Avignon

Avignon, city in southern France, capital of the Vaucluse Department, on the River Rhône, near the confluence with the River Durance. It is a city noted for its wine trade and garden market; local industries manufacture processed food, leather, textiles, soap, and chemicals. Tourism is also important for Avignon’s economy.

Places of interest within this ancient and beautiful city include a huge 14th-century palace that once served as a residence and fortress of the popes. The beautiful Gothic Basilica of St Peter (14th century) and the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms (12th century) are nearby, and just north of the palace, on rocky heights overlooking the Rhône River, are public gardens. Only a fragment of the bridge of St Bénézet (12th century) remains, but the city still retains its massive 14th-century ramparts, which were only slightly damaged during World War II. The University of Avignon (1973) is also located in the city. A noted theatre festival takes place here annually.

From 1309 to 1377, the period often referred to as the Babylonian captivity of the popes, Avignon served as the seat of the papal court, and from 1378 to 1408 the city was the residence of several of the antipopes. In 1475 it became an archiepiscopal see, and it subsequently became a flourishing commercial centre. During this period, even though Avignon was part of the Papal States and was nominally ruled by legates, the citizens remained largely self-governing. The papacy lost the city during the French Revolution, when Avignon was incorporated by plebiscite into France in 1791. The historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Population 90,800 (2005 estimate).