5 Best Performing Arts in Avignon, Provence

Founded in 1947, this is the oldest theater festival in France and one of the biggest in the world. It takes place over three weeks in July and features more than 1,500 performances held in venues throughout the city. The Off Festival ( www.festivaloffavignon.com), which is held simultaneously, is less formal and highlights productions by smaller, more experimental companies.

This hip cultural complex, on a picturesque cobbled street just behind the Palais des Papes, includes the Utopia–La Manutention movie theater, a well-regarded restaurant, the AJMI jazz club, and a relaxed bar that's popular even with those not seeing a show. Its location in front of the Avignon School of the Arts and its eclectic style—a mix of antique and contemporary touches—make it a big draw for the town's artsy crowd.

This theater shows hard-to-find international independent works. There's another location on Rue Figuière.

For information on events and tickets, stop at this massive book-and-record chain.

This theater proves that culture and the arts are not limited to festival season, with a year-round schedule that ranges from classical concerts, ballet, and opera to Broadway musicals.