Avignon, when the Rhone breaks its banks

« Avignon, when the Rhone breaks its banks » (Vaucluse):

Built on the edge of the water, in the main riverbed, Avignon has seen the Rhone approach its walls, and even invade the town, many times.
The town centre bears the marks of this ancient relationship between a town and a river. This pedestrian route invites you to discover this history, engraved in the stones of Avignon and in it’s memory.
Opposite the town, in the middle of the Rhone, is the biggest river island in Europe: the Ile de la Barthelasse. This ancient archipelago has always been a space where the river extends itself as soon as water levels rise. Whilst this has been a blessing for its long-standing agriculture, it is a curse for the inhabitants. This island is part of the natural expansion area of the river and as such features many elements that testify to this cohabitation. The cycling route will take you on a discovery of this regularly flooded island.

Download the booklet ( in french)