Avignon is the capital of Vaucluse and the home of Côtes‑du‑Rhône wines, and it’s a place where history is everywhere. But you’ll also find art, nature, great food… and of course, tons of theatre!
With its UNESCO‑listed sites, fun activities, and easygoing lifestyle, Avignon gives you a real taste of the best of Provence.
Plan at least 3 days to fully appreciate all its treasures, and take the time to wander through its narrow streets punctuated by charming little squares, elegant townhouses, and grand spaces that bear witness to the papal era. Avignon, an open-air museum exceptional in France.
Find all accommodation in Avignon and its surroundings!
so beautiful
A flamboyant past
The papal city alone encompasses 5 sites listed in the Unesco World HeritageAn impressive list of achievements for a city of this size. And indeed, when you stroll around Avignon, you don't know where to look, so amazed are you by the beauty of the place.
The Avignon Tourist Office also offers 3 suggestions for historical walks for visit Avignon on foot, and discover at your own pace the history of this unique city.
The walls
The first thing that fascinates us when we arrive in Avignon is its ramparts, recognized by UNESCOThese fortifications, erected to defend the city from attackers, still protect it from the Rhône's floods. Today it is primarily a exceptional site where you will enjoy taking a stroll.
The Palace of the Popes
After strolling through the picturesque streets of Avignon, we head towards the city's emblematic square: the Place du Palais.
There it is, right in front of us, the stone colossus, a complete piece of French history. Palais des Papes It was built starting in 1335 and was constructed in less than 20 years.
For essentially political reasons, in the 9th century, XNUMX Popes resided in Avignon and made this city the capital of Christianity.
Love at first sight
The Palace Gardens which invite you to a moment of relaxation surrounded by southern plants.
Our little tip: The monument provides the Histopad, a touchscreen tablet for a fun and interactive experience.
The visit takes the form of a treasure hunt!
More info on: https://www.palais-des-papes.com/fr
The Avignon Bridge
"On the bridge of Avignon, we dance, we dance..." you have it in mind, right?
Better known as " the Avignon bridge » thanks to the nursery rhyme that we all know, The Saint-Bénezet bridge is a real technical feat!
Built from the 12th century, It once connected the two banks of the Rhône, and the city of Avignon to Villeneuve lez AvignonA bearer of legends, an emblematic monument of the ProvenceToday, only 4 of the original 22 arches remain.
Favorite: Close to the bridge
Looking for an extraordinary experience? We recommend renting a canoe or paddle for unique perspectives. Get up close to the the bridge of Avignon, or take a step back from the ramparts during a stroll along the Rhône.
so nature
A Green Escape
After being dazzled by the sights of the city, fancy some fresh air? Avignon invites you to reconnect with nature in its parks and gardens, accessible to all, as well as on the paths of theBarthelasse Island, the city's “green lung”.
The Rocher des Doms
This English-style garden, perched on the rock overlooking the Palais des Papes, rises 30 meters above the Rhône and offers a panoramic view of the Gard and Vaucluse regions, Villeneuve lez Avignon, located just opposite, to the Alpilles via Mont Ventoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhône valley.
A true haven of coolness with its pond where ducks and swans paddle, and its century old treesIt is a popular place for strolling and relaxing. You can see the few vines of the only AOC vineyard within the city walls: the Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes.
Barthelasse Island
What if we went to the the countryside at the city's gates, on the largest river island in Europe? Located between Avignon and Villeneuve lez AvignonIt offers 700 hectares of peace and greenery, just a few minutes' walk from the historic center. You can also discover the Avignon bridge and the Rocher des Doms from a different perspective, perfect for taking a stunning photo!
We recommend you take the time to explore this island on foot or by bike, “between the arms of the Rhône".
The Cable Ferry
This Free Shuttle It provides a link between the Quai de la Ligne, at the foot of the Rocher des Doms, and the Île de la Barthelasse, thus offering you privileged access to explore it on foot or by bike.
What you need to ride
Are you motivated to hit the road on your two wheels? Here's everything you need to know to make your journey go as smoothly as possible.
Vélopop'
Explore Avignon cycling around the city has never been so easy and enjoyable, thanks to infrastructure designed for cyclists.
In addition to a growing number of cycle paths, you will have access to 30 Vélopop' stations for approximately 300 self-service bicycles.
This rental service offers 1-day passes and weekly passes.
The Bicycle House
Getting around the city by bike is completely natural! With the Maison du Vélo inaugurated this Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the Grand Avignon has a reception area, advice and resources within the Avignon Multimodal Exchange Hub.
The Bicycle House of Grand Avignon, It is :
- des information on the various cycling services offered by the Grand Avignon (secure bicycle lockers, purchasing assistance, Vélopop' self-service bicycles, etc.).
- un flawless discovering cycling and getting back in the saddle.
- des training modules to the repair of their own bicycle (changing a wheel or repairing a headlight for example), thus helping to keep residents' bicycles in good working order and encouraging their regular use.
