One Day in Avignon: The Best Things to Do + Perfect Itinerary
Last Updated on 2nd August 2026 by Sophie Nadeau
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A city once known as Avenio during the Roman era on account of it being so windy, Avignon is a walled city in the South of France. Nestled in the heart of Provence, this fairytale city is home to the celebrated Palais des Papes, along with magnificent architecture, intriguing historical sights and a maze of sun soaked cobbled lanes that are sure to steal your heart!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the most epic things to do in Avignon, as well as top tips and what to know before you go.
Where is Avignon?
Avignon is located on the left bank of the river Rhône. It is situated in the heart of Provence in southeastern France. The Provençal city is in the vicinity of Orange and is the capital of the French department, Vaucluse. It has a population of just over 92,000 people.
Suggested one day in Avignon itinerary
First founded several millennia ago and once known as Avenio to the Romans, Avignon is a city with many façades, as opposed to only the medieval history aspect that everyone is so familiar with. From the world-famous Pont d’Avignon to discovering the hidden side of the city, here’s a suggested itinerary for how to spend one day in Avignon!
Is one day enough time in Avignon?
Please note that I would personally opt to stay in Avignon for longer than 24 hours if you are able to. After all, the city is home to plenty of great places to eat, a wide variety of accommodation, and is a fantastic place to base yourself for travel in the wider region, particularly if you have access to a car.
With that being said, if one day is all you have in Avignon, then it’s better to go and get a taste for the city than forgo it altogether. Many of the major attractions are grouped together and so you can easily explore the inner city on foot.
8:30 AM — Start with breakfast at Maison Violette
Begin your day in Avignon the French way: with a coffee and something sweet from a local bakery.
Head to Maison Violette on Place des Corps Saints, a charming pâtisserie where you can pick up flaky croissants, raspberry tarts, madeleines, and beautifully crafted French pastries.
The square itself is a lovely introduction to Avignon, with its historic buildings, shady plane trees, and relaxed Provençal atmosphere.
Time needed: 45 minutes
9:30 AM — Explore the Palais des Papes
No visit to Avignon would be complete without stepping inside the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), the city’s most iconic landmark.
Built in the 14th century, this enormous Gothic fortress was once the residence of seven successive popes during the period when the papacy moved away from Rome.
Allow plenty of time to explore the grand halls, chapels, courtyards, and painted interiors. Don’t miss the rooftop terraces, which offer some of the best views over Avignon, the Rhône River, and the Pont d’Avignon.
Time needed: 2 hours
Tip: Book tickets in advance during summer as this is one of Provence’s most popular attractions.
11:45 AM — Visit the Pont d’Avignon
From the Palais des Papes, walk down towards the River Rhône to discover Avignon’s other world-famous landmark: the Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d’Avignon.
Although only four arches remain today, the medieval bridge was once an important crossing point over the Rhône. It became internationally famous thanks to the French nursery rhyme Sur le Pont d’Avignon.
You can either pay to walk along the bridge itself or simply admire it from the riverbanks and continue towards the Rocher des Doms for the best views.
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
12:30 PM — Pick up lunch at Les Halles d’Avignon
For a true taste of Provence, head to Les Halles d’Avignon, the city’s famous covered food market.
This is the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies, with stalls selling:
- Provençal cheeses
- Fresh bread and pastries
- Olives and tapenade
- Local charcuterie
- Seasonal fruit and vegetables
- Fresh seafood
For something special, look out for local delicacies such as fougasse, goat’s cheese, and regional wines.
Time needed: 45 minutes
1:30 PM — Enjoy lunch at Parc Rocher des Doms
Rather than eating inside the market, take your picnic to Parc Rocher des Doms, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Avignon.
This peaceful hilltop garden sits above the city and offers spectacular views over the Rhône, the Pont d’Avignon, and the surrounding countryside.
Take some time to wander through the gardens, discover the small vineyard overlooking the river, and enjoy a slower moment away from the crowds.
