Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox French commune

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}; Provençal: Vilanòva d’Avinhon) is a commune in the Gard department in southern France. It can also be spelled Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.

HistoryEdit

In the 6th century the Benedictine abbey of St André was founded on Mount Andaon, and the village which grew up round it took its name.<ref name="EB1911">{{#if: |

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  }}{{#ifeq:  ||}}</ref> The city itself was founded by Philippe le Bel and boasts a castle he built, Fort Saint-André.

The town was also the resort of the French cardinals during the sojourn of the popes at Avignon, in the 14th century.<ref name="EB1911"/> Another notable tourist attraction is the Tour Philippe-le-Bel, which marks the former northern terminus of the Pont d'Avignon.

GeographyEdit

It is located on the right (western) bank of the river Rhône, opposite Avignon.

PopulationEdit

Template:Historical populations

SightsEdit

Fort Saint-André, on a hill outside the town
Tour Philippe Le Bel, 14th century
The church of Notre Dame, dating from the 14th century, contains a rich marble altar and significant pictures.<ref name="EB1911"/>
Carthusian monastery Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Bénédiction, founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI<ref name="EB1911"/>

International relationsEdit

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Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is twinned with:

GalleryEdit

TourPhilippeleBel.JPG

Tour Philippe Le Bel
Fort Saint-André in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon - 20050823.jpg

Fort Saint-André
Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.JPG

Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
Collapsed apse of church, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.JPG

Collapsed apse of church, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
Cloister of Saint John, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.JPG

Cloister of Saint John, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
Chapel of the frescos, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.JPG

Chapel of the frescos, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
Tombeau du pape Innocent VI.jpg

Tomb of Pope Innocent VI, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction