Avignon

Avignon: history & character

Avignon, founded in Roman times as Avenio, became in the 14th century one of Europe's most important political centres when seven popes established themselves here (1309-1377), commissioning the world's largest Gothic palace (15,000 m², 250 metres of ramparts). The legendary Pont Saint-Bénézet, immortalised by the children's song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon', once crossed the Rhône before a 1668 flood swept away 18 of its 22 arches. Now the capital of Provence (95,000 intra-muros residents) and host to the world's largest theatre festival (the Festival d'Avignon, early July), Avignon is one of France's most-visited cultural cities. For travellers with a dog, it's one of the most complete Provençal destinations: walkable intra-muros in 20 min, dog-tolerant café/bistrot culture by default, the île de la Barthelasse facing the Palais des Papes (Europe's largest river island) with 4 km of riverside walking, and direct TGV access from Paris in 2h40.