Introduction to Avignon

Once the heart of Christendom, medieval Avignon invites you to meander its elegant cobblestones in the shadow of one of the most notorious palaces in the Christian world, the 14th-century Palais des Papes. Nowadays papal fervor has been replaced by an upbeat, arty vibe that peaks during July's wildly theatrical Festival d'Avignon. But the Provençal capital of France's Vaucluse region throngs year-round too, in bijou squares and museums, on bustling cafe terraces, and atop the ruins of the world's most serenaded bridge, the Pont d'Avignon.

Things to Do

Avignon's ramparts embrace one of Europe's culture centers. Discover monumental Cistercian and Gothic architecture inside the Palais des Papes, the 14th-century headquarters of schismatic cardinals who very nearly destroyed papal authority in Rome. Then whistle "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" on the very bridge the kitschy song was written about. Locals relax amid historic water wheels, cafes, and bookshops on Rue des Teinturiers. Join them or admire medieval treasures at the Musée du Petit Palais or conceptual art at Collection Lambert.

Shopping

Beneath its alternately chic and crumbling façades, Avignon knows how to woo a shopaholic or two. Tantalize your purse strings with a stroll around Place Carmes' morning flower market; or hit rues de la République and St Agricol for both high-end and high street fashion. The pedestrian streets around rue des Marchands offer plenty of spending opportunities, especially at Mouret, the city's oldest shop, where Avignon's very own mad hatter awaits to dress your head in his latest creations.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Avignon's nightlife is all about roaming its narrow, softly lighted streets, stopping as soon as you hear the locals' accents warming the airwaves on a cafe terrace. Place de l'Horloge, watched over by its ornate clock tower, is awash in cafes and bars. Opera lovers catch a concert in the gracious 19th-century environs of the Opéra Théâtre. If film's your genre, the quaint arthouse Utopia Manutention cinema is snuggled into a nook below the papal palace.

Restaurants and Dining

This is Provence, the land of juicy tomatoes, lemons, rosemary and thyme. Avignon is nestled into the vine-clad Bouches-du-Rhône region, and you can drink down all that glorious food with delicious, locally produced wines. Place de l'Horloge is littered in brasseries; while Hiely Lucullus, on rue de la République, has been serving dishes like beef with truffles since 1938. Gastronomes can head to the covered market at Les Halles for Saturday-morning cooking lessons with the city's finest chefs.