France, Avignon

Avignon is a commune in southern France with an estimated mid-2004 population of 89,300 in the city itself and a population of 290,466 in the metropolitan area at the 1999 census.

Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse département. It is situated on the left bank of the Rhône, a few miles above its confluence with the Durance, about 580 km (360 m.) south-south-east of Paris, 143 m. south of Lyon and 85 km (55 m.) north-north-west of Marseille. Its coordinates are 43°57′N 4°50′E.

Avignonnais speak French in the sing-song tones of the Midi. Many of the older generation speak Provençal, the Romance language of southern France, closely related to Latin. Even those who do not, pepper their speech with Provençalisms.

Avignon at any time of the year is a major stopover on the route from Paris to the Mediterranean. Lately, it has become well known as a cultural center. Artists and painters in increasing numbers have been moving here. Experimental theaters, painting galleries, and art cinemas have brought diversity to the inner city, especially rue des Teinturiers.

Avignon's cultural scene hits the headlines each July, with the Avignon Festival, created by Jean Vilar in 1947. It is the oldest and most famous of the festivals in France. Originally pure theatre, the event now includes contemporary and religious music, dance, poetry, circus, films, exhibitions and debates involving up to 600 separate organisations.

Routes to the city: The motorways A7 (direction Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Italy) and A9 (direction Nîmes, Perpignan and Barcelona) are located 7km and 10km (4 and 6 miles) from central Avignon, north and southwest respectively.

Approximate driving times to Avignon: From Marseille is 1 hour; from Barcelona is 3 hours 45 minutes and from Paris is 6 hours.

Coach services: The coach station, Gare Routière, boulevard St Roch (tel: (04) 9082 0735) serves the Vaucluse department, including Aix, l'Isle/Sorgue, Nîmes, Carpentras and Cavaillon.