 Avignon is one of the real gems of southern France’s Provence region. With a history stretching back to the Roman era, Avignon is filled with wonderfully preserved buildings, churches and palaces clustered around its medieval old town district. To balance this maze of stone and wood, the Rhone River winds around the city, and is spanned by ancient bridges.
 At the centre of Avignon’s highlights is the UNESCO World Heritage site Palace of the Popes. Perched on its hill with a stern exterior, this palace-fortress was the 14th century home of a group of renegade popes. Surrounding it is the city’s lovely cathedral and scenic park. Below, a dozen or so museums present the rich history of Avignon. Many are housed in beautiful old mansions, displaying the artwork and craftsmanship of the Provence region. Visit this website for a photo of the Popes` Palace.
There is an excellent range of accommodation in Avignon catering to all tastes and budgets. Visitors can splash out on some of the finest hotels like the Avignon and Novotel Avignon Sud. While these digs will impress even the most jaded traveller, Avignon also offers plenty of modest rooms at a much more affordable prices. For the most atmosphere, try and stay somewhere around the fortified old town centre.
 The train is arguably the best way to reach Avignon, as it lies along two major routes that connect Paris with Italy and Spain. High-speed TGV trains make the trip quick and easy. The nearest airport to Avignon only handles a limited number of flights, making the distant Marseille-Provence Airport a much better choice for international travellers. Shuttle buses and taxis can get you into Avignon with relative ease from Marseille-Provence Airport’s three terminals.
 Long-distance coaches provide transport from every corner of Europe and the UK. The roads are good throughout the region, making bus and car travel comfortable. Avignon lies at the crux of several major motorways heading off in all directions. Renting a car is one of the more flexible and pleasant ways to travel to Avignon. Once you’re in the city, most of the attractions can be explored on foot. Much of the old city core is pedestrianised, making this city a real joy to wander around.
Weather
 Avignon enjoys a fairly temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. From June to September, expect temperatures that average at 30°C or hotter. Summers tend to be sunny, although heavy afternoon thunderstorms make regular appearances throughout this season. Avignon is known for its rainy weather that dominates the city’s overall climate so visitors should come prepared for wet conditions. Winters bring biting sleet, snow flurries and temperatures that hover just above freezing, as well as occasional waves of wind and bitter cold from the north.
 Spring and autumn are also heavily influenced by the rain. Grey skies and sudden downpours are coloured by a backdrop of red and orange trees, creating a wonderfully sullen atmosphere. Spring, in contrast, is characterised by bright blue skies punctuated by occasional showers that help coax the flowers and leaves from their slumber. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures range from 10-15°C but can often hit 20°C. A lack of crowds and reductions on room rates make spring and autumn a great time to visit Avignon.
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