AVIGNON and the surrounding area

Stretching along the left bank of the River Rhône, Avignon is the largest city in the département of Vaucluse. The city enjoys a favourable geographical position, close to Orange, Nîmes, Arles, Salon de Provence, and Marseille. Christened “the City of the Popes” because of the presence here of the ‘French popes’ (1309–1423), who kept some States (Comtat Venaissin) in the South of France right up to the Revolution, it is now the largest city and the administrative centre of the département of Vaucluse. It’s one of the few cities in France to have kept its ancient ramparts and historic centre, comprising the Papal Palace, the episcopal complex, the Rocher des Doms, and Avignon Bridge. It is now listed as UNESCO World Heritage under criteria I, II, and IV.

The Summer Festival instituted by Jean Vilar in 1947 has made it the worldwide rendezvous for contemporary creation for over 60 years now. The city receives nearly 4 million visitors a year for its Festival.

Avignon is also the perfect place to stay for exploring the Luberon, the Alpilles, the Camargue, and all the beauty that is Provence.

And Avignon is also Provençal food and the Côtes du Rhône wines to sample, and a place where you can combine indulgence shopping, exploring, and lifestyle.

In terms of communications, Avignon is well served, with nearby:

• the A7 motorway providing a north-south linkk between Paris and the French Riviera;
• a second motorway, the A9 (a few kilometres further north), heading for the West of France and the Iberian peninsula;
• two rail stations, both able to accommodate high-speed trains (Avignon-Centre and Avignon TGV; Avignon TGV) ;
• the River Rhône, frequented by cruise boats.