Avignon, France

Capital City

Living in Avignon is a mixed bag - the city boasts a rich cultural heritage, drawing 4 million visitors annually, but the incessant mistral winds can be a persistent headache, blowing on average 120-160 days per year at gusts over 110 km/h. With a population of just 92,188, this historic commune in southern France is the seat of the Vaucluse department, but the local bureaucracy can be a daunting labyrinth to navigate. However, for those drawn to the region's renowned festivals, cuisine, and Mediterranean climate, Avignon may still prove an alluring choice.