Avignon has a distinctly medieval atmosphere which appeals to kids, who can immerse themselves in the fantasy realm of the city’s castles, bridges and the Rhone River. The main square provides plenty of real life diversion, while the massive Palace of the Popes is fun to tour. A boat ride along the Rhone River is another great way to spend an afternoon.

Boat Cruises
For many parents, finding activities to keep kids entertained in Avignon is a challenge. If they seem unimpressed with the castles and street life you can take them out on the lovely Rhone River for a boat cruise. There are a variety of boat rides which depart from the centre of town and head to several destinations along the river.

Place de l’Horloge
The centre of life in Avignon is the lively Place de l’Horloge, a wonderful pedestrian square with lots of entertainment. The classic two-storey carousel in the plaza provides kids with a rare chance to ride an old style amusement ride. There are also street performers, jugglers, acrobats and musicians in the plaza. Sitting at one of the dozens of sidewalk cafés allows you to watch the action while enjoying a bowl of homemade ice cream, a specialty of the plaza. Phone: +33 4 90 86 48 04.

Requien Museum
If your kids are interested in things like rocks and animals, a visit to the Requien Museum can prove an interesting experience. There’s no entrance fee to enjoy the comprehensive exhibits featuring the zoological, geological and botanical highlights of the Provence region. Phone: +33 4 90 82 43 51.

Rochers des Doms Park
Directly behind the Palace of the Popes is one of Avignon’s best parks. A duck pond and playground provide plenty of room to run around and let out some energy amid a green clean environment. When the local kids are out of school they often come to this park, offering children a good chance to meet other kids their own age.

Sing a Classic Song
Avignon is famous as the setting for the classic French children’s song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, which is about dancing on the city’s iconic bridge. This stately bridge still stands where it did when it was built in the 1100s. After teaching your kids a bit of French via the lyrics of this song, you can take them to the site and create what could be a lasting memory. Phone: +33 4 90 27 51 16.

The Petit Train
A fun way to tour the city of Avignon is to take the kids for a ride on the Petit Train (‘Small Train’). This quirky vehicle departs from the main plaza and cruises the streets on its 30-minute tour. It’s the best way to give your kids an informational tour of the city’s highlights, and you can hop on and off at your leisure. Website: www.petittrainavignon.com/societe/index-gb.php.

Avignon may have its roots firmly fixed as the 14^th century capital of Christendom and as the home of the renegade popes, but it has recently become a hot cultural spot for resident artists, writers and painters. Its quiet winding streets hold many wonderful places to explore, including a surprising number of little museums. The Rhone River also plays a role in this city through its bridges and waterfront life. Best of all, everything in Avignon is within walking distance, hemmed in by the Rhone River and the city’s medieval fortified walls.

Chartreuse du Val-de-Bénédiction
This Carthusian monastery was founded by Pope Innocent IV in 1352, and is France’s largest. The church, cloisters and cells that once housed monks during the medieval era offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of these religious men. The Pope Innocent IV’s tomb is also here and can be viewed. Today the monks’ cells have been converted into workshops for Avignon’s painters and writers, who live here and pursue their craft. Art and photography exhibits are held throughout the year. Phone: +33 4 90 15 24 24.

Musée Calvet
Art fans will want to check out the collection of artwork by masters such as Manet, Vernet, Corot and Soutine in this small but excellent museum housed in an 18^th century neoclassical mansion. Complementing the art collection is a huge display of ancient works of silver. Phone: +33 4 90 86 33 84.

Musée Lapidaire
This Baroque 17^th century Jesuit church has been transformed into an excellent museum featuring Gallo-Roman sculptures from the many civilisations that have inhabited Provence over the centuries. Some stunning Greco-Roman statues are also on display, as well as an eerie collection of ancient sarcophagi and funeral art. Phone: +33 4 90 86 33 84.

Musée Louis-Vouland
One of Avignon’s most impressive museums is housed in an exquisite 19^th century mansion with one of the best gardens in the city. The collections here centre on antiques and artistic objects dating from the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Tapestries, opulent furnishings and fixtures, and Sèvres porcelain are among the highlights. Phone: +33 4 90 86 03 79.

Quartier de la Balance
Gypsies lived in this neighbourhood during the 1800s, but today it has shed its former image and been transformed into a wonderfully restored cluster of historic streets and buildings. Although it’s mainly a residential area, this centrally located quarter is one of the best places to wander around and soak in the medieval ambiance of Avignon.

Tour Philippe le Bel
This tower, built by Philippe the Fair in the 13^th century, is one of the more standout pieces of architecture in Avignon. Originally the tower served as the gateway into the fortified city, but today it provides some of the best views in Avignon for those who have the stamina to climb the stairs to the observation platform. Phone: +33 4 32 70 08 57.

As one of southern France’s top tourist destinations, Avignon has developed an extensive dining scene with plenty of options. Naturally, the amazing cuisine of Provence features prominently here. Fresh produce and herbs are a major component of any regional dish, as the countryside around Avignon has some of the best growing conditions in Europe. Specialities like ratatouille and bouillabaisse are taken to new heights, and vegetables such as olives, eggplant, courgette and tomatoes find their way into nearly every meal.

Visitors will find smart cafés, sidewalk bistros and fine dining in every quarter of the city. Eating out in Avignon doesn’t have to be an expensive activity, but visitors can easily spend as much as they like in the fancy restaurants along the Rue de Mons. The central square, Place de l’Horloge, is literally lined with outdoor tables from the many cafés located here. Cheaper international food and tapas can be found along the Rue de Galante and Rue Carrot.

Avignon offers shoppers plenty of choices for something to take home. The specialties of Provence include lovely yellow and green Provencal pottery, brightly coloured fabrics, lavender products and lots of tasty food items. Regional wines are also a good buy, especially at the market featuring 40 stalls at Les Halles d’Avignon.

The main district for shopping is along the Rue de la République, which is home to dozens of shops ranging from department stores to speciality shops. There is a nice selection of trendy boutiques along the adjacent Rue Joseph-Vernet, while the pedestrian areas around Rue des Marchands, Rue des Fourbisseurs, Rue de la Bonneterie and Rue du Vieux Sextier offer relaxing vehicle-free shopping.

For a colourful local experience, check out the morning market on Tuesdays and Sundays at Les Halles, the outdoor market at Rempart St Michel, and the flower market on Place des Carmes.