Barthelasse Island on foot and by bicycle

From wheat fields to orchards

In 1447, Jean Richard, known as “Barthelucius”, leased land on these islands from Saint-André Abbey. He sowed wheat and made his fortune. His nickname is the origin of the island’s name.

The soils enriched by river deposits now support cherry, pear and apple orchards, as well as market gardens. In spring, the island’s inland paths take you past the orchards in blossom. Hedges divide the fields; willows, poplars and reed beds grow along the Rhône’s banks.

The towpath facing Avignon

The towpath follows the Petit Rhône opposite the historic centre. The four arches of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Palace of the Popes and the Rocher des Doms rise above the river. The level path is suited to walking, running and cycling, beside lawns, poplars and reed beds.

Towing meant pulling boats from the bank to move them against the current. The Allées Antoine-Pinay, laid out in 2005 along the old towpath, retained the stone revetments that protect the riverbank.

Ferries take over from the bridge

After the flood of 1226 swept away part of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, travellers had to cross the Rhône by ferry for around ten years. Repeated collapses of the arches made the service a lasting necessity. The boats were attached to a cable stretched between the banks, known as the “traille”. When the bridge was irreparably damaged in the 17th century, two ferries provided the crossing to Villeneuve, each serving one arm of the Rhône.

Today’s shuttle connects Avignon to Barthelasse from the Quai de la Ligne, at the foot of the Rocher des Doms. During the short crossing, you see the arches from the river before landing beside the towpath. This free service operates according to seasonal timetables and navigation conditions.

Cycling to the Oiselay footbridge

By bicycle, the island’s narrow roads take you away from the banks, through orchards and past farmhouses. The terrain is flat, but some roads remain open to vehicles. The signposted ViaRhôna route alternates between greenways and roads shared with motor traffic. From the Pont Daladier, it heads towards the Parc des Libertés, then the Oiselay footbridge. This 200-metre bridge crosses the Rhône near the Sauveterre dam and lets you continue towards Sorgues and Caderousse. From Oiselay Island, routes along small roads also lead to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to explore the village, its castle and its wines.

An island exposed to floods

Barthelasse gradually formed as smaller islands merged and river deposits accumulated. Flood risk limits construction and helps preserve the farmland. In December 2003, a hundred-year flood cut off Île Piot and Barthelasse; water levels approaching two metres were recorded in several areas.

Avignon through Bonnart’s eyes

In 1700, Robert Bonnart painted Avignon from the right bank of the Rhône. His view, held at the Musée Calvet, shows the city behind its ramparts, the already ruined bridge and a few boats on the river. Gardens belonging to religious institutions still occupied some of the space within the walls.

Bonnart heightened some monuments to distinguish them from the houses. His painting offers a comparison between the city’s former skyline and today’s view, rather than an exact architectural record.

Today, the towpath’s benches and lawns offer places to stop and take in this panorama. On the Rhône, the shuttle now provides the crossing once made by ferries.

Exploring both banks

Back in Avignon after the shuttle crossing, the climb to the Rocher des Doms gardens gives a view of the island from above. On the opposite bank, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon offers further discoveries along the Rhône, with the Tour Philippe-le-Bel and Fort Saint-André. To travel from Avignon to Villeneuve, the Daladier and Royaume bridges cross the two river arms via Île Piot.