World City Guide

Sport

For football fans, Avignon’s glory days are gone. Twenty years ago, Olympique Avignonnais used to hit first and second league status but no longer. However, this does not stop enthusiastic fans attending local matches at the city’s largest stadium, Le Parc des Sports, avenue Pierre de Courbertin (tel: (04) 9087 3202). Rugby is also popular and is played at the Baizet Stadium, route de Tarascon (tel: (04) 9087 5649). Tickets are available for purchase at the grounds.

One of the most popular sporting activities in Avignon is roller skating, with skating within the city ramparts taking place every last Friday of the month –departing 0830 from the main post office, cours Kennedy. Participation is free and the skate lasts around two hours. Key sporting events include the Avignon Roll’air roller skating festival in May/June and theTriathlon in June.

The Service des Sports, 74 boulevard Jules Ferry (tel: (04) 9016 3100) can provide information on swimming pools and sports facilties in the city.

Fitness Centres: Saint Didier Fitness Club, place Saint Didier (tel: (04) 9066 1708), is located in the heart of Avignon.

Golf: Membership is not required at Pradier Golf Grand Avignon, Les Chênes Verts, Vedène (tel: (04) 9031 4994; fax: (04) 9031 0121). Daily green fees are charged at ¬38 weekdays and ¬46 weekends. Visiting golfers can also play at Golf de Chateaublanc, rue de Chateaublanc, Morières (tel: (04) 9033 3908; fax: (04) 9033 4324), at similar rates.

Squash: Avignon Squash Racket, 32 boulevard Limbert (tel: (04) 9085 2778), charges ¬6.50 for 40 minutes of play or ¬54 for 11 40-minute games. Racket and ball hire costs ¬2.50.

Swimming: The municipal pool is situated on route de Marseille (tel: (04) 9087 0090) and is open during the summer only. There is also an Olympic pool at Iles de la Barthelasse (tel: (04) 9082 5425). The tourist office provides a complete list of the city’s swimming pools.

Tennis: Tennis Club d’Avignon, chemin des Frères Reboul, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (tel: (04) 9025 4359), hires out its six outdoor and three indoor courts to non-members, for ¬8 per person per hour.