Across the river Rhône which flows past the ancient Papal city of Avignon in Provence, lies Villeneuve lez Avignon – a place that most visitors to its famous neighbour never discover. A little bit of historyVilleneuve lez Avignon has a long and rich history. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, Villeneuve lez Avignon was a fortress town when the Rhone river was a natural frontier between France and Provence, though in the 14th century, French Kings allowed the cardinals of Papal Avignon to build themselves sumptuous mansions there. Until around the 18th century, Villeneuve was joined to Avignon via a bridge as the Rhone was closer to Villeneuve then, but after it was destroyed by a storm the river changed course. Villeneuve lez Avignon in Provence is an enchanting town in its own right with plenty to see and do, and also makes for a great base for exploring the wider area.