Lovely Avignon is a central part of European history. Nestled against the the Rhône River in Provence region of in southeastern France, the city stuns with historic sites like the formidable Palais de Papes, the former residence of seven Popes from 1309 to 1377.

You can also visit the Musée de Petit Palais where episcopal bishops once lived; it’s now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s filled works of Italian masters, such as Botticelli, Carpaccio, and Bellini, as well as a collection of Avignon sculptures and paintings, once acquire by Napoleon II for the Louvre Museum. If you get tired, take time for tea at the museum’s tea salon.

Avignon has its fair share of festivals. If you’re in town during a festival, check it out; there are festivals honoring blues, jazz, Provence traditions, gourmet food, the circus, and more. The annual Christmas market is very popular during winter.