Provence	Arles	Aix-en-Provence
Main Cities	Marseille	Provence Bulletin Board

Benedict XIII

Massive ramparts enclose one of the most fascinating towns in southern France. The huge Palais des Papes is the dominant feature, but the town contains other riches...

The rue Joseph-Vernet and rue du Roi-René are lined with many splendid 17th- and 18th- century houses. There are also some notable churches, such as the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-des-Doms, with its Romanesque cupola. The Musée Lapidaire contains statues, mosaics and carvings from pre-Roman Provence. The Musée Calvet gives an overview of French art during the past 500 years.

The place de l'Horloge is the center of Avignon's social life. Under the town hall's Gothic clock tower are pavement cafés and a merry-go-round dating from 1900. One of the prettiest streets is the rue des Teinturiers. Until the 19th century, bright patterned calico called indiennes was printed here, and it inspired today's Provençal patterns.

Avignon Festival

Confronted with factional strife in Rome and encouraged by the scheming Philippe IV of France, Pope Clement V moved the papal court to Avignon in 1309. Here it remained until 1377, during which time his successors transformed the modest episcopal building into the present magnificent palace. Its heavy fortification was vital to defend against rogue bands of mercenaries. Today it is empty of the luxurious trappings of 14th-century court life, as vitually all of the funishings and works of art were destroyed or looted following the Revolution of 1789.