10+ Epic Things to do in Avignon, The Gateway to Provence
Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
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.
Contents
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.
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.
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.
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! If you only have a short time in the city, check out our suggested one day in Avignon itinerary.
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.
Enjoyed reading about the most epic things to do in Avignon? Pin this article now, read it again later:
