Fortress of Saint André, Villeneuve lez Avignon
On Mont Andaon, Fort Saint André was commissioned by Philippe IV le Bel and built under Jean II le Bon in the 14th century. This immense 750-meter-long fortification, built to protect the Abbey of Saint André and the town, enabled the King of France to assert his power in the region.
From Avignon, on the other side of the Rhône and from even farther away, you can clearly see the fort standing proudly. But it is only once you are there that you can fully appreciate the strategic position of this fort dominating the Rhône valley. From the top of its parapet walk, you can observe the Popes 's Palace across the way, the Philippe IV le Bel tower, the saint André abbey encompassed within the fort's defensive walls, the chartreuse's monastery in the village below and the entire surroundings countryside.
You can walk among the vestiges of the old medieval village and the chapel, visit the fort's buildings and rooms that have remained intact and learn about the aspects of military life from the Middle Ages up to the french revolution.
57, Rue Montée du Fort
30400
Villeneuve lez Avignon
+33 490 25 45 35
lefort-saint-andre@monuments-nationaux.fr
www.fort-saint-andre.fr
Visit of the Fortress of Saint André, Villeneuve Lez Avignon
Just a few kilometers from Avignon, opposite the Palais des Papes, this masterpiece of military architecture offers a breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux, the Alpilles and the Luberon !
.Young visitors' booklet available in French and tour application on Google Play and Apple store available in French and English
.An introductory room with a video and panels in French is available at the start of the tour.
.Number of steps: 200 -Please bring good shoes
https://fr-fr.facebook.com/FortSaintAndre/
Animaux de soutien acceptés
Hearing impairment
A film presenting the monument with French subtitles is available on a tablet at reception
Visual disability
Documentation available in Braille, raised plan, tactile model or audiodescription device at reception on request
Mental disability
Booklet in FALC language (easy to read and understand) on request
Horaires d'ouverture
- From October 1st to May 31st
10 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm (Last access to the monument, one hour before closing time)
- June 1st to September 30th
10 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm (Last access to the monument, one hour before closing time)
Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1, 11 and December 25.
Access by bus
From Avignon Centre station, Fort Saint-André is accessible by bus on line 5.
From June 20 to September 1, from 10:00 am, free shuttle service from the Piot relay parking lot to the historic center of Villeneuve Lez Avignon and tourist sites (St André Fort stop). For timetables, click on the following link https://www.orizo.fr/se-deplacer/horaires/depliants-horaires-ete-2024
Access by bike
Accueil Vélo brand
Accepted animals
Dogs on leash accepted
Accès voiture
From Nîmes: A 9, exit n° 23, N 100 towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon - From Avignon: A 7, exit n° 23, exit n° 24, N 100 towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon
From Aix-en-Provence: A 7, exit n° 23, exit n° 24, N 7 towards Avignon then towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon
Public price
Plein : €7.00Price with the pass
Plein : Free
Suzanne, Jeanne, Guillaume, prisoners at the Fort in time of war 1568-1787
From 12 June to 4 November 2026
Free
Dive into more than two centuries of Protestant history at Fort Saint-André, between conflicts, resistance and the quest for freedom of conscience!
Discover an immersive exhibition in the heart of a historic monument, a former monitoring post for Protestant Cevennes. Through objects, archives and reconstructions, explore the daily life of Protestant communities, marked by the wars of Religion, persecution and survival strategies, from Catherine de Medici to the 1787 edict of tolerance.
A human dive into resistance, undergroundness and fidelity to a often repressed faith, where women and men have shown ingenuity and courage. The exhibition, commissioned by Bénédicte Soumille and a team of historians, highlights anonymous destinies and invites a new look at this key period.
Fort St André
57, Rue Montée du Fort
30400 Villeneuve Lez Avignon