Time needed: 1 hour
After seeing the main sights, spend the afternoon exploring the lesser-known side of Avignon.
Leave the main tourist routes behind and wander through the medieval streets to discover:
- Secret courtyards and hidden passageways
- Beautiful historic churches
- Quiet cloisters
- The leaning bell tower of the Église des Célestins
Some of Avignon’s greatest charms are found simply by getting lost among its narrow streets and discovering unexpected corners.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
4:30 PM — Coffee break at Café Tulipe
Take a well-earned break at Café Tulipe, one of Avignon’s trendiest cafés.
This modern coffee shop is a refreshing contrast to the city’s medieval architecture, serving speciality coffee, matcha lattes, homemade cakes, and light lunches.
It is the perfect place to relax before your final evening wander.
Time needed: 45 minutes
5:30 PM — Evening stroll through the old town
Before dinner, take one final walk through Avignon’s historic centre.
Some beautiful places to wander include:
- Place de l’Horloge
- Rue des Teinturiers
- Place des Corps Saints
- The medieval lanes surrounding the Palais des Papes
This is when Avignon is at its most atmospheric, as the day-trippers leave and the golden evening light illuminates the old stone buildings.
Time needed: 1 hour
7:00 PM — Dinner in Avignon
Finish your day with dinner at one of Avignon’s excellent restaurants.
Best for: A special occasion – La Mirande
Best for: Beautiful setting and local cuisine – Au Jardin des Carmes
Best for: Modern French bistro food – L’Agape
What is Avignon known for?
Avignon is known as ‘La Cité des Papes’ (The City of Popes) and celebrated for its colossal sized palace that looms over the city. In fact, it is home to the largest surviving Gothic palace in all of Europe, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Renowned for its architectural beauty and filled with plenty of surviving medieval treasures and hidden gems, there’s a lot to love about this enchanting pocket of Provence.
Also, if you happen to be visiting Avignon during July, then you’ll be just in time for the annual Festival d’Avignon. Showcasing a wide range of performances and cultural events, it has been ongoing since 1947, as a result it is the oldest existent festival in France.
Best things to do in Avignon
Pont d’Avignon
The iconic Pont d’Avignon is actually not a full monument, but rather what is left of a bridge which washed away during the Middle Ages. Built between 1177 and 1185, the bridge originally consisted of 22 connecting arches, attaching Avignon with the pretty town which lies on the opposite side of the water, Villeneuve lez Avignon.
The bridge is known worldwide due to the popular famous French nursery rhyme ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ which is learned and sung by French children all over l’Hexagone and dates back to the 15th-century. In fact, it contributed to making it one of the most famous bridges in all of France!
Today, you can stand on the bridge for a small fee and wander along its cobbled remains, enjoying views overlooking Avignon. Your guided visit includes an in-depth audioguide, which will take you through the history of the bridge, as well as the story of the wider city.
Les Halles d’Avignon
This traditional covered marketplace has been a meeting place for the people of the city for over a century. Home to a huge array of fresh produce including, baked goods, regional delicacies, locally sourced fish and olive stands larger than life, while wandering around you’re sure to be tempted as the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas.
This 19th century traditional French market was made famous by all those who have written about it and depicted the delights it holds, including authors such as Peter Mayle and Jean Viard.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 6AM-1:30PM weekdays and open till 2PM on weekends.
If you’re looking to grab a quick lunch or buy a souvenir from your trip, here are some of my favourite spots in the market:
- Cuisine Centr’Halles Avignon – A true market-to-table lunch experience A great place to stop for lunch and taste dishes prepared using ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding market stalls. Sit at the counter and watch the chefs work with seasonal Provençal produce.
- Serge Olives – The place for Provençal tapenade Pick up jars of tapenade, marinated olives, local olive oils and other apéritif essentials. It is one of the best stops for taking home a taste of Provence.
