Fort Saint-André
Fort Saint-André
4
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10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Built to affirm the hegemony of the Capetian monarchy over its neighbours in Avignon the Fort of Saint-André, which is very well preserved, exemplifies the degree of perfection attained by military architecture of the 14th century. Dominating the Charterhouse of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon it can be considered as an outstanding monument. From June 1 to July 14 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. From July 15 to August 18 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. From August 19 to September 30 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. From October 1 to May 31 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Please note: last access to the monument, one hour before closing. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, December 25th.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
504 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
240
Average
68
Poor
16
Terrible
3
Maz W
Sheffield, UK32 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed our visit to the Fort. Whilst we'd agree that the signage could be better, the signed walk around it, including up the towers and along the walls, provided lovely views for the reasonable entry price of 6E. Nice to see the olive and almond trees too. We were given an information leaflet in English and some of the digital displays offer an English version. The Abbey and Gardens are completely separate, privately owned and cost 9E. We didn't visit them. There is toilet in the ticket office- just ask.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for coming, we are currently working on new signage. Best regards
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RamshackleMan
Calgary, Canada87 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Wow! What an unexpected gem of a site! Do not miss the Abbey also located within the castle walls, both have stunning views towards Avignon. The town is very nice as well. I actually had a pleasant walk all the way back from the fort to Avignon, but I took a Bolt to get there, so I only had to walk one way. Did not expect it to this spectacular at all. Fun to wander.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for coming.
Best regards
Written 20 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chaletaria
London, United Kingdom558 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
The fort is opposite the historic town of Avignon in the rival town of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon (not really a “new” town as it was built by the royals in medieval times to combat increasing papal power opposite). The fort can be visited by walking across from Avignon over 2 bridges, past the tower of Philippe le Bel (interesting in itself) and up the hill- this all takes about 40 minutes of solid walking. The walk will takes you through the Jardins Pompidou and the medieval town of Villeneuve but it is a steep climb at the end. Alternatively you can take the bus (number 5, cost 1.30 euros each way), but will still need to finish with a steep climb. The fort is only open in the afternoons out of season after 2 pm. It is not busy inside (we were the only people) nor is it expensive (the Avignon PASS applies here too). The site is interesting but has little information, which would have been helpful- the folded pamphlet gave little info beyond a very small map and some basic information which children would be happy with. The castle has amazing views and is in a good state meaning you can see a lot of structures. The wall walk is particularly nice. No food or drink is available on site and the town is a good 5 minutes steep climb so take your own water!
Written 16 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rmitgoteam
Naples, FL1,237 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We were disappointed in our visit here. There is not much to see on the inside other than some gardens which are mostly green and a few jumbly ruins. There is a nice panorama of Avignon, but you can see this during the walk up from the large parking lot below the fort. The best photo of the fort is at the front entrance before you enter. There is also an excellent panorama view of the fort from the Rocher des Doms above the Palais des Papes in Avignon. I don’t like writing unfavorable reviews, but I cannot recommend paying the 9 Euro entrance fee when there is so little to see. We regretted paying to go inside after our visit.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, please leave your comments about the gardens on their tripadvisor page. The fort is a state monument with a ticket at 6 €. Best regards
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sasalliee
62 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Visting Fort Saint-Andre was the perfect thing to do on our first day in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. I am a big fan of ruins and historic sites and I was surprised at the size of the fort and by how much I could walk through (and on top of). When buying our tickets we also received the Avignon pass, which is free and provides discounts at the sites and museums in Avignon and Villeneuve les Avignon. The Pass is good 15 days and is good for the whole family (5 persons max). It was a beautiful day and we had so many great and varying scenic views of both the cities and of the fort.
Written 13 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KKarr123
Saint Charles, MO90 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Wandering these fort ruins, with its beautiful views back to the city and the papal palace was well worth an afternoon of time. There is a lovely garden there as well, and its close to an Abbey and the tower of Phillip the fair, so lots of things to do in the area. It was neat seeing inside some of the fort rooms, where there was graffiti going back several hundred years. Relaxing and fun, but there is rough terrain and steps, and its a steep walk up to the Fort from the bus station and town, so bring your walking shoes!
