What if you were to visit Avignon very soon? Have you heard of its festival? Avignon, a city of incredible historical riches, from the Palais des Papes to the great culture of show business, you don't want to miss the Festival d'Avignon 2022! All these marvels are yours to discover, so make the most of your getaway and stay in one of the Maison Orsini gîtes or guest houses.
La Maison Orsini is located not far from this legendary city, where you can discover or rediscover the oldest and most famous performing arts festival in France, the Festival d'Avignon. We'll help you spend an exceptional time in our beautiful region, so follow the guide!
Avignon, city of the Popes
In a few words, Avignon is a city full of stories to tell. With a thousand wonders to visit and savour, Avignon is THE city bubbling with theatrical culture during its illustrious Festival!
Did you know that Avignon has existed for centuries, dating back to the Neolithic period?
Located on the left bank of the Rhône, it became the "City of the Popes" in 1309, and remained so until 1423. The Popes, with their wealth of knowledge, passed on to Avignon, over the decades, an undeniably cultural, architectural and artistic history.
So, by settling in Avignon, the Popes allowed the surrounding towns to show off their potential, like the equally charming Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The Popes used to go there to rest, and many gardens and palaces have been built there, each as magnificent as the next. The Maison Orsini is located in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, just a stone's throw from the historic centre of Avignon.
Throughout the year, it offers gîtes and guest rooms, some decorated in medieval style, others in Provençal style, all elegantly decorated and perfect for your stay during the Festival d'Avignon 2022.
Avignon has preserved a large part of its majestic ramparts and its historic centre, which includes the Popes' Palace.
The not-to-be-missed theatre festival
Avignon has been holding its own festival every summer for over 75 years now.
For around three weeks in July, the Festival d'Avignon takes over the city's historic venues for performances of exceptional plays.
>>> OFF programme >>>IN programme
Why a festival in Avignon?
The Festival d'Avignon was founded in 1947 by actor, director and theatre-maker Jean Vilar.
The original idea behind the festival was, above all, to present the art of theatre and contemporary performing arts in the public square, to popularise it and give everyone the chance to experience its timeless moments.
Jean Vilar, after meeting the poet René Char, decided to name the festival "La Semaine d'Art dramatique en Avignon" and surrounded himself with a troupe of passionate actors who would make the event famous.
Since the 1950s, Avignon has played host to hundreds of actors from all over the world, transforming the city into a giant, magical theatre. Since its inception, the festival has grown from one week to three weeks, such is the scale and importance of the event.
The Avignon Festival, the magic of entertainment
With its impressive number of spectators and productions, the Avignon Festival is the world's biggest theatre and live performance event.
You don't want to miss the Festival d'Avignon in 2022!
Every year in summer, over 100,000 tickets are sold and the town fills up with fans of the performing arts.
Come to Avignon and marvel at the performances:
■ contemporary dance
■ mimes
■ puppets
■ musical theatre
■ equestrian show
As you stroll through the streets of Avignon, fall under the spell of street theatre. These improvisational artists play with the street and its scenery to create magical moments.
The Festival is also an opportunity to explore Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes is the source of the festival. From here, the other performances unfold in over 30 historic venues, as well as cloisters, gardens and churches.
You'll find venues such as the Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes, of course, the Opéra Grand Avignon, and the Cloître des Célestins, which are hosting events for the occasion.
To make the most of your Festival d'Avignon 2022, stay at the Maison Orsini, just a few minutes from Avignon city centre, in one of the spacious gîtes or a suite with Avignon charm. You'll be delighted by the peace and quiet and the uninterrupted view of the Palais-des-Papes after a hectic day of theatre-going.
For its 76th edition, the Festival d'Avignon will run from Thursday 7 to Tuesday 26 July 2022.
The "OFF" version of the Avignon Festival
Alongside the Festival d'Avignon, there's the 'Off' Festival.
Set in the city's most unusual streets and venues, this unusual festival was created by André Benedetto in 1967.
This festival is a delightful meeting between the best-known artists and amateur actors. This original event offers daily shows, more like popular café-theatre.
A different version of theatrical performance, it honours the most diverse shows. There's always dance and theatre at the programmeThere's also clowns, one-man/woman shows, singers, Commedia Del Arte and wild flamenco.
The Festival Off will also start on Thursday 7 July and finish on Saturday 30 July 2022, giving you the chance to stay a little longer in the Festival d'Avignon hotels, and why not try a charming bed and breakfast at the Maison Orsini.
La Maison Orsini, your hotel for the Festival d'Avignon
The main building, Maison Orsini, dates back to the 14th century, and its historic walls and guest rooms "live" the cultural vibes of the Festival d'Avignon.
On the heights of the Rhône Valley, the Maison Orsini offers a unique viewpoint, the most beautiful panorama of the Palais des Papes, the city of Avignon and the green landscapes of the region: an incredible experience for the eyes alone.
The gîtes and chambres d'hôtes at Maison Orsini are ideally located near the monuments and museums that make Villeneuve-lès-Avignon so beautiful, its history and the richness of its culture.
Maison Orsini offers charming guest rooms and gîtes for the Festival d'Avignon 2022, such as the Maison Pamparigouste, with its large private terrace facing due east. It also offers breathtaking views of Fort Saint-André and Mont Ventoux.
Discover the gite 23/25 with its exceptional location, perched on the heights of Avignon with a magnificent view of the city too.
Our rooms all have their own personality, and will offer you top-of-the-range service so that you can make the most of the Avignon Festival.
You can also dine at the Table Orsini, our restaurant with its typical charm and exposed stone vaults, or sit out on the pleasant terrace in the shade of the trees in the Maison Orsini garden.
The restaurant's chef works with local produce to ensure that your taste experience is at its best.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era, an authentic Avignon, the Maison Orsini is the charming establishment you need for your stay in Avignon.
Experience the Festival d'Avignon
Your room is already ready! Pack your suitcase, book your tickets for the Festival d'Avignon 2022, we're waiting for you.
As you wander around, you can also visit some exceptional places, just a few minutes from the Maison Orsini:
■ La Tour Philippe-le-Bel
■ Saint-André Benedictine Abbey
■ La Chartreuse: National Centre for Performing Arts Writing
■ Fort Saint-André
■ The Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg
When you visit Avignon for the Festival d'Avignon 2022, make the most of all the treasures Avignon has to offer with idyllic tours.
