Avignon, in the Vaucluse, is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations attracting many people each year to enjoy its impressive buildings, excellent climate and many other attractions. The city is still circled by exceptionally well preserved 800 year old ramparts, which provide the perfect vantage point from which to see what a lively and bustling place it is. Hiring a car in Avignon also means that you’ll be able to get out and explore many other beautiful places in the area including Aix-en-Provence and the ancient Roman town of Orange.
In the 14th century Avignon became home to Pope Clement V and as a result of this, the Palais de Papes was built and still stands there to this day. The massive palace, whose walls are 3 metres thick in places, is a warren of corridors connecting great halls and still features some very beautiful frescoes and hunting scenes. For generations, French children have sung about the Pont D’Avignon and today you can still walk across the bridge that was built in 1185. There is a charge for crossing it but if you’d just like to admire it for free there are great views from the city’s Île de la Barthelasse.
