Avignon

Avignon
Name	Avignon
Caption	The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrondissement	Avignon
Canton	Avignon-1, 2, 3
Insee	84007
Postal code	84000
Mayor	Cécile Helle
Term	2020–2026
Party	PS
Coordinates	43, 56, 55, N...
Elevation min m	10
Elevation max m	122
Area km2	64.78
Population	90,330
Population date	2019

Avignon. A major city in southeastern France, it is the prefecture of the Vaucluse department within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Situated on the left bank of the Rhône river, it is famed as the seat of the Avignon Papacy in the 14th century, a period that left an indelible architectural and cultural mark, most notably the immense Palais des Papes. Today, it is a vibrant administrative and cultural center, best known internationally for its annual Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's most important contemporary performing arts events.

History

The site was originally a Celtic settlement known as **Aouenion**, later becoming the Roman city of **Avennio**. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was contested by the Burgundians and the Ostrogoths before being incorporated into the Kingdom of Arles. Its pivotal historical role began in 1309 when Pope Clement V, under pressure from Philip IV of France, moved the Papal Curia from Rome, initiating the so-called "Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy". For nearly seventy years, seven successive popes, including Pope John XXII and Pope Benedict XII, resided here, constructing the formidable Palais des Papes. The period saw the arrival of the Antipope Clement VII, beginning the Western Schism. After the papacy returned to Rome, the city was governed by papal legates until its annexation by Revolutionary France in 1791. It was heavily bombed during Operation Dragoon in World War II.

Geography

The city lies on the left bank of the Rhône, a few kilometers above its confluence with the Durance river. It faces the Département du Gard and the city of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon across the river, connected by the modern Pont d'Avignon and the historic, broken Pont Saint-Bénézet. The landscape is part of the fertile Comtat Venaissin plain, with the rocky outcrop of the Rocher des Doms offering a natural defensive position and panoramic views. The climate is typically Mediterranean, influenced by the Mistral, a strong, cold northerly wind.

Main sights

The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dominated by the Gothic Palais des Papes, the largest medieval fortress-palace in Europe. Nearby stands the Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms. The legendary, partially collapsed Pont Saint-Bénézet, subject of the song *"Sur le pont d'Avignon"*, is a major landmark. Other significant sites include the Musée du Petit Palais, housing a renowned collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, the Musée Calvet, and the Rocher des Doms gardens. The 14th-century city walls, built by Pope Innocent VI, remain largely intact, enclosing the old town.

Culture

The city is globally synonymous with the Festival d'Avignon, founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, which transforms the city each July with theatre, dance, and music performances, notably in the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes. The official festival is accompanied by the "Off" festival. Cultural institutions include the Opéra Grand Avignon, the Collection Lambert museum of contemporary art, and the Maison Jean Vilar. The city's heritage is celebrated at the Musée Angladon and during the medieval festival Les Médiévales.

Economy

The economy is primarily tertiary, centered on administration, tourism, commerce, and services. As the prefecture of Vaucluse, it hosts numerous public administration offices. Tourism, driven by its historical monuments and the festival, is a major pillar. The city is a key commercial and retail hub for the surrounding region, with significant activity in the healthcare and education sectors. While historically agricultural, the surrounding area contributes to the local economy through Côtes du Rhône wine production and market gardening, with the famous Marché des Halles operating daily.

Transport

The city is a major transport node, served by the Avignon TGV station on the LGV Méditerranée high-speed rail line, connecting it to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Montpellier. The central Avignon-Centre station handles regional services. It is accessible via the A7 autoroute (Autoroute du Soleil) and the A9 autoroute. Local public transport is provided by the Orizo bus network. The Avignon - Caumont Airport offers limited commercial flights, with major international travel facilitated by Marseille Provence Airport and Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport.

Category:Communes of Vaucluse Category:Prefectures in France Category:World Heritage Sites in France