Avignon is a commune in the southeast of France in the department of Vaucluse on the left bank of the Rhône river. Of the 90,194 inhabitants of the city about 12,000 live in the old city center surrounded by its medieval walls.

The city is now the capital of the department of Vaucluse and one of the few French cities that have preserved its walls. The historic center, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Saint-Bénézet bridge, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The Festival d'Avignon is an important arts festival held in the city in July.

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Avignon has a sub-tropical Cfa climate in the Köppen climate classification, with moderate rainfall all year round. July and August are the warmest months with maximum daily average temperatures of around 30ºC. The driest month is July, when the average monthly rainfall is 35 millimeters. The city is often subject to windy weather; the strongest wind is the mistral.

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A popular tourist destination is Place du Palais, next to Place de L'horloge, although casual tourists may find these places shockingly expensive and flooded during the summer months with tourists. Within walking distance, in almost any direction, are the small squares frequented by locals and at much lower prices. Place Pie with its covered market (open from 6am to 1pm every day) selling fresh produce, cheese, wine and produce is recommended.

The Pont Saint-Benezet is a crumbling bridge not far from the Palais des Papes. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages.

Museums
Avignon has its share of museums, ranging from modern art museums to museums housing artifacts from Roman and pre-Roman times.

Events
The Avignon Theater Festival is famous around the world. For three or four weeks in July, the city is virtually full of street performers, actors, musicians and, of course, tourists.

The International Congress Center was established in 1976 within the prominent facilities of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the year.
Cinema Utopia.
One of the most notable features is the fully refined building itself, its 17th century paintings, wooden stairs and the fantastic "La Manutention".

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A gastronomic city, Avignon hides artisans' treasures and stalls that offer a wide variety of olive groves, Provenza honeys, turrones, chocolates and “Côtes du Rhône” wines. Give the gusto to your buds! Taste the flavors of Provenza and do not forget to taste the papalines, the specialty of the city: a fine chocolate, sugar and oregano liqueur.

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