Place de l'Horloge

Place de l'Horloge is the lively main square of Avignon's old town, lying a few minutes' walk south of the Palais des Papes, at the top of the Rue de la République. It occupies the site of the Roman forum, and today it is the city's favourite meeting point, shaded by plane trees and lined with café and restaurant terraces. As a public square it is freely accessible at any time.

The square takes its name from the Gothic clock tower, the Tour du Jacquemart, which survives behind the 19th-century Hôtel de Ville, the town hall. Next door stands the Opéra Grand Avignon, also from the 19th century, and in the middle of the square a traditional carousel turns, delighting children. The architecture forms an elegant backdrop for people-watching over a coffee or an evening drink.

The square is at its busiest in July, during the Festival d'Avignon, when street performers, actors handing out flyers and festival-goers fill it late into the night. At other times it is a good place to take a break and get your bearings, since many of the old town's streets lead from here to the palace, the shopping streets and the covered market of Les Halles.