The union of Avignon and the Comtat with France in 1791

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

The French Revolution transformed the position of Avignon and the Comtat. Demands for reform and union with France were accompanied by debate, conflict and violence.

Reform and conflict in 1789–1790

In 1789–1790, demands for reform grew in Avignon. A new municipality was elected and the vice-legate left in June 1790. Supporters of union with France opposed defenders of papal sovereignty. The National Assembly initially hesitated to intervene.

Monument marking the centenary of union with France © Vincent Flachaire

Union with France

Conflict spread into the Comtat, particularly around Cavaillon and Carpentras. On 14 September 1791, the National Assembly voted to unite Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin with France. The Vaucluse department was created in 1793, with Avignon as its administrative centre.

The Glacière massacre

During the night of 16–17 October 1791, around sixty prisoners were killed in the Palace of the Popes. The Glacière massacre formed part of reprisals following the murder of the revolutionary Lescuyer. It had a major impact and deepened the town’s political divisions.

Jourdan “Coupe-Tête”, a participant in Avignon’s Revolution

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