The Timeless Charm of Avignon Old Town

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-suhn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees urz ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [katruh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Avignon's history begins in Roman times when it was known as Avenio, a strategic settlement due to its location along the Rhône River. The Romans established a colony here around 30 BC, contributing to the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and aqueducts, which laid the groundwork for future urban growth.

The most significant period in Avignon's history occurred during the 14th century when it became the seat of the papacy. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in Avignon, leading to a flourishing of art and architecture. The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed during this time and remains a symbol of the city’s ecclesiastical importance.

The Great Schism of 1378, which divided the Catholic Church between two rival popes, had profound impacts on Avignon. During this period, the city became a center of political intrigue and religious conflict, further solidifying its role as a pivotal location in European religious history.

The Renaissance brought a cultural revival to Avignon, as artists and scholars were drawn to the city’s wealth and prestige. This period saw the construction of exquisite buildings, including the Petit Palais, which now houses an art museum, and the enhancement of public spaces that reflect the artistic spirit of the time.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Avignon saw significant urban development and modernization. The introduction of the railway in the mid-19th century improved accessibility, leading to increased tourism. The annual Festival d'Avignon, founded in 1947, has become one of the most important contemporary performing arts festivals, showcasing the city's ongoing cultural vibrancy.

Avignon Old Town is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Avignon. If you're coming from the Avignon TGV train station, take bus line 1 or a taxi, which will take about 15 minutes. From the historical center, you can explore on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance. If you're arriving from other nearby towns, local trains and buses connect to Avignon frequently.

Avignon Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, making walking the best way to explore its narrow streets and historic sites. Bicycles are available for rent at various locations, and there are bike lanes for safer travel. Public transport includes buses that connect to other neighborhoods, but within the Old Town, walking is the most convenient option.

Avignon Old Town is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be observed. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded locations. While no specific areas are noted for high crime targeting tourists, it's advisable to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in France. The local police station and medical facilities are located within the Old Town. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in churches. Don't wear overly casual clothing in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when visiting certain churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and enjoy meals at outdoor cafés. Don't rush your dining experience; meals are often leisurely.

To experience Avignon Old Town like a local, visit the colorful Les Halles market in the morning for fresh produce and local specialties. Attend a local festival or event if your visit coincides; the Festival d'Avignon in July is a must-see. Take time to explore lesser-known streets and enjoy a coffee in one of the hidden squares to soak up the atmosphere.