Avignon

Avignon is one of the most beautiful and impressive cities in Provence, surrounded by remarkable crenellated walls that stretch over 4 kilometers. The city is primarily known for the “Avignon Papacy” (1309-1378), when seven popes chose to reside here rather than in Rome.

The impressive Papal Palace, constructed during this period, is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Avignon also hosts an annual theater festival that attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe, as well as the famous Saint-Bénézet Bridge.

With an active university adding youthful energy to its historic setting, Avignon offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for a multi-day visit.

Main Attractions

The Papal Palace (Palais des Papes)

The Papal Palace is undoubtedly Avignon’s main attraction. This vast 14th-century structure showcases impressive Gothic architecture and is recognized as one of Europe’s most significant medieval palaces. Built relatively quickly—within about 30 years—it features well-fortified walls and thick, imposing structures.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – September), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (October – March)
• Entrance Fee: Approximately €12 for adults, €10 for students, free for children under 8
• Expert Tip: Arrive early (before 10:00 AM) to avoid long queues, especially during tourist season. Rent an audio guide to delve into the fascinating history of the site and learn about the original paintings visible in various rooms.

Inside the palace, you’ll discover 20 impressive rooms and spaces, including the private chambers of the popes and stunning frescoes by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. Be sure to visit the Grand Tinel Hall, the Consistory Room, and the Great Chapel.

Saint-Bénézet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon)

Avignon’s iconic bridge, known as the “Pont d’Avignon,” was constructed between 1171 and 1185. Originally measuring about 900 meters with 22 arches, only four arches remain today due to repeated flooding of the Rhône River. Nonetheless, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer), 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM (winter)
• Entrance Fee: About €5 for adults; a combined ticket with the Papal Palace is around €14.50
• Expert Tip: Visit the bridge at sunset for stunning photographs. For the best view of the bridge, head to the opposite bank of the river, toward Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

According to legend, the bridge was inspired by a young shepherd named Bénézet, who claimed that angels instructed him to build a bridge at this precise location. The bridge is pedestrian-only and features the Philippe le Bel Tower and the Chapel of Saint Nicholas, both worth exploring.

Avignon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms)

Adjacent to the Papal Palace, the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral is a Romanesque masterpiece from the 12th century. This impressive cathedral is historically significant as the site where the popes of Avignon were crowned.

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (daily)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Expert Tip: Visit in the morning to see the stunning stained glass windows illuminate the interior with natural light.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find numerous works of art, historic furniture, and illuminated prayer books. The apse, rebuilt in Baroque style in 1672, features gilded decorations and beautiful tapestries.

Rocher des Doms Gardens (Jardin des Doms)

Perched above the cathedral, the Rocher des Doms Gardens provide a breathtaking view over the city. This serene escape from urban touring features manicured walking paths, a small lake with swans, and a variety of plant life.

• Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Expert Tip: For a tranquil experience, visit early in the morning when locals are present or in the late evening to watch the sunset over the river.

The gardens blend English and French landscaping styles, making them an ideal place for relaxation. Don’t miss the terrace overlooking the Rhône River and the small café (Buvette), perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink.

Additional Attractions

Clock Square (Place de l’Horloge)

Clock Square is Avignon’s main square and the hub of city life. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating, it features an impressive clock tower and provides a great spot to relax and observe the daily activities of the city.

• Expert Tip: While restaurants in the square tend to be pricier, you can find higher-quality dining options at lower prices just a street or two away.

During the summer, particularly during the theater festival, the square comes alive with street performances and various shows. If you’re visiting in July, you’ll experience a particularly vibrant atmosphere.

Dyers’ Street (Rue des Teinturiers)

Dyers’ Street is one of the most picturesque streets in Avignon. Once the center of the city’s silk industry, it features four historic water wheels. The cobblestone-paved street is lined with beautiful stone houses.

• Expert Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the sunlight casts intriguing shadows on the stones. Numerous small galleries and local shops are worth exploring.

The street boasts a romantic ambiance, with quaint restaurants and boutiques, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and stunning photography.