- La Maison du Fromage – A cheese lover’s paradise Stop here for regional cheeses, especially goat’s cheese from Provence, aged French classics and advice on what to pair with local wines.
- La Cabane d’Oleron – Fresh seafood and oysters A brilliant choice if you want something different from traditional Provençal fare. Expect oysters, shellfish and seafood dishes served fresh inside the market atmosphere.
- Rôtisserie des Halles – Rotisserie chicken and French comfort food Follow the smell of roasting meat and stop here for a simple but delicious market lunch or takeaway.
Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)
Of all the places to visit in Avignon, the Palais des Papes is easily the most famous. As its name would suggest, the fortified residence was the abode of seven successive popes during the 14th-century when the ecclesiastical men fled Rome due to uncertainty in the Middle Ages.
Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Palais des Papes is considered one of the most important pieces of Gothic style architecture in Europe and is of great historical importance for the papacy.
Today, you can truly step back in time by visiting the two historic palaces, many courtyards, and by admiring the painted rooms throughout the complex. The rooftop of the complex offers fantastic views onto the River Rhône, including the Pont d’Avignon.
Appropriate for all ages, upon arrival you’ll be given an interactive tablet with headphones to borrow (this is included in the price of your ticket) giving visitors the full opportunity to explore each room in further depth. Overall, the Palais des Papes is one of the best things to do in Provence.
There’s quite a lot to see, so you will likely need around 2 hours to visit. Admission starts from €12, but you can add on a visit to the gardens and/or Pont d’Avignon, which costs a little extra.
Opening times: Open daily from 9AM-7PM
Jardins du Palais des Papes
The garden of the Palace of the Popes lies beneath the citadel’s fortified walls and is a secret green space amidst the hustle and bustle of the maze of cobbled lanes and narrow streets that make up Avignon’s historic city centre.
With wonderful views of the Papal Palace in all its glory, as well as being a stone’s throw away from all of Avignon’s major attractions, there are benches on which to sit and relax, or perhaps even enjoy a picnic with friends during the summer months.
Notre-Dame-des-Doms d’Avignon
Also known as Avignon Cathedral, it is situated next to the Palais des Papes and is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon. Constructed in the late 12th century, the basilica is built in a Romanesque architectural style.
Parc Rocher des Doms
A popular spot for a promenade, the Rocher des Domes park is a leafy green space that can be reached from the steps leading from the cathedral Notre Dame des Doms.
In the park you can immerse yourself in nature and watch the world go by, filled with leaf shaded pathways, a tranquil pond and several benches to sit back and relax on. While you’re enjoying life in the Provencial landscape, why not read a book set in Provence!
Also found within the confines of the Rocher des Doms park is a vineyard which boasts of wonderful views over the Pont d’Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Though the vineyard may appear as if it has been in situ for centuries, the row of vines overlooking the River Rhône were actually planted in the 1990s.
Wander around the cobbled streets
Truth be told, one of the best ways to get to know the inner city (which is surrounded by fortified walls) is to wander around the maze of cobbled lanes and allow Avignon to reveal itself to you. This way, you’ll come across all sorts of amazing boutiques, bistros, and beautiful architecture.
Rue des Teinturiers is considered to be one of the most picturesque streets of the city, following a small channel of the Sorgue, it offers a serene and tranquil spot to walk along.
Cosy cafés
As with a lot of places when you visit, some of the best moments are when we take a moment to sit at a cafe and enjoy a baked delight as we reflect on our surroundings and indulge in letting the world pass by.
Personally our favourite café in Avignon was Café Tulipe, serving an array of specialty coffee and delicious cakes in a bright and open space, there are also several outdoor seats if you happen to be visiting when the sun is shining!
Here are a few other top suggestions for cosy cafes in Avignon (based on web-reviews):
- Cafés au Brésil – A boutique style coffee shop serving the taste of Brazil! A trendy cafe that will instantly hit you with the smell of coffee as you walk in, you can also purchase beans to take home.
