A few words about Avignon

Avignon is a small city (a population of about 100,000) with great charm. It is situated in Southern France, not too far from Marseille and the Gulf of Lion. It is the capital of the Vaucluse Department in the Grand Avignon area. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the region were Celts. During the Roman Empire it was an important center, but Barbarian tribes and later the Franks destroyed the settlement. It changed possession by different kingdoms until the 12th century when it declared independence that, however, was not to last long. Avignon is mostly remembered as a city of the Popes. It was papal estate between 1348 and 1791 when during the French Revolution it was acceded to France.

The Popes bequeathed to Avignon one of its best known landmarks - the Palais des Papes - one of Europe's largest medieval Gothic buildings. It was erected between 1335 and 1364 in two phases that produced the Old and the New Palaces. During the French Revolution the Popes' Palace witnessed horrible massacres and was later seized by Napoleon to be used as a prison and for military purposes. Paradoxically, this rescued the building, which was made a national museum in 1906. In 1995, together with the Saint Benezet Bridge, the Petit Palais, and the Cathedral (Notre Dames des Domes), the Palace was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site of UNESCO. The St. Benezet Bridge or the Pont d'Avignon would previously span the Rhone River but the construction gave in many times during floods. Attempts at repairing it stopped in 1668 and today only four arches remain. Still, it has been immortalized in the famous song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon".

In addition to visiting the famous sights, you can choose to take any of the recommended city strolls in Avignon's pedestrian area - Joseph Vernet stroll, Rue de Teinturiers stroll or the Rue Carreterie stroll. There you will be able to enjoy the local spirit and do some souvenir shopping for traditional ceramics and pottery or other handicraft products. Or you can travel by boat on the Rhone to nearby destinations.

Your cultural life will only be enriched in Avignon. The city hosts various festivals, but the Avignon Theater Festival is undoubtedly known all over the world. It is usually held between July 10th and August 2nd in the Popes' Palace with an audience of about 120,000. The performances span classical and modern styles, and the contact with the public is held in high esteem - readings, conferences and debates complement the festival's program.

Finally, don't forget that good food is a prerequisite for good mood, and France is the best place to succumb to the pleasures of culinary art. Elite and stylish restaurants are awaiting the gourmets in Avignon - Christian Etienne is located in the area of the Popes' Palace and offers both excellent views and exquisite dishes. As a specialty of Provence, tomatoes are a favorite and there is even a Menu Tomates. A traditional choice for the people of Avignon is Restaurant Le Saint Louis - French ambiance and local cuisine at affordable prices. La Grand Brasserie Le Cintra is not only a restaurant, but a typical wine bar in the evenings. Le Compagnie des Comptoirs is a restaurant chain known for its colonial menus, a tribute to the former French colonies. If it is Mediterranean and African cuisine that you prefer, L'Empreinte will transfer you to a world of spices and exotic experiences.