Eighteenth-century Avignon: the plague of 1721 and French influence

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century

In the eighteenth century, Avignon remained papal but depended heavily on its relations with France. The epidemic of 1721 and economic difficulties weakened this balance.

The epidemic of 1721

Plague reached Avignon in 1721 despite protective measures introduced after its appearance in Marseille. It caused thousands of deaths. Restrictions on movement and the loss of many workers had a lasting effect on the town’s economy.

Plague in Marseille, detail of a painting by Michel Serre, Musée des Beaux-Arts

The weaknesses of the urban economy

Manufacturing and trade had to contend with French regulations. The silk industry faced serious difficulties, but Avignon’s economy cannot be reduced to smuggling alone. Commercial relations with towns in the French kingdom remained essential.

Panorama of Avignon by P. Bonnard, Musée Calvet

The French occupation of 1768–1774

From 1768 to 1774, France again occupied Avignon and the Comtat amid tensions with the Holy See. Papal sovereignty was then restored. Before the Revolution, opinions on the territories’ future remained varied; they cannot be divided simply into pro-French townspeople and pro-papal nobles.

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century