Avignon is a historic city in southeastern France, in the department of Vaucluse. It is best known for two landmarks that define its old town: the medieval Papal Palace and the well-preserved 14th-century ramparts that still surround the centre.
What to see
- The Papal Palace, a medieval palace that gives the city much of its character and rewards a slow walk through its rooms.
- The ramparts, which encircle the old town and let you follow the city's outline on foot.
- The old town itself, best explored without a fixed plan, wandering between squares and narrow streets.
The kind of visit it makes
Avignon suits a visit of a day or more, especially for travellers interested in medieval architecture and in walking through a city whose historic core is largely intact. The atmosphere is that of a compact old town rather than a sprawling city, so most of what draws visitors lies within reach of the centre.
Its setting in the Vaucluse also makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside of Provence. Those arriving from further afield will find the city easy to reach as a stop between larger destinations in the region.