Barthelasse Island (Île de la Barthelasse)

Barthelasse Island, the largest river island in France, is situated in the Rhône River between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. This island provides a tranquil escape from urban life, featuring lush landscapes and agricultural farms.

• How to Get There: You can either walk from the old city (approximately a 15-minute walk) or rent a bicycle.
• Expert Tip: Renting a bike is a great way to explore the island, as it has well-marked cycling paths. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy a meal by the riverbank with a view of the old city.

The island offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including cycling, picnicking, and hiking. The views of the old city from the island are particularly stunning, especially during sunset.

Museums

Avignon boasts several intriguing museums:

Calvet Museum (Musée Calvet)

This historic art museum features a diverse range of collections, from ancient archaeology to fine art, with a particularly fascinating Egyptian department.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Entrance Fee: Approximately €6

Lambert Collection (Collection Lambert)

Housed in two 18th-century buildings, this contemporary art museum showcases a variety of works, including photography, video clips, paintings, and sculptures.

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (June-September), 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (October-May)
• Entrance Fee: Approximately €10
• Expert Tip: If you plan to visit multiple museums and sites, consider purchasing an “Avignon Pass.” It provides discounted entry to the Papal Palace, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, and various city museums.

3-Day Itinerary in Avignon

Day 1: Historic Center

Morning:

• 9:00 AM: Begin your day at the Papal Palace (set aside at least 2-3 hours for the visit).
• Utilize an audio guide to better appreciate the rich history of this location.

Noon:

• Enjoy lunch at Clock Square, sampling local Provençal cuisine.
• Recommended dishes include Ratatouille, Daube (local stew), or Salade Niçoise.

Afternoon:

• 2:30 PM: Visit Avignon Cathedral (approximately 45 minutes).
• 3:30 PM: Tour the Rocher des Doms Gardens for breathtaking views.
• 5:00 PM: Explore the old city walls.

Evening:

• 7:00 PM: Head to the Saint-Bénézet Bridge before sunset for beautiful photographs.
• 8:30 PM: Have dinner at one of the restaurants in the Dyers’ Street area.
• Expert Tip: Many sites are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• 10:00 AM: Visit the Calvet Museum (allow about 2 hours for your visit).
• Take some time to stroll through the old city streets, discovering hidden alleys and inner courtyards.

Noon:

• Enjoy lunch in the Rue des Teinturiers area.
• Be sure to check out the historic water wheels along the canal.

Afternoon:

• 2:30 PM: Visit the Lambert Collection (approximately 1.5 hours).
• 4:30 PM: End your afternoon at the Petit Palais Museum.
• 6:00 PM – Browse local markets (if open) for unique souvenirs.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner in the old city.
• If you’re visiting during festival season (July), try to secure tickets for a theater performance.
• Expert Tip: On Tuesdays, a traditional Provençal market takes place in Place Pie, offering a wonderful opportunity to purchase local products.

Day 3: Surroundings and Relaxation

Morning:

• 9:00 AM – Rent bicycles and tour Barthelasse Island.
• Cycle along the river and take in the scenic rural views (approximately 2-3 hours).

Noon:

• Enjoy a picnic on the riverbank with a view of the old city.
• Alternatively, have lunch at one of the rural restaurants on the island.

Afternoon:

• 2:00 PM – Take a short cruise on the Rhône River (about 45 minutes, approximately €12 per person).
• 4:00 PM – Return to the city for last-minute shopping and relaxation.

Evening:

• 6:00 PM – Take a farewell walk along the ancient walls while watching the sunset over the city.
• 8:00 PM – Celebrate with dinner at a recommended local restaurant.

Expert Tip: If you have a rental car, consider a day trip to Pont du Gard or the picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence instead of visiting Barthelasse Island.

Day Trips from Avignon

Pont du Gard

This impressive ancient Roman aqueduct is located approximately 25 km west of Avignon. The three-tiered structure rises to a height of 49 meters and was part of the Roman water supply system for the city of Nîmes.

