Avignon
On highway A8 and route N7, 600km from Paris, 100km from Marseille. 2:30 from Paris by High Speed train.
Avignon, its bridge, its Palais des Papes, a magnificent city to discover
Welcome to majestic Avignon, a city that instantly transports you to the heart of the 14th century! We invite you to discover this ancient City of the Popes, where every street tells a fascinating story. The Palais des Papes, Europe's largest Gothic palace, dominates the city with its imposing silhouette, while the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet still dances on the Rhône.
Right in the heart of the historic center, you'll stroll through a veritable open-air museum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural effervescence is particularly palpable in July, during the theater festival that transforms the city into the biggest stage in France. From theaters to restaurants to charming hotels, we'll guide you to the best addresses for an unforgettable experience in this must-see city of our beautiful Provence.
Avignon, city of the Popes
Behind the superbly preserved ramparts, you'll discover the city of the Popes after passing through one of the seven main gates: the Palais des Papes built in the 14th century and its lively square, the famous Pont d'Avignon, the Petit Palais and Palais du Roure museums.
Discover the narrow streets of downtown Avignon
Stroll through the streets of Avignon! You'll be charmed by the old streets, the inner courtyards of private mansions and the restored facades. One of the city's most elegant is rue Joseph Vernet, with the Calvet and Requien museums right next door.
Don't miss the Antiquaires district, the Place de l'Horloge or the covered walkway leading to the Rocher des Doms. From the top of the ramparts, you'll understand why the city of the Popes became a formidable fortress palace: Avignon overlooks the vast spaces of the Rhône plain, and is the strategic capital of the Rhône valley. Also worth a visit is the superb church of Saint Pierre.
Avignon, city of theater and festivals
Avignon is also the capital of the performing arts, with its theater festival (created in 1947 by Jean Vilar). It generally takes place between July 10 and August 5. Some 120,000 spectators flock to discover young companies or admire shows and actors with established reputations from France and all over the world.
The historic settings give these shows (dance, theater and music) a new and often refreshing light. The OFF festival is a veritable laboratory for young talent and trendsetters. Street performances round off the inimitable atmosphere that reigns late into the evening on restaurant terraces after the shows, bringing actors and spectators together.
Tourism: visit a vineyard near Avignon
If you'd like to visit a vineyard near Avignon, here are two suggestions not to be missed.
Located 16 km north of Avignon, the domaine de la Janasse now extends over more than 90 hectares. The estate is one of the elite in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation, producing warm wines with fine tannins. Come and visit the estate to discover their production secrets and taste their different cuvées, all free of charge. Know more and book online
Just 20 minutes from Avignon are the Vignobles Mayard, family estate for 5 generations. Committed to producing quality wines, the estate uses integrated farming methods to bring out the best in their exceptional terroir. The estate has won awards in the main wine guides (Revue des Vins de France, Bettane et Desseauve), and produces wines of great complexity, which you can taste in their magnificent vaulted cellar dating from the 17th century. Know more and book online
Finding accommodation for your holidays in Avignon
With the plethora of holiday accommodation on offer in Avignon, it's not always easy to make a choice and find the best deals. At the bottom of this page, you'll find our recommendations for accommodation in Avignon, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday rentals. These are little nuggets not to be missed. Don't forget to book your holiday as soon as possible, as Avignon is a very popular destination with tourists from France and abroad, especially during the holidays and the Avignon Festival. These accommodations are located in Avignon itself or in the surrounding villages.
Our map of Avignon
To find your way around Avignon, you can use our interactive city map. We've included all the city's points of interest (Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, Eglise Saint-Pierre...) as well as our accommodation recommendations.
What to see
The Palace of the Popes.
Saint Benezet Bridge (the famous "pont d'Avignon").
The Opera.
The Hotel de Ville. Various churches.
Cloitre St. Louis.
The Images Museum (more than 1,000 images of Avignon).
The Petit Palais museum (paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance).
The Calvet Museum.
The Lapidaire Museum (archeology, prehistory and paintings from the XVI to the XX centuries).
Leisure activities
Theater. Opera. Art Gallery.
Swimming pools, horse riding. Tennis.
Squash. Skating rinks.
Ballads and river excursions on the Rhone river.
Hotels
Charming and cozy boutique hotel renovated with elegance ideally located in the heart of Avignon. Refined rooms and spacious suites overlooking the Palais des Papes
Bed and breakfast
5 guest rooms incl 1 family suite in a contemporary 19th C house
Air conditioning - TV - Small summer kitchen - 1 ha Landscaped park
Large pool 14 X 7 - Massages - Table d'hôtes
Bed and breakfast, 4 guest rooms incl 1 suite of 2 rooms for 3 to 4 pers
each with separate entrance and terrace. Sw.Pool. Private shaded parking. On Ile de la Barthelasse
Bed and breakfast - 5 guest rooms and suites 2 to 4 pers in a historic mansion overlooking Avignon. Panoramic view. Garden. Swimming pool. Workshops of painting and sculpture. Theme stays
Bed & Breakfast - 5 guest rooms (incl 2 suites) roomy and individually personalised - Spacious rooms and individual entrances - swimming pool - Massages
4 air-conditioned charming bed and breakfast, comfortable and cozy. Large swimming pool 14X6, jacuzzi, massages, pool. In a magnificent lush setting. Secure closed parking, gourmet table d'hôtes (former chef).
