to the main sites). If you’re driving (or cycling) it wouldn’t take you long at all to get there. I walked from my hotel; it took me around 35 mins at a leisurely pace, with stopping time to take pictures along the way. Interesting place to visit, and the view from the top of the tower is worth the visit alone.

Only €4.50 entrance fee to a tower built in 1302 - 1350. Video displays on first floor and stunning views of Avignon and the River Rhone.

€4 per ticket and cash only. You can get a great view of the river and that’s pretty much it. If you are low on budget or time, you can skip this one.

The king of France Philippe le Bel ordered in 1292 the construction of a fortress around the city and the abbey of Saint-André. The tower was attached to the Pont Saint-Bénézet (aka Pont d'Avignon) which was then abandoned in 1669 and the fortress ceased to have a useful function. After the French Revolution the building was abandoned and fell into ruins. In 1822, the city of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon decided to demolish the entire fortress, except for the current tower.

You can see the beautiful full view of Avignon from the top of this tower, and know all the history and construction about the bridge.

Erected in the 13th century by the king of France near the famous Pont d'Avignon, Tour Philippe le Bel was a part of the fortress of great strategic importance, guarding the entrance to the town and offering a panoramic view over the whole of Provence. Inside, magnificent vaulted rooms house a permanent museum area.

Lovely tower that was once connected to the Pont d'Avignon. It was interesting standing next to it imagining how long the original building stretched.