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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...').

Flood, fire, pillaging, plague and Le Mistral (a violent, cold and northwesterly wind) have all ravaged Avignon, but this gorgeous city has remained remarkably 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 center of Christendom and the Palais des Papes was home to a series of popes.