| The 17th Century Mint, now the Music Conservatory |
Avignon is one of the principal cities in Provence, in the south of France. It started out as a small city state in the early Middle Ages. But its rise to true prominence began in the 14th Century when the popes moved to France from Rome, to escape the intriques of the court. From that point on, Avignon became the city today, dominated by the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes).
In addition to the mighty palace/fortress, there are many other vestiges of Avignons past. There are also numerous museums, cafes and bistros. All making for a key destination, and one to use as a base for explorations further afield. |