Avignon city wall

Avignon's walls are stone fortifications surrounding the historic center, built with high towers and defensive structures along their entire length. You can walk sections of this perimeter and access the enclosed medieval core from multiple points throughout the route.

Construction of the fortifications began around 1357 under Pope Innocent VI during the Hundred Years War to defend against mercenary raids. The walls were built during a period when the city faced external threats and required stronger defensive barriers.

The walls form the boundary between the medieval core and contemporary Avignon, shaping how residents and visitors navigate and understand the city's layout. This division remains visible in how people move through different zones, making the fortifications a practical reference point in daily life.

The walls are accessible for walking during daylight hours from various entry points around the perimeter. Weather conditions may affect which sections are easiest to explore depending on the season.

In the 1800s, sluice gates were installed in the walls to prevent flooding from the Rhône River. These later additions reveal how the medieval structure was adapted to face a different kind of threat.