Avignon, France

Situated on the River Rhone, the historic holiday destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'.
Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centres in France, a strong holiday attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on holiday in the Avignon area.

Avignon Attractions Avignon is a compact city within fortified walls, so walking around the town is both easy and rewarding for viewing medieval architecture, gardens and squares. There are grand cathedrals and palaces from the Papal era; or for a different perspective, a particularly interesting neighbourhood is Quartier de La Balance, once inhabited by gypsies. There are several worthwhile museums, including the Musée Angladon, which houses art by Van Gogh and Modigliani. Must-see attractions in Avignon include the magnificent Palais des Papes, the 12th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms, which is right next to the imposing palace of the pope's, the Petit Palais, which now houses some very valuable paintings, and the Pont d'Avignon, the bridge immortalised in the popular children's song, which shelters the tiny Chapelle St-Nicholas on one of its bulwarks. The city has some lovely parks and it is especially nice to find a pretty spot by the river or up on one of the hills to survey the bridge and the historic town centre. Avignon can be overrun with tourists during the festival, which takes place in July each year, but this is still a fun time to visit. Palais des Papes Towering over Avignon the imposing Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is the symbol of the city's medieval power. The palace consists of the ascetic Old Palace, commissioned by Benedict XII, and the extravagant Gothic New Palace of Clement VI. It was...  see full details Petit Palais Just below the Palais des Papes, the Petit Palais contains a wonderful collection of 13th to 15th century paintings and sculptures. Although there are interesting examples of art from the region, much of the collection consists of the work of Italian masters from that...  see full details Pont d'Avignon Behind the Petit Palais is the much photographed Pont d'Avignon, also known as the Pont Saint-Bénezet, and fondly immortalised in the famous children's song of the same name. The bridge was originally built in the 12th century to shorten the journey for the busy...  see full details