A day there exploring the well-preserved Roman ruins and delectable restaurants will set the tone for the cultural explosion to come. Keep roaming south through the valley infamous for wine until you reach the quaint village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a must-visit in the region. The star of the valley, though, is at its southernmost flank; Avignon is a medieval fairytale town that's traffic-free and an idyllic addition to your France itinerary. Steves says on his website: "A detour to Avignon is time well spent. Clean, lively, and popular with travelers, this city is an intriguing blend of medieval history, youthful energy, and urban sophistication."