Vaucluse

The Vaucluse department is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with its capital in the historic city of Avignon, which was the seat of the popes in the fourteenth century. The department is a major tourist draw thanks to Mont Ventoux (known as the "Giant of Provence"), lavender fields and colorful Provençal villages. Its economy blends agriculture (fruit, grapes, lavender), cultural tourism (the Avignon Theatre Festival) and small industry. A sunny Mediterranean climate, beautiful Provençal scenery, and a cost of living more moderate than on the Côte d'Azur coast are among the department's defining features.

Avignon, Carpentras, Cavaillon

• Avignon Université - The main university, offering programs in humanities, arts, languages, science and technology.

Central Avignon, especially within the old city walls, is touristy and relatively safe. Some outlying neighborhoods further from the center can be a bit rougher. The smaller Provençal towns are quieter and family-oriented.

Avignon has two train stations (Centre and TGV) connecting it to Marseille, Lyon and Paris. The Orizo bus network operates within the city, and regional buses serve the department.