Avignon

About Avignon

With panoramic views, year round sunshine, a wealth of history and culture with the glorious and medieval Palace of the Popes as a backdrop, it's easy to see why people love visiting Avignon in Provence.

Avignon a town with a rich history

During the 1300s nine popes ruled and lived in the town. This forged its name in the history books and helped it to become a spiritual capital within the west.

The buildings that were constructed as a result are still part of the national heritage and many of them are now ranked as UNESCO's Heritage for Humanity.

The Palace of the Popes was constructed in less than 20 years and is the biggest Gothic palace in the world. For people visiting this place in the Provence region it's a must see. The town is framed by 4.5km of ramparts made from stone in 1355. It is situated on the majestic Rhone River.

Avignon an epicentre for theatre and Côtes du Rhône wine

Avignon is the Côtes du Rhône wine capital and the vineyards that produce it, lie only a few kilometres north of Avignon in Châteauneuf du Pape.

The internationally enjoyed wine makes a perfect accompaniment to a great piece of theatre and for people visiting Avignon in July this is a given. The three week Avignon theatre festival is one of the oldest in the world and began in 1947.

A visit to this town is like a trip back in time with its narrow streets, ornate mansions and quaint cafés; it is easy to see why visitors fall in love with this beautiful town in Provence.