La Nocturne des Papes
La Nocturne des Papes begins at the Palais des Papes, the large medieval Gothic palace in the center of Avignon. This early May urban trail race winds through city streets, offering two distances: the 5.5 km Petite Nocturne des Papes and the 9.5 km Grande Nocturne des Papes. The event takes place in Vaucluse, within the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, and last year's edition attracted over 300 participants. The course crosses Avignon's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounding the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon. The palace is central to the race's identity; it served as the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century and hosted six papal conclaves, merging the older palace of Benedict XII with the newer palace of Clement VI. The race is also designated as a costumed event, and its motto, "On ne fait pas que danser a Avignon," references the city's well-known association with dance.
