Les Angles (Gard), a hilltop old village near Avignon

On the right bank of the Rhône, the old village of Les Angles offers a walk away from Avignon’s main routes. This photo report follows its lanes, church and the landscapes that inspired painters.

The old village above the Rhône

The old village of Les Angles is perched on the edge of a plateau on the Gard side of the Rhône, near Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Its lanes and stone houses form a distinct part of the town, away from the more recent residential districts.

This quiet country village enjoys a nice location next to the "City of Popes" and Villeneuve-les-Avignon. The old Les Angles is separated from the residential town, as if the development and bustle of the modern world did not concern it. The village looks out, toward the plain of Avignon and the Rhone valley and the Massif of the Alpilles and the Luberon.

The church and the village lanes

The old village of Les Angles is built around the gothic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, whose slender tower rises above the rooftops. The village moved to the top of the plateau in the 14th century, a location better suited to defending its inhabitants against armed gangs that roamed the region.

The painters’ trail in Les Angles

The landscape and the light of Les Angles have inspired painters of the 20th century, the most famous is André Derain, who painted several views of the Angles in the 1920s. A "painters’ trail" was created to remind visitors of the special relationship between Les Angles and painting. It features the painters André Derain, Victor Crumière, Frans Masereel, Alfred Lesbros, Marius Breuil, Zygmunt Waliszewski, Herbert Klingst Fernand Devèze, Louis Montagné.

The municipal walking routes provide a way to explore the village through its landscapes and artistic heritage. Check the route before setting off, and take time to compare the views with the works presented along the way.

Planning a walk through the old village

If possible, visit the Angles at sunset, when the warm, slanting light highlights the fields, orchards and cypress hedges of the Rhone valley, the houses radiate a soothing light.

Accommodation

Accommodation · Guest Houses in Provence PortalGuest houses near Les AnglesExplore the selection of bed and breakfasts, gîtes and holiday rentals to plan your stay. View the selection →

Website of the city : www.ville-les-angles.fr

Sights and activities

• Old village
• Gothic church
• Painters’ trail
• Cosmos Park
• Events: check the current municipal programme.
• Market on Saturday mornings place Roger Isnard

Coming to Les Angles

GPS coordinates N 43°57'08'' - E 4°45'58''

Situation : 63 meters above sea level, 8,000 inhabitants,
2 km from Villeneuve-les-Avignon, 5 km from Avignon, 12 km from Tavel, 21 km from Pont du Gard, 34 km from Uzès, 40 km from Nîmes