Cours Jean Jaurès

Welcome to Cours Jean Jaurès, one of Avignon’s main thoroughfares, just outside the city walls. That grand building on your right is the Cité Administrative, a complex housing government offices and the city’s public institutions. Built in 1860, it first served as military barracks during several wars, before eventually becoming Avignon’s main administrative building. Continue along this street, lined with stores, cafés and restaurants, and you’ll soon reach the historic center. The Cours Jean Jaurès was first laid out in 1856, right after the train station you saw outside the walls. This is also when they opened up the city walls to create a grand entrance into the old town, inviting travelers to venture inside and discover what the city has to offer. The street has been through several name changes. It was first called Cours de la République, then Cours Pétrarque, after the 14th-century Italian poet and humanist, and finally Cours Jean Jaurès in 1925. It will take us straight to the Square Agricol Perdiguier – the next audio guide will fill you in on all the details.