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Avignon, France
Avignon's medieval walls form a nearly complete circuit around the old town, and walking within them is a journey through France's most dramatic papal history. The Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, dominates the city from its hilltop position — the seat of papal power for nearly 70 years when successive popes chose Avignon over Rome. Beside it, the Rocher des Doms garden offers panoramic views of the Rhone, the Pont d'Avignon (of the famous nursery rhyme), and Mont Ventoux in the distance. The old town below is a tangle of atmospheric streets with stone mansions, independent shops, and lively places like the Place de l'Horloge and the Place des Corps-Saints. The Collection Lambert brings contemporary art into a Baroque hotel. Avignon comes most alive during its famous Theater Festival in July, when the city becomes the world's stage.
explore by interest
Walk the ramparts path along the outside of the city walls for a view most visitors miss — it connects several gates and offers a different perspective on the fortified city.
July for the Festival d'Avignon when the city becomes an open-air theater, or May through June for warm Provencal weather without the festival crowds.