Avignon, situated in the heart of the Vaucluse region in the south of France, is famed for two celebrated attractions - Le Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace) and Pont St Bénezet (the bridge made famous in the ditty ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse, on y danse...’).

But the city has much more to offer. The Palais des Papes marks the skyline with its graceful and ornate spires, an exterior more awe-inspiring than anything inside. The famous bridge of Pont St Bénezet, erected in the 12th century, to carry St Bénezet over to the neighbouring village of Villeneuve, nowadays retains only four of its original 22 arches.

Flood, fire, pillaging, plague and Le Mistral (a violent, cold and northwesterly wind) have all ravaged Avignon. Allegedly, the town got its name from the Celts, who dubbed the area ‘Avenio’ (‘the town of violent winds’), in the Bronze Age. Despite all of this, most of Avignon amazingly has remained intact.

Around every corner of the narrow, winding cobbled streets, elaborately decorated chapels, churches and convents are revealed. Most date from the 14th century, when Avignon became the centre of Christendom and the Palais des Papes was home to a series of seven popes, often more interested in plotting and partying than religion.

Situated on the River Rhône, the setting of Avignon is as colourful as its history, with images straight out of a Van Gogh painting. Quiet streets, secluded courtyards and secret gardens, cosy pavement cafés and fantastic restaurants frequented almost entirely by locals make Avignon the perfect place for a romantic weekend away.

Nevertheless, the city is rarely completely at peace. In the 13th century, Avignon became known as the ‘ringing town’ because of its proliferation of bells. Today, during the summer months, the population of some 89,000 is almost doubled by tourists.

Although subject to the infamous Mistral, Avignon’s climate is otherwise pleasant, with warm summers, perfect for alfresco activities. The annual Avignon Festival runs throughout July and attracts aspiring performers and aficionados of the arts. The official festival usually numbers over 40 different acts - most of them performing in the evocative courtyard of the Palais des Papes or in old churches and cloisters around Avignon.

There is also a local ‘fringe’, known as the ‘Off’ Festival, which comprises 400 acts running non-stop from dawn through to the early hours. Every lamppost and railing is covered with signs advertising some performance, every café has a resident musician and every square is crammed with minstrels, clowns and artists. The scene would be straight out of medieval times, if it were not for the tourists.