A picture's worth 1,000 years in this historic river town
Take some pics because history never looked so beautiful. Avignon is a picturesque paradise in France's Provence region. This charming riverside city is famous for its 14-century stint as the seat of the Catholic popes, who fled here to escape Rome's corruption. You can marvel at how the impressive papal palace, surrounded by stone ramparts, defines the city's skyline. History lovers will have a field day —or several—with Avignon vacation rentals, as the city is home to many historical monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And this is Provence, so rest assured there are plenty of wineries.
From bridges to palaces, Avignon's past is a present to you
If you don't know the famous French song, "Sur le Pont D'Avignon," you surely will after an Avignon vacation rental. The remains of this 13th-century bridge are a must-see, so why not view them from the lovely hilltop park, Rocher des Doms. Palais des Papes, the 14th-century palace of the popes, is a massive fortress open for exploring. The town square, Place de l'Horloge, has charming outdoor cafes and shops. Pack up the kids and check out Piratland theme park or Splashworld Provence water park, both less than 10 miles away.
You can romance and dance in lovely Avignon, France
Put on those walking shoes and hit Avignon's winding cobblestone streets for shopping, dining, and exploring. Many of the city's museums and historical monuments offer views of the Rhone River and the famous Pont d'Avignon bridge—or better yet, take a riverboat tour. There are wineries aplenty, so you can also take a wine tour of the Rhone Valley. In July, visitors flock to the town for Festival d'Avignon, a lively annual event with theatrical productions featuring dance, music, and cinema. There are a few nearby amusement parks that are just the ticket if you're traveling with kiddos.
Hang on to your shades or they'll be gone with the wind
Provence is known for its cloudless blue skies and sunny days, made possible by its southerly location and the infamous Mistral, a strong year-round wind. The wind can gust up to 40 mph and makes for some chilly weather (mostly outside of the summer months), so pack that jacket. You might see some rain in September through November, but snow, not so much. July and August are the hottest months, with highs in the 80s, while December and January lows hover in the 30s. Avignon vacation rentals are popular during the holidays and also in July during the Festival d'Avignon.
You'll be singin' the praises of this heavenly land
Can you get drunk on scenery? Avignon and actually, all of Provence, have that Garden of Eden magic that just makes you marvel. Lush vineyards, olive groves, soaring trees, and rolling fields of lavendar dominate the landscape. Avignon's ancient limestone buildings overlook the glassy Rhone River. If you want a great view of the remains of Pont d'Avignon extending over the river, Barthalesse Island is the perfect place. It's France's largest river island, situated between Avignon and Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Barthelasse is a haven of green space and home to a large number of nesting and migrating birds and ducks.
How to get to and around Avignon
The nearest airport is in Avignon (AVN-Caumont), located 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Nimes (FNI-Garons), which is 23.1 mi (37.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Avignon Central Station, Avignon (XZN-Avignon TGV Train Station) and Avignon TGV Station are the main stations in the city.
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