• Distance from Avignon: About 25 km (approximately a 30-minute drive)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (winter)
• Entrance Fee: Approximately €9.50 for adults, which includes access to the museum.
• Expert Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. In summer, you can swim in the Gardon River—don’t forget your swimwear!

The site also features a museum that explains the history and engineering techniques of the Romans, along with options for kayaking on the river and walking trails in the area.

Les Baux-de-Provence

This picturesque village perched on a cliff is located about 30 km south of Avignon. The ruined fortress at the summit, Château des Baux, provides visitors with an engaging experience, complete with full-sized reconstructions of siege engines.

• Distance from Avignon: About 30 km (approximately a 35-minute drive)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM (summer), 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (winter)
• Entrance Fee to the Fortress: Approximately €10 for adults.
• Expert Tip: Don’t miss the nearby Carrières de Lumières—an ancient quarry transformed into an impressive light and sound gallery that projects works of art onto the stone walls.

The village itself is enchanting, featuring narrow alleyways and local boutiques. It is recommended to spend at least half a day exploring the area.

Practical Advice

When to Visit

• Best Season: The ideal times to visit are April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and fewer tourists are present.
• Avignon Theater Festival: This festival takes place annually in July, typically from the 5th to the 25th. If you plan to attend, it’s essential to book in advance as prices significantly increase during this period.
• Avoid August: The month can be extremely hot and overcrowded with tourists, resulting in peak hotel prices.
• Expert Tip: If you visit during festival season, make hotel reservations at least six months in advance. Late June is a great time to enjoy good weather and experience the festival preparations, while avoiding the large crowds.

Transportation

• Getting to Avignon: The TGV train station is approximately 6 km outside the city, offering direct connections from Paris (about 2.5 hours). Additionally, there is a central train station within the city.
• Within the City: The old city is compact and can be easily navigated on foot. City buses are also available, with Line 7 connecting the TGV station to the city center.
• Tourist Train: A tourist train offers a 45-minute city tour, costing about €8 for adults.
• Bicycle Rental: Renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to explore the city and its surroundings, with many cycling routes available at about €15 per day.

Expert Tip: If you plan to visit sites outside the city, consider renting a car for a day or participating in organized tours, as many companies offer day trips to popular locations in Provence.

Accommodation

• Within the Walls: Accommodations here are more expensive but offer the convenience of being within walking distance of attractions, with prices starting at about €100 per night.
• Outside the Walls: More affordable options are available starting at around €60-70 per night.

Recommended Hotels Within the Walls:

• Hotel d’Europe (a historic luxury hotel)
• La Mirande (a boutique hotel located across from the Papal Palace)

More Economical Options:

• Hotel Danieli (located outside the walls, a short walk from the center)
• Ibis Avignon Centre Gare (near the central train station)

Expert Tip: For a unique experience, consider staying in small guesthouses (chambres d’hôtes) housed in renovated historic buildings. Many offer beautifully designed rooms at reasonable prices alongside excellent homemade breakfasts.

Food and Drink

• Covered Food Market (Les Halles d’Avignon): An exceptional place to purchase local products and soak in the atmosphere. The market operates from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is closed on Mondays.
• Main Food Street: Rue des Marchands features a diverse selection of restaurants.

Local Foods to Try:

• Daube d’Avignon—traditional beef stew
• Fougasse—local bread with olives and herbs
• Papeton d’aubergines—an eggplant soufflé

Local Drinks: Don’t miss out on Rhône Valley wines, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with its winery located about a 20-minute drive from Avignon.

Expert Tip: Steer clear of restaurants in the main tourist squares. Instead, venture back 1-2 streets to discover more authentic dining options at lower prices. Keep in mind that lunch is generally cheaper than dinner, with fixed menus (menu du jour) starting around €15-20.

Limitations and Drawbacks

• Tourist Congestion: The city becomes very crowded during the summer months, particularly in July during the festival.
• Cost of Living: As a popular tourist destination, prices in downtown Avignon tend to be quite high.
• Limited Opening Hours: Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays and holidays.
• Summer Heat: July and August can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F).

Expert Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, using the intense midday heat for museum visits or a chance to rest.