5 bed and breakfast in a 16th renovated house full of charm on 2,5 ha landscaped park with pool. Ping pong, bike rentals - Ile de Barthelasse, 5 km from Palais des Papes + 3 cottages, 1 gypsy caravan, Studio and apartment
Holiday rentals
Charming and prestigious apartment 250m² up to 6 people in a mansion of character, in the center, in the heart of old Avignon with quiet private garden 500m². 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Closed garage.
3 cottages and 1 gypsy caravan for 2 pers on 2,5 ha landscaped park,
Studio 2 pers, apart 4 pers in a 16th renovated house (+ 5 B and B) - Pool - Ping pong, bike rentals - Ile de Barthelasse - 5 km from Palais des Papes
Accomodations
Hotels.
Vacation rentals.
Bed and breakfast.
Campsites.
QUESTIONS FROM VISITORS ABOUT AVIGNON
We've received a lot of questions about Avignon. Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions, which may be of interest to some of you.
How can I visit Avignon in 1 day?
If you only have one day to spend visiting Avignon, we recommend you start at the famous Pont d'Avignon, then cross the Parc du Rocher des Doms towards the Palais des Papes and the old centre. Enjoy a bite to eat on a terrace in the old town and discover the Quartier des Antiquaires in the afternoon, taking a refreshing break in the narrow streets of the district. You can get to and from Avignon TGV station easily if you're coming from far away.
Which villages to visit around Avignon?
There are many beautiful villages in the Vaucluse close to Avignon. If we had to recommend a few, we'd recommend l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Morières-lès-Avignon and if you have a little time, discover the wonders of the Luberon: Gordes, Bonnieux, Lourmarin...
What to do and where to go in Avignon
A stroll through the historic centre of Avignon is a must, as is a visit to the Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d'Avignon. The papal gardens, the narrow streets of the city centre and the Hôtel des Monnaies are all marvellous places to discover. It's not for nothing that Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in the south of France.
Is Avignon a good place to eat out?
Oh yes, there are many excellent Provencal and/or gastronomic restaurants in the city of Avignon! As Avignon is a city of art and culture, it is very popular with high society and there are plenty of high-end restaurants in the city centre. You'll be spoilt for choice if you're looking for a good restaurant in Avignon. Remember to book in advance if you're in the middle of the tourist season (Festival d'Avignon, school holidays, etc.).
How do I get to Avignon?
Avignon is easy to get to thanks to its strategic location in Provence. The TGV station connects you to Paris in just 2 hours 40 minutes, and a free shuttle bus runs to the city center every 15 minutes. And don't forget: the downtown station is ideal for regional journeys throughout Provence.For motorists, the Île Piot and des Italiens park-and-ride facilities are the ideal choice. These parking lots offer attractive rates and are connected to the center by frequent bus services. The Orizo bus network efficiently serves the whole city with its 30 regular routes. Tip: avoid driving into the city center during the Festival in July. Opt instead for alternative means of transport, which will save you a lot of hassle.
What to do in Avignon
Every July, the legendary Avignon Festival transforms the city into a theater capital. Book your tickets several months in advance for the IN shows, but also let yourself be surprised by the hundreds of OFF performances in the streets and courtyards of Avignon. For an enriching cultural visit, start with the Palais des Papes, Europe's largest Gothic palace. The histopad, an interactive tablet, plunges you into the atmosphere of the 14th century, with fascinating 3D reconstructions. An ideal discovery for young and old alike!
Art lovers will particularly appreciate the Petit Palais museum and its exceptional collection of Italian primitives. In summer, enjoy the freshness of the Halles market, open every morning except Monday, to sample local specialties. For a refreshing break, head for the Avignon Olympic swimming pool on Barthelasse island. Families can spend a whole day swimming and picnicking in the surrounding green spaces. A perfect activity on a hot summer's day. Culture lovers? Don't miss the Collection Lambert, a contemporary art center housed in two sumptuous townhouses. Temporary exhibitions rival the creativity of the permanent collection.
Why is Avignon famous?
Avignon is famous for three main things:
- Avignon was the residence of the Popes in the 14th century and the Palais des Papes is an architectural marvel,
- the famous Pont d'Avignon, on which people dance in popular song, is also very beautiful,
- The Avignon Theatre Festival is the most famous and prestigious theatre festival in the world.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Le Pontet (3km) and Morières les Avignon (10km).