History of avignon, france
Located in Southern France and 85 km form Paris, Avignon is a commune that is moderately-populated. Its name was derived from the Avennius clan and considered to be one of the most thriving cities during the Roman Empire.
In the 5th century, Avignon suffered under the hands of barbarians and was eventually passed to Kingdom of Arelat in 1033. The end of the 12th century saw to Avigno’s assertion as an independent republic and after years of defending its independence, it was finally united to the French Crown in 1271.
Avignon was considered papal territory from 1309-1377. Many Roman Catholic Popes including Pope Clement V, Pope John XXII, Pope Benedict XII, Pope Clement VI and Pope Innocent VI stayed at the Palais des Papes, an impregnable fortress during those times but has become a museum today.
more information about avignon
As a tourist destination, Avignon is filled with many interesting cultural and historical sites like the St. Benezet Bridge, Papal Palace and Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral. Christmas in Avignon is a rare treat for the sense. Celebrated for 40 days until Candlemas, this Old Provencal tradition features entertainment-filled streets, a marvelous Christmas Market and parades.
From Paris Gare de Lyon or Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, you can reach Avignon aboard the high-speed train, LGV. Many hotels provide comfortable accommodations and are usually located in close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and other landmarks that displays Avignon’s two thousand years of heritage. 
As for the museums, you can not find another place which boasts of such an exceptional collection of paintings mostly from the Renaissance period. . Avignon museums include Musee Carnavalet, Musee Angladon, Musee Louis-Vouland, Musee Requien and Palais du Roure.
Indeed, this beautiful city of Avignon deserves to be called a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the many unique qualities that never let us forget its tumultuous yet colorful history.