Nineteenth-century Avignon: transport, town walls and the Félibrige

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century

As a French town and the administrative centre of Vaucluse, Avignon changed during the nineteenth century. Transport and economic activity evolved, while heritage protection and Provençal culture gained new importance.

Economic activity and the railway

Silk and madder, a plant used in dyeing, contributed to Avignon’s economy. Railways later opened wider markets for agricultural produce. Market gardening and regional trade became important in the surrounding countryside.

View of Avignon by Isidore Dagnan, 1833, Musée Calvet

Changing the town and protecting its walls

Urban change altered the old town. Streets were widened and new routes opened, including Rue de la République. These works brought demolitions and debate over the preservation of historic buildings. Prosper Mérimée played an important role in defending the town walls.

Avignon’s suspension bridge, historical illustration

Avignon and the Provençal revival

Avignon took part in the revival of Provençal literature, notably through Théodore Aubanel and Joseph Roumanille. The Félibrige, founded at Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne in 1854 by seven poets including Frédéric Mistral, gave this movement lasting influence. Mistral received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1904.

Frédéric Mistral by Paul Saïn

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century