Overview

An industrial city in southeastern France, Avignon is one of the three major cities of Provence (along with Arles and Marseille). Set on the Rhone River, the city is known for its contributions to the arts and was selected "European City of Culture" in 2000. Traveling back to the fourteenth century, the city was the seat of several anti-popes (1378-1408). Pope Clement V left the politics of Rome to establish residence in Avignon, making it the new center of Christianity. Tourists can still visit the massive Palais des Popes, which resembles a medieval fortress-castle. The main activity in the city is found in the restaurants and shops lining the Place d'Horloge. Visitors should also check out Rocher des Doms Park and the Pont d'Avignon Bridge. If you can, catch the famous Summer Theater Festival, which began here in 1946.

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