Avignon

Avignon is a city in southeastern France. It is the capital of the department of Vaucluse. This ancient city is beautifully situated on the left bank of the Rhône, near the confluence of the Durance. It had various fortune from its foundation by the Phocæans in 539 B.C.; was the seat of the Papacy from 1305 to 1377, purchased by Pope Clement VI at that period. It served as the residence of the popes during their exile from Rome, and belonged to the Papacy from that time until 1797, when it was appropriated to France. The city contains a number of interesting buildings. By the beginning of the 20th century it carried on a large trade in wine, oil, and fruits; and grew and manufactured silk in large quantities. It is one of the largest commercial areas in Europe.