Avignon, situated in the heart of the Vaucluse region in the south of France, is famed for
two celebrated attractions - Le Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) and Pont St Bénezet (the bridge made famous in the ditty ‘Sur le pont d'Avignon, on y danse, on y danse...').
The
Palais des Papes marks the skyline with its graceful and ornate spires, an exterior more awe-inspiring than anything inside. The
famous bridge of
Pont St Bénezet, erected in the 12th century, to carry St Bénezet over to the neighboring village of Villeneuve, nowadays
retains only four of its original 22 arches.
Flood, fire, pillaging, plague and
Le Mistral (a violent, cold and northwesterly wind) have all
ravaged Avignon, but this gorgeous city has remained remarkably intact. Around every corner of the narrow,
winding cobbled streets, elaborately decorated
chapels, churches and
convents are revealed. Most date from the 14th century, when Avignon became the center of Christendom and the Palais des Papes was home to a series of popes.
Situated on the River Rhône, the setting of Avignon is as colorful as its history, with images straight out of a Van Gogh painting.
Quiet streets suffused with golden light, secluded
courtyards and secret
gardens, cosy pavement
cafes and
fantastic restaurants make Avignon the perfect place for a
romantic weekend away - though during high season the streets can be crammed with visitors.
Although subject to the infamous
Mistral, Avignon's
climate is otherwise pleasant, with
warm summers and it's perfect for alfresco activities. The annual
Avignon Festival runs throughout July and attracts aspiring performers and aficionados of the arts and shows the city at its best.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related France Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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