Fête de la Musique – Top Spots in Avignon

After a stormy spring, the sun is finally shining in Avignon, just in time for one of the city’s best events, the Fête de la Musique. Always occuring on the summer solstice, the Fête de la Musique is a day for amateur and professional musicians throughout France to take over the streets of their cities. Avignon’s reputation as a performance town draws musicians and visitors from all of Provence every year.

No cars will be allowed within the city walls tomorrow, so parking may be even more difficult than usual. Contact your hotel or read my Parking in Avignon post for suggestions on parking alternatives.

One of the best ways to experience the Fête de la Musique is to just wander the town and see where your ears take you, but be sure to check out the following spots for the best the city has to offer:

1. Notre Dame des Doms (next to the Palais des Papes) – Organ recital in the city’s most famous church from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
2. Place de l’Horloge – Avignon’s biggest square will offer a variety of jazz and blues performances throughout the day.
3. Place des Corps Saints – One of Avignon’s most charming little squares, this year it will host a variety of indy rock bands from 7:00PM through Midnight. Head east through Park Agricole Perdiguier behind the tourist office to find this hidden gem. Get there early to snag a good seat at Les Celestins, the local bar.
4. Palais du Roure (near Rue Saint Agricol) – Traditional Provençal music from 7:00 PM on. A great opportunity to hear spoken Occitane, the region’s fading dialect.
5. Rue Bonneterie- A variety of DJs from 8:00PM on. Jamaican Reggae, Techno and House.

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As published at PlanetEye

Image by ~Phil Moore (Flickr)