Avignon Travel Guide, France

If you are looking for things to do in Avignon, the answer starts with the popes. Between 1309 and 1377, seven successive popes lived here, and the city stayed under papal control until 1791. That is why Avignon is known as the City of the Popes, and why the Palais des Papes dominates the skyline.

The historic centre, about 16,000 residents within medieval walls, is one of the few in France to keep its ramparts. It is also home to Avignon Cathedral and the Pont d’Avignon, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is compact and easy to walk, with squares, cafes and lanes inside the walls.

Avignon sits on the Rhône in the Vaucluse department of Provence, so it also works as a base for villages, vineyards and Roman sites in the surrounding countryside.

Palais des Papes

The world’s largest Gothic palace was built in the 14th century. Its huge stone rooms are largely empty apart from frescoes, so a guide or audio tour helps. Allow two hours. Book ahead in high season and check current opening hours and prices.

Pont d’Avignon

The famous bridge, formally Pont Saint-Bénézet, now stops partway across the Rhône. You can walk onto it for views of the river and the city. Plan about an hour including the small museum. Check the latest opening and ticket details.

Avignon Cathedral and Rocher des Doms

The cathedral stands next to the palace, and the Rocher des Doms park rises above it. Together they give a quiet break and the best views over the Rhône. Plan one hour. Go in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler air.

The city ramparts

The medieval walls were built to protect the city, and large sections survive. Walking part of the circuit is a good way to orient yourself. Plan 45 to 90 minutes, and check which sections are open. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone.

Place de l’Horloge and the old streets

The main square is lined with cafes and a theatre, and the surrounding lanes are good for wandering. Plan an hour or two. Eat away from the main square for better value, and check market days if you want local produce.

Les Halles market

The covered market is a good way to see local Provence produce, cheese, olives and prepared food. Plan 45 minutes to an hour. Go in the morning, since stalls close by early afternoon, and check which days it runs.

Festival d’Avignon

The city hosts a major theatre festival, usually in July, which fills the streets with performances. It is exciting if you like theatre, but hotels book early and prices rise, so check dates and book well in advance if you plan to attend.

Avignon has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best months for sightseeing are April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm without being oppressive. July and August can be very hot, and July also brings the festival crowds. Winter is quiet and cool, with fewer visitors and some businesses closing for part of the season. The mistral, a strong northerly wind, can blow at any time of year.

Avignon has two main stations. The TGV station lies south of the city, with fast trains from Paris, which take roughly three hours, and from Lyon and Marseille. Avignon Centre station is just outside the walls and serves regional trains. A shuttle links the two stations; check current times. The nearest large airports are at Marseille and Nîmes, and many visitors continue by train or bus from there.

Inside the ramparts, everything is walkable, and a car is more trouble than help because of narrow streets and limited parking. Local buses and a small shuttle cover the centre. For villages and vineyards, you can use regional buses, an organised tour or a rental car. Cycling along the Rhône is another option in good weather.

Because the old town is small, you can reach most sights on foot from anywhere inside the walls.

• Inside the ramparts near the palace: the best choice for first-time visitors, with atmospheric guesthouses and hotels close to the main sights. Streets can be noisy on summer evenings.
• Near Place de l’Horloge: lively, with restaurants and cafes, and suits travellers who want an evening scene.
• Near Avignon Centre station: practical for rail travellers and often better value, with an easy walk to the gates.
• Outside the walls and countryside: quieter and often cheaper, suitable for those with a car who plan to explore Provence.

Book early for July, when the festival fills most rooms.

One day is enough for the palace, bridge and a walk through the old town, but two days is more relaxed and leaves room for the market and ramparts. Three days gives time for a day trip into Provence. If you only have one day, start early and prioritise the palace.

1. Day 1: Palais des Papes in the morning, the cathedral and Rocher des Doms for views, then an afternoon on the Pont d’Avignon.
2. Day 2: Les Halles market, a walk along the ramparts and a slow evening around Place de l’Horloge.
3. Day 3: Day trip to a Provence village or vineyard by tour, bus or car.

Check opening hours, as some attractions close one day a week.

Marseille

France’s major Mediterranean port is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away by train or road. It offers a busy harbour, museums and seafood. Plan a full day, check train times, and start early to see the main sights.

Nice

The French Riviera city is a long journey from Avignon, usually by train, and works better as a separate stop than a day trip. Allow at least a couple of days to enjoy the seafront and old town.

Lyon

A major city on the Rhône known for food and its old quarter. It is reachable by fast train, so a long day trip is possible, but an overnight stay is more relaxed. Check train times in advance.

Provence villages and vineyards

The countryside around Avignon has hill villages, lavender areas and wineries within an hour or so. Tours, buses or a rental car make this a good half-day or full-day trip. Check seasonal highlights such as lavender, which is generally in bloom around summer.