Written 11 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waterandmore
Rockland, ME2,624 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
We took a cab from Avignon and arranged for us to be picked up an hour or so later. It was definitely worth the trip. When visiting be prepared for walking on cobblestones and for many stairs. The 14th century fort has an interesting history and was a very important fortification on the edge of the kingdom of Frances. The views across the Rhone and towards Avignon are incredible. When you stand below the main gate and its twin towers you marvel at the siting of the fortress and its construction. You also wonder at how the walls could have been scaled, except on the southern side, by troops who would have been very exposed. The fort also protected an abbey and a small village. If you see the fort from Avignon and wonder what it is all about, do plan a visit.
Written 5 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miura74
Pittsburgh, PA146 contributions
June 2015 • Family
We caught the bus from just outside the Post Office and it took us out of Avignon and over the river in about 15 minutes. Much better than walking in the heat, especially as there is still a big walk up the hill to the fort once you arrive in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Take bottled water, snacks and refreshment with you because there isn't anything available at the fort. There is very little shade or seating up there too, so be prepared! Also worth noting, the gardens were shut when we visited.
We planned to walk around the fort, so once we got through the gates, we set off up this steep rocky track to reach the entrance to the towers and ramparts. It was very treacherous and nearly impossible with our stroller. Felt like an intense work out challenge! It took a good 15-20 minute walk to get across the land inside the interior of the walls, walk around the perimeter and finally reach the entrance stairway. This was completely inaccessible to anyone with any type of mobility problem. Even just to walk around and not enter the fort is very challenging. Wear good walking shoes!
The views of Avignon are very beautiful, though you can see a similar view from the bottom of the fort without climbing the tower and braving the creaky wooden floor boards that run all the way along the top of the ramparts. If you do brave the climb though, the panoramic views of the countryside, city and river are well worth it! We were very happy with our adventure to the fort, as it is very impressive. The walk up the hill is rewarded by stunning views, and when you walk back down into town to get the bus back to back to Avignon, there is a lovely square with bars and cafes where you can cool down and relax.
We planned to walk around the fort, so once we got through the gates, we set off up this steep rocky track to reach the entrance to the towers and ramparts. It was very treacherous and nearly impossible with our stroller. Felt like an intense work out challenge! It took a good 15-20 minute walk to get across the land inside the interior of the walls, walk around the perimeter and finally reach the entrance stairway. This was completely inaccessible to anyone with any type of mobility problem. Even just to walk around and not enter the fort is very challenging. Wear good walking shoes!
The views of Avignon are very beautiful, though you can see a similar view from the bottom of the fort without climbing the tower and braving the creaky wooden floor boards that run all the way along the top of the ramparts. If you do brave the climb though, the panoramic views of the countryside, city and river are well worth it! We were very happy with our adventure to the fort, as it is very impressive. The walk up the hill is rewarded by stunning views, and when you walk back down into town to get the bus back to back to Avignon, there is a lovely square with bars and cafes where you can cool down and relax.
Written 10 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gingkoleaf
Faversham40 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
I love being up high, and this is about as high as it gets in this part of France. Be warned, there are plenty of steps, but the views are worth it. The tiny Bellevue Chapel is a gem. Buy a combined ticket with Chartreuse for the best value.
Written 8 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pwchan
Hong Kong, China116 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
I don't usually chose to visit historic gardens but after a chance visit , was sold on this one. Very calm and inspiring and the views are worth the steep walk to get there.
Written 5 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Manon J,
un petit complément par rapport à ce qu'a dit Bruno, le site internet ( fort-saint-andre . fr ) indique un plein tarif de 6 €. Je n'ai pas pu visiter les jardins mais il paraît qu'ils sont beaux. Il y a de vues magnifiques du haut des remparts mais, comme l'a dit Bruno, attention au vent ! Ca vaut bien la visite.
Bonne soirée,
bien cordialement,
Alex
Written 26 April 2018
The Fort Saint André hosts few exhibitions and once a year a contemporary art festival just lasts a few days. Their website (in French only) can tell you more :
fort-saint-andre. followed by fr
You may also contact the Villeneuve lez Avignon tourist bureau (office du tourisme)
Written 4 March 2018
You can wander around the fort in half an hour, but assuming you also visit the gardens, 90 minutes will cover that as well. There are places to sit overlooking Avignon where you can spend as long as you like reading or whatever, assuming the gardens aren't busy and there is a place for coffee/light lunch as well. Enjoy.
Written 17 August 2017
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