Avignon
Graceful Avignon’s turn as the seat of papal power bestowed on the city a treasury of magnificent art and architecture, none grander than the massive medieval fortress and papal palace, Palais des Papes. Ringed by incredibly preserved 800-year-old stone ramparts, Avignon is now a lively student city, its ancient cobbled streets lined with inviting boutiques and its leafy squares overflowing with cafe tables. In July thousands come for the renowned performing-arts festival.
Read more about Avignon on Lonely Planet!
Nice
With its unusual mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and exceptional location, Nice’s appeal is universal. Everyone from backpackers to romance-seeking couples and families love sitting at a cafe on cours Saleya in Vieux Nice, a bench on the legendary Promenade des Anglais or a smooth pebble beach for an epic sunset. Eating options are stupendous, the nightlife buzzes and the local arts scene is thriving. You could happily spend a week here and still be hungry for more.