Avignon in France

The graceful architecture and historical significance of Avignon has earned the centre of the city the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once part of the dukedom of Anjou, a vassal of the Pope, Avignon has had its share of colorful medieval history. The Avignon papacy sat not in the Roman Vatican, but in the French city of Avignon. The Catholic church’s power and influence of those ages is captured in the fort-like Palais des Papes. The other iconic feature of this charming city is the Rhône River that flows past it, with the old wooden bridge of Pont Saint-Bénézet or Pont d’Avignon spanning the river. In July, and the Festival d’Avignon, the annual summer arts festival, also attracts travelers to this lovely French city with its tree-lined squares and wooden bridges.