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Avignon
This lovely capital of the Vaucluse region in the southeast of France finds itself straddling the Rhone River. Avignon is surrounded by historic architecture that lined its narrow streets, testament to its seasoned past as the former seat of the Catholic papacy.
The most memorable testament to Avignon’s past is the Gothic papal palace built (14th century) atop a hill to serve as residence, fortress, and church, previously housing at least seven of the heads of the medieval Catholic church.
A short distance away in just about any direction from the papal palace are the smaller squares frequented by the locals, such as its farmer’s market at Place Pie which sells fresh produce from the area, cheeses, breads and wines to early morning crowds until lunchtime.
A further walk from the palace is the Le Pont Saint-Benezet, a ruined bridge from Middle Ages before the arrival of the papacy which used to span the width of the Rhone river. It was understood to have been made perhaps to allow the local bishop to cross the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
French art and cultural life also thrive in Avignon. Museums capture visitors’ fancies on modern art, as well as ancient objects from Roman era. But most notable is the area’s world famous annual theatre festival in the July summer.
The festival is an excuse for the known actors, artists and musicians in Europe and France to turn any room with enough seating into a stage or a 'salle de spectacle,' the most notable of which are the performances which take place inside the Pope's Palace itself.
