I have never met anyone who has visited the beautiful French city of Avignon and not been completely charmed by it’s ancient streets, medieval rampant and immense Gothic architecture.

The restored medieval rampart that rings the city makes you really feel like you are immediately stepping back in time. A time of Romans and Popes, a time when Avignon was the capital of the Medieval western world. Because during the 15th century, before the Vatican, Avignon was a papal territory right up until the French Revolution. Avignon did not actually become part of France until the 18th Century.

But Popes and Revolutions aside, Avignon’s history only adds to the extreme allure of the large French provincial town. I only had the chance to pass through for a day, but for two or three days you will not run out of things to do.

Within the city walls, stroll through the cobblestone streets, like the rue des Teinturiers with its paddle wheels on the Sorgue canal which flows through the city. Admire the 18th and 19th century mansions while making your way to the food market. Visit the wine museum and cellars and make the most of free tastings (you are in France after all).

Leave the walled in centre in the evening and admire Pont d’Avignon which stretches into the river Rhône and the historic ramparts that surround the city. If it is a nice evening, buy some fresh food and nice bottle and have a picnic. Eating fresh produce and drinking local wine while watching the sunset reflect in the water was definitely the highlight of my short time in the city.

Avignon seduced me with charming features and fine wine – Just like a Frenchman. And when a frenchman has both charming features and fine wine… Well…  “Tchin-tchin”

Fun Fact: The streets of Avignon are names after ancient professions of the middle ages.