The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

AVIGNON

Avignon is the capital of Vaucluse department in France, located on the left bank of the Rhone. It is an ancient Roman town at the crossing of the Rhone. Avignon is the Provencal tourist centre.
From 1309 to 1376 seven popes in succession, from Clement V to Gregory XI., resided in this city. After its purchase by Pope Clement VI. in 1348 Avignon and its district continued, with a few interruptions, under the rule of a vice-legate of the pope's until 1791, when it was formally united to the French Republic.
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