As I was looking through the files on my old laptop, I came across some notes about Avignon—a town in the south of France. I visited it while studying at the language school of Montpellier. I was amazed by the scenery of the Avignon’s major attraction as well as by its calming atmosphere and inviting street musical bands. But, first things first…

Avignon is a small and rather rural southern town in France. It’s mainly known for the international annual theatrical festival held here, in the heart of Provence.

The French director Jean Villard founded the Avignon Theatre Festival in 1947 and remained its director up until 1971. His death was the only thing that separated the Master from his Masterpiece.

The Avignon Festival is one of the most eccentric and free spirited theatrical festivals in the world. All performances are held in the open air, basically, there is no set up or even a theater curtain. The stage is located in the depths of the main attraction spot of Avignon — Palace of the Popes ( Le Palais des Papes).

It was one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Medieval Europe. The Palace has to change quite a few “masks” throughout its history: it used to be a fortress, then a palace. But its greatest mission of all was to serve as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Antipope Benedict XIII in 1394.

When approaching the grandeur of the Palais des Papes, I got a subtle feeling of my own insignificance. What am I in comparison to this huge, breathtaking machine? Here even the air has a mysterious historical flavor and the flow of time slows down significantly. From the observation deck of the Palace tourists see the river Rhone and the half-missing bridge of Saint-Benezet. The Bridge of Avignon became famous in the 15th century when a song called “Sur Le Pont d’Avignon”( “On the Bridge of Avignon “) was written in its honor.

The atmosphere of the Provencal city is relaxing and warm. In summertime it attracts crowds of tourists – the main admirers of street musicians and talking statues. Lovers of Gothic art will appreciate its architectural diamonds-the Church of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Didier and Saint-Agricole.

And for the idle onlookers there are hundreds of cafes available at every step. They are, undoubtedly, the best places to relax from the hustle and bustle of life. Pour yourself a glass of the traditional rosé wine and contemplate the intoxicating aromas of lavender and Provence herbs around.

As they like to say here, in Southern France: “Une journée sans vin est une journée sans soleil” ( “A day without wine is a day without sunshine “).