Avignon

Step into the majestic heart of Provence in Avignon, the “City of Popes,” where the massive 14th-century Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in the world—rises in breathtaking stone splendor with its fortified towers, grand halls, frescoed chapels, and sweeping views over the Rhône River, while the famous Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) stretches halfway across the water as a symbol of medieval engineering and the beloved nursery rhyme.

Wander the narrow, winding streets of the UNESCO-listed historic center enclosed by intact ramparts, explore the elegant Place de l’Horloge with its carousel and lively cafés, visit the charming collection of the Petit Palais museum, or relax in the shady gardens of the Rocher des Doms overlooking the river and the surrounding countryside—all in a vibrant city that perfectly blends papal history, Provençal culture, and the gentle rhythm of southern France.

Savor fresh ratatouille, tapenade, lavender-infused honey, and crisp Côtes du Rhône wines amid warm Provençal hospitality, bustling markets, and the unmistakable light and color that inspired generations of artists.