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The main shopping street is rue de la République, which is home to Monoprix department store, FNAC and others. Chic boutiques line rue Joseph-Vernet, which runs east off rue de la République, opposite the main tourist office. Rue St Agricol is lined with various little boutiques, including designer outlets Christian Lacroix Boutique at number 10 and Donna at number 35. The pedestrianized area (rue des Fourbisseurs, rue des Marchands, rue du Vieux Sextier and rue de la Bonneterie) allows for a leisurely, traffic-free shopping experience.

Avignon is an ideal town for buying presents. Provençal specialties include olive oil, lavender, brightly printed fabrics, sugared fruits, chocolate and fig or melon jam. Lovers of the mustard yellow and olive green of Provençal pottery will be spoilt for choice at Terre et Art, 29 rue des Fourbisseurs, or Terre et Provence, 26 rue de la République.

A good selection of regional wines can be found at La Cave du Bouffart, 14 rue des Fourbisseurs and Découverte des vins de France, 1677 route de Morières. A market with 40 stalls selling local and regional food and wine is open Monday to Saturday at Les Halles d'Avignon, place Pie. For a souvenir in silver or gold, shoppers should head for Vincent Joaillier, 12 place du Change, a jewelry design shop founded in 1897.

In addition to the covered market at Les Halles, south of place Pie, there are colorful outdoor markets at the Rempart St Michel (a food market on Saturday and Sunday) and place des Carmes (a flower market on Saturday and flea market on Sunday).

Department stores are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1900, while smaller shops close 1200-1400 and Monday morning. Sales tax varies between 5.5% (food) to 19.6% (luxury goods). Visitors from outside the European Union can claim a tax refund upon departure for each purchase over €175. Global Refund (tel: (01) 4161 5151; website: www.globalrefund.com ) can provide further information.

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