Avignon may be famous for its two most celebrated landmarks, the Palace of the Popes and the Pont St Bénezet bridge, but it offers visitors myriad other attractions that are just as interesting. The city’s fortified centre is home to an amazing array of churches, museums, parks and other medieval highlights. Wandering the narrow cobbled streets of Avignon, visitors will discover bustling plazas and charming architecture containing a pleasant balance of residences and businesses.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms
Adjacent to the Palace of the Popes and the Rocher des Doms is this impressive 12^th century cathedral featuring the Gothic tombs of the rebellious popes. Topping the cathedral is a beautiful golden statue of the Virgin Mary from the 19th century. Still a working church, the cathedral hosts all of Avignon’s major religious events.

La Fondation Angladon-Dubrujeaud
One of Avignon’s more eclectic and impressive museums contains the personal art collection of the Parisian haute couture designer Jacques Doucet. Not only did Doucet nurture many young artists such as Picasso and Max Jacob, but he also bought and collected their art. Today, his former home has been preserved as a fantastic art museum featuring the art of many masters, along with rare antiques and other relics. Phone: +33 4 90 82 29 03.

Musée du Petit-Palais 
Before the Palace of the Popes was built, Avignon’s first two popes lived in this small mansion. It contains one of France’s most important collections of paintings devoted to the Italian schools of art between the 13^th and 16^th centuries. Magnificent pieces from Venice, Florence, Lombardy and Siena are housed here, along with several excellent galleries focusing on Gothic and Roman era sculptures. Phone: +33 4 90 86 44 58.

Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes)
The centrepiece of Avignon is this domineering palace that oversees the city from its lofty hilltop site. During the 14^th century, Avignon briefly became the centre of Christianity when the popes moved to southern France to escape political in-fighting at the Vatican. While the exterior is imposing and cold, the sprawling interior is rich with Italian frescoes and elaborate tiled floors. An excellent audio guide will fill you in on the wealth of intrigue and splendour contained within this UNESCO World Heritage site. Phone: +33 4 90 27 50 00; website: www.palais-des-papes.com.

St Bénezet Bridge (Pont St Bénezet)
Another of Avignon’s iconic landmarks is this famous historic bridge that became the centre of a French children’s song in the 19th century. The bridge itself was built in 1177 to span the Rhone River and create a vital trading link between Lyon and the Mediterranean. All but four of the bridge’s original 22 arches were washed away in the 1600s, but the site still remains one of the city’s top attractions. Phone: +33 4 90 27 51 16; website: www.palais-des-papes.com.

Rocher des Doms
This lovely city park was the site of Avignon’s first settlement. The hilltop location of the park lies above the Palace of the Popes, offering the best panoramic views over Avignon and the Rhone River. It’s an ideal place to escape the streets of the city and relax on a grassy lawn and enjoy the views. A small lake, walking paths and sculptures add distraction, and a visit to the park can easily be combined with a visit to the palace or cathedral.