A haven of greenery and tranquility, floating between the two banks of the Rhône.
Barthelasse Island stretches between two arms of the Rhône over nearly 1,000 hectares, making it the largest river island in France. A largely agricultural and protected space, it forms a peaceful refuge of greenery, away from the urban bustle of Avignon’s historic center, yet very close by.
An Ambiguous Space Between Two Banks
The Rhône draws a clear separation, yet the island floats ambiguously between two distinct shores: on one side, the Petit Rhône borders Avignon, Vaucluse, and the former Papal territory; on the other, the Grand Rhône skirts Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Gard, and the Kingdom of France.
A Haven of Diversity in the Rhône
A sanctuary of biodiversity nestled in the heart of the Rhône, the island’s banks are lined with poplars, willows, elms, and aquatic plants, while a thriving fauna — beavers, herons, cormorants, ducks, hawks, even foxes and wild boar — prospers here. Nearly half of its surface is devoted to agriculture, with orchards brimming with apples, pears, and cherries, alongside vegetable crops. Its flood-prone nature limits construction, preserving its rural and wild character. In 2004, a memorable flood of the Rhône submerged much of its lands, a reminder that even modern dikes and engineering yield to the river’s untamable force.
Discovering Barthelasse Island
A green lung at the gates of Avignon, Barthelasse Island enchants with its untouched nature: a peaceful haven where agricultural landscapes, orchards, and protected natural areas intertwine. From its banks, one enjoys stunning views of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Palais des Papes, and the Rocher des Doms — an ideal backdrop for relaxation. Just a short walk from Avignon’s center via the bridge or the river shuttle, visitors can stroll along the Rhône, picnic in the shade of a poplar, or venture out by kayak on the river’s waters.
For the more adventurous, a bike ride is the perfect way to explore Barthelasse: its paths and small roads invite discovery, along the Via Rhôna cycle path that runs north to south, from the impressive 200-meter Oiselet footbridge elegantly suspended above the river, to the walls of the Cité des Papes. Along the way, market gardens open their stalls to visitors. The island ultimately offers a peaceful refuge for staying close to nature, yet only a short breeze — or a gust of Mistral — away from Avignon’s historic center.
The History of a Man-Made Island
Barthelasse Island gradually emerged from a chain of fragile islets, bound together by the Rhône’s alluvium. In 1447, Jean Richard, known as "Barthelucius," acquired these lands to sow wheat, giving the island its name. Once, the Pont Saint-Bénézet spanned its territory before 17th-century floods washed away its arches. In the 18th and 19th centuries, dikes fixed its outlines; in 1850, residents requested its incorporation into Avignon. In 1973, dams and locks connected the Île de la Motte to its northern banks. Yet, despite these interventions, its vulnerability to the river preserves it from rampant urbanization.
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Just steps from Avignon, Barthelasse Island remains a rare refuge, where time seems to float between two waters, guided by the meanders of the Rhône.