Everyone on the bike!
The most beautiful walks
This area of the Vaucluse is relatively flat, perfect for exploring Avignon and its surroundings by bicycle! We suggest a few of the walks which are worth the detour…
Easy level
Les Foins de Montfavet-balade à vélo-58
Moderate level
L’Île de la Barthelasse-balade à vélo
Easy level
The Great Boats of Provence
To discover Avignon in a different way, we offer you a little cruise on the Rhône! The Company of the Great Boats of Provence invites you to take a day trip from Avignon to discover Villeneuve, or even the cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape!
Allées de l’Oulle 84000 Avignon
event
The Avignon festival
If you are lucky enough to be at Avignon in JulyThis event is unmissable (in every sense of the word, because you couldn't miss it even if you wanted to)! For a month, the city is alive with the energy of the troupes that tour it, in a joyful mix of colors and music. Dance, circus, music, and above all, THEATRE—you're sure to find something to amaze you, with more than 1000 shows available. “OFF” festival
Another atmosphere but just as spectacular, the “IN” festivalCreated in 1947 by Jean Vilar, it celebrates renowned artists in historic settings such as the Courtyard of Honor of the Palace of the Popes.
A place of culture
The opera Grand Avignon is an emblematic place of the Grand Avignon for his rich and varied program, as much as for the place itself.
Plan your trip
Sleep and eat
To spend a few days in Avignon, there are many options for all budgets.
so good
Gourmet discoveries
Avignon shines not only with its rich cultural heritage, but is also distinguished by its gastronomyProvence boasts a multitude of inviting places to savor its regional specialties and delicacies. We're sharing our tips to help you make the most of it!
Avignon Gourmet Tours
And if you would like a tour with professionals for a UNIQUE experience Combining culture and fine food, this is an experience not to be missed!
La Rue des Teinturiers
A picturesque street paved with pebbles from the Durance River, it takes its name from the intense industrial activity linked to textiles that flourished between the 14th and 19th centuries. It starts at the ramparts and follows the Sorgue River to the intersection with Rue des Lices, displaying four paddle wheels on his journey.
It's popular in summer for refreshing walks along the canal in the shade of the plane trees. There are also many cafes and restaurants. which invite you to enjoy the Avignon way of life.
A gastronomic journey
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
For those who want to make a real culinary discovery, we recommend
these restaurants that have 1 ☆ at Michelin.
The market halls
Recognizable by its incredible green wallThe covered market of Les Halles is a popular meeting point in Avignon, where locals, tourists, and famous chefs mingle to find fresh produce.
We recommend visiting it to explore seasonal produce and benefit from the culinary advice of the welcoming vendors.
Saint-Pierre d'Escarvaillac Estate
Did you know that Avignon has been recognized as the capital of the Côtes-du-Rhône since 1966? It is a prime destination for discovering the wines of the region.
We suggest you start with the Saint-Pierre d'Escarvaillac estateThe only wine cellar in the city, where red wines have been vinified in authentic stone cellars since the 13th century. Its Romanesque building welcomes you for tasting workshops and guided tours all year round, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Avignon's wine heritage.
The good taste of the land
Farms and producers
Avignon also has a rural side, where you can enjoy good artisanal productsWe even recommend paying them a short visit to get away from it all after the city.
The market
Each Saturday morning The market in Avignon's city centre stretches from Place des Carmes to Place Carnot. It's a great place to meet vendors selling quality local and Provençal products.
Mobility
Arriving in Avignon
By train, by bike, by car… discover all the options for getting to Avignon.
The ViaRhôna
What better way to discover the region than by bicycle? Luckily, you can reach Avignon via the ViaRhôna.
And if you would like to discover other walking and cycling routes available in the area, it's here.
Avignon train stations
For train lovers, you have the choice:
Avignon-Centre: located in the city centre, it is a regional station. Avignon TGV: located southwest of the city.
Montfavet: located east of the city, in the Montfavet district, it is Avignon's other regional station.
Explore more!
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Come and discover and rediscover these villages of the Gard and Vaucluse regions, each with its own unique characteristics.
Visiting Avignon means discovering the heart of Provence, where the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon tell centuries of history. This city, rich in museums and gardens, such as the Rocher des Doms, invites you to a unique day of sightseeing. Between discovery tours and strolls through the cobblestone streets, each visit is adorned with enriching experiences. Don't miss the Petit Palais museum to complete your journey through time. Avignon, with its papal past and enchanting setting, is the ideal destination for those looking to create unforgettable memories from their stay. And of course, the Avignon Festival, THE largest French live performance festival, is a must-see in Avignon, or a good way to visit Avignon on foot.
And if you're wondering which village to visit around Avignon, or unusual places around Avignon, we'll tell you all about the other towns in Grand Avignon on our site, with reviews and advice to help you!