/ Avignon's pedestrian shopping district extends ten blocks by ten blocks. A very large area mostly off-limits to cars.
Energetic types might opt for a 10-block circular stroll through some of these quiet back alleys towards the small 14th-century church of St. Pierre and over to busy Rue Carnot, then walk back to the palace on Rue de la Croix.
Return to the Place du Palais along an ancient lane adjacent to the palace, Rue Peyrollerie, dramatically carved into the bedrock.
It's like you're walking through a natural canyon. You'll find yourself coming back and forth through this dramatic tunnel-like passage several times in your visit as it connects several important parts of town.
On the northern end of Palace Square you will spot the fortress-like Petit Palais, first built in 1318as a mansion in the medieval style with Gothic pointed arches and an interior courtyard. Now a museum, it houses a collection of 300 medieval paintings, including the masterpiece of Botticelli's Madonna and Child.
Walk a few minutes north from the Place du Palais into a lovely public park called Rocher des Doms, resting on the top of a small hill overlooking the Old Town. From the ramparts, take in the beautiful views across the rooftops of the city and across the Rhône River.
You will also spot the romantic castle of St. Andre in the distance and the famous half-bridge, Pont St-Bénezet, your next destination.