European Architecture Tour | Avignon

Nov 19

Welcome back to my European Architecture Tour series. After four days in Paris, our next stop was Avignon, where we stayed in the heart of the old town — a place still enclosed by the ancient walls first constructed in the 14th century.

After the busyness of Paris, Avignon felt like a much-needed reprieve. We knew it wasn’t a city to spend long stretches of time in, so we approached this leg of the trip with a slower pace and fewer plans. From the moment we passed through the city gates, it felt as though we’d stepped back into another era. The old town still follows its 13th-century plan, its stone buildings softened by details like pastel shutters, ornate doors, and vines climbing across sun-warmed walls. Together, these touches give the city a quiet elegance — a beauty that feels both historic and alive.

Architecturally, Avignon feels both intimate and storied. The weathered stone walls, narrow streets, and sun-washed facades all speak to a city that has aged gracefully, preserving its medieval character while quietly adapting to the rhythm of modern life. There’s an authenticity to Avignon — a feeling that life here unfolds at its own pace, surrounded by centuries of history. As we wandered its streets, I was gently reminded that beauty doesn’t always need to be grand to leave an impression.