- Milk Shop – Tucked away on a side street, serves bagels and other baked goods as well as coffee and smoothies/milkshakes.
- Regusto – The spot to go for a refreshing ice cream to enjoy as you wander the cobbled streets and soak up the magic of Avignon.
Cloître des Carmes
A former Carmelite cloister, this was the first venue after the Palais des Papes that was invested in by the Festival d’Avignon. Built during the 14th-century, the cloisters were restored in the 1900s and are now a quiet space to relax, complete with their own secret gardens!
Musée Louis Vouland
For a slightly different view of culture in Avignon, visit the small 17th and 18th century decorative arts museum. Set within a hôtel particulier, you can visit the collection which includes an exhibition of Parisian furniture, faience from Marseille and Moustiers, as well as tapestries and paintings.
Opening times: Closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday 2PM-6PM
Couvent des Cordeliers
For those who love a little bit of medieval history, one of the best secret spots in Avignon can be found in the form of the old convent of Franciscans. The brothers arrived in the city in 1226 and, as was customary of the time, they built their church outside the original fortified walls.
Building of the church was completed in the mid-14th-century. However, all this changed after the French Revolution when the ecclesiastical building was confiscated and sold off. Today, you can expect to find just one tiny chapel, a picturesque façade and a crumbling bell tower is all that remains.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
One of the best and yet little-known day trips from Avignon can be found just across the water from the walled city in the form of Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon. Easily one of the prettiest towns in Occitanie, the walk to this off the beaten path town is just forty minutes, while the bus or a car ride takes even less time.
Once in this pretty town, you’ll soon discover spectacular views of Avignon and the surrounding Provençal countryside. You can visit the cultural attraction Fort Saint André, a stunning 14th-century fortification where you can meander along the ramparts. The main part of town includes a centuries-old collegiate church complete with cloisters.
Where to eat and drink in Avignon
La Mirande, 4 Place de la Mirande
Set against the backdrop of a luxruious five-star hotel and in the shadows of the Palais des Papes, this Michelin Star restaurant offers a gastronomic tasting menu which is paired with various wines from the region and beyond. The food is quite literally art and while the experience is pricier than some other places to eat in the city, the culinary tastes are unparalelled.
Au Jardin des Carmes (21 Place des Carmes)
For those who are looking for great food in an even prettier location, this hidden away restaurant serves locally-inspired dishes, including fish plates and wonderful desserts. Well-reviewed, the food comes in at around €30 for two courses and €40 for three courses.
L’Agape (21 Place des Corps Saints)
Not too pricey and consistently ranked as one of the best places to eat in Avignon, L’Agape serves food with a modern twist on a traditional French bistro. Seasonal and delicious, even the bread is made in-house.
How long do you need in Avignon?
There’s a lot to see and explore in Avignon, so ideally you would have at least 3-4 days to see all the main sights. This also allows for enough time to enjoy the city at leisurely pace, as you absolutely should do when visiting the South of France!
Avignon also makes a great base for exploring the wider Provence region and, if you’re looking to enjoy the local area, we recommend taking one or two of our suggested best day trips from Avignon.
Where to stay in Avignon
As one of the largest cities in Provence, Avignon has no shortage of wonderful accommodation options to suit almost any budget and taste. If you’re visiting during the peak season, then it’s best to book your place to stay as far ahead as you can in order to secure your place at your desired place to stay. Here are some of the best places to stay in Avignon
Budget: For those visiting the south of France on a budget, this well-reviewed B&B offers free parking and Wi-Fi. Though not located within Avignon’s city walls, hence the lower price of the accommodation, it’s not too far to walk to Avignon’s main attractions. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: This four-star hotel is situated a 9-minute walk from Avignon Cathedral and amenities include air conditioned rooms, a bar and restaurant on site, and free parking. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: The crème de la crème of staying in Avignon is undoubtedly this five-star hotel, which boasts highlights such as daily housekeeping, a close proximity to the Palais des Papes, and a concierge service. Check prices and availability here.
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