Avignon

Day 1: The papal heart of Avignon Arrive inside the walls and ease into the city that once ruled Christendom. Today you’ll trace the UNESCO-listed ensemble around the Rocher des Doms, where palace, cathedral and bridge tell the story of medieval power.

• Morning: Start at the Palais des Papes as doors open to beat the groups. Pick up the combined ticket with the Pont Saint-Bénézet and use the HistoPad to visualise frescoes and furnishings; there are many stairs and uneven floors, so flat shoes are essential and accessibility is limited.
• Midday: Step next door into the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms for quiet contemplation and the tomb of Pope John XXII; dress modestly and keep voices low if a service is on. Picnic or take lunch on the shaded terraces of the Rocher des Doms gardens with Rhône views.
• Afternoon: Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet to the chapels of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Bénézet; the AR/3D reconstructions help you imagine the full 22-arch span. If it’s hot or rainy, swap in the Musée du Petit Palais (cardinals’ palace, superb early Italian panels) a few minutes’ walk away.
• Evening: Stroll via Place de l’Horloge for dinner and people-watching. Summer only: book Les Luminessences d’Avignon, the night-time sound-and-light show in the palace courtyard; off-season, enjoy a blue-hour wander along the ramparts for quiet city views.

Day 2: Parish life, hidden chapels and the Jewish quarter Shift from grand papal spaces to the living fabric of faith: parish churches, confraternities and the long-rooted Jewish community. Go early for soft light and near-empty naves; carry a scarf for shoulders and a few coins for candles.

• Morning: Begin at the Basilique Saint-Pierre to admire the flamboyant façade and carved walnut doors before the square fills. Continue to Collégiale Saint-Didier (don’t miss Francesco Laurana’s Carrying of the Cross) and then Église Saint-Agricol, Avignon’s oldest parish church—expect some midday closures on Sundays.
• Midday: Drift down Rue des Teinturiers along the canal and old waterwheels for a relaxed lunch. Pop into the Cloître des Célestins (usually open by day) for a peaceful pause in a late-medieval cloister.
• Afternoon: Visit the Synagogue of Avignon in the historic carrière; tours are guided only and must be reserved in advance (check availability before you travel). If closed, head to Temple Saint-Martial (Reformed church in a former abbey) or Église des Carmes for an austere mendicant vibe.
• Evening: Check parish and city listings for organ or choral concerts—church acoustics shine at night. July only: many cloisters (including Célestins) become theatre venues during the Festival d’Avignon; book early and allow time to queue.

Day 3: Monastic calm across the Rhône and contemporary culture Cross to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon for Carthusian tranquillity, then loop back for Avignon’s living culture. This day balances cloistered silence with convivial evenings.

• Morning: Take the short bus/taxi ride (or cycle) over to the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon—the largest Carthusian monastery in France, with three cloisters and frescoes linked to the papal artists. It’s mostly level, with ample spots to sit and absorb the quiet.
• Midday: Lunch in Villeneuve’s old centre, then return to Avignon intra-muros. If you’re keen on architecture, detour past a few livrées cardinalices (cardinals’ palaces) such as the Livrée Ceccano courtyard en route.
• Afternoon: Try for one of the Pénitents chapels: the lavish Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs (limited openings; best chances during European Heritage Days in mid-September) or the Pénitents Gris (noted for the Miracle des Eaux). Otherwise, walk a section of the ramparts and circle back through quiet backstreets.
• Evening: For a last sunset, head to Île de la Barthelasse for views back to the bridge and palace—local lore says the famous dancing happened under the bridge here. Dine within the walls; in summer, book ahead and allow extra time as the festival crowds peak, while in cooler months you’ll find a calmer, more local rhythm.

By Air

• Avignon-Provence (AVN): 10 km SE; very limited seasonal flights. Taxi ~20 min to the centre; local bus to Avignon Centre.
• Marseille Provence (MRS): 80 km S. Drive 1–1h15. From airport: shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport rail station (5 min) then TER to Avignon Centre (~1h total), or bus to Marseille St‑Charles (25–30 min) then TGV/TER to Avignon (35–45 min); overall 1–1h45.
• Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes (FNI): 55–60 min by car; limited low‑cost routes.
• Montpellier Méditerranée (MPL): 1h15–1h30 by car. Tram to Montpellier St‑Roch + train to Avignon (rail leg 35–45 min).
• Lyon–Saint‑Exupéry (LYS): 2–2h30 by car. Direct TGV from LYS to Avignon TGV ~1h (limited); via Lyon Part‑Dieu ~1h30–1h50.
• Paris CDG (CDG): Direct TGV to Avignon TGV in ~3–3h30 (several daily).

By Train

• Stations: Avignon TGV (high‑speed hub, 5–6 km from centre) and Avignon Centre (intra‑muros). TER shuttle trains link the two every 15–30 min; journey ~5–6 min. Taxis and local buses also connect.
• Typical high‑speed times to Avignon TGV:
  • Paris Gare de Lyon: 2h40–3h
  • Paris CDG: ~3–3h30 (direct TGV)
  • Lyon Part‑Dieu: ~1h
  • Marseille St‑Charles: 35–45 min
  • Montpellier St‑Roch: 35–45 min
  • Nîmes: 20–30 min
  • Nice: ~2h45–3h30 (direct TGV or via Marseille)
  • Geneva: ~3–3h30 (1 change)
  • Barcelona: ~4h30–5h (direct AVE/RENFE on select days)
• Operators: TGV INOUI, OUIGO (some services), TER (regional), AVE/RENFE (Spain).

By Coach/Bus

• Main stop: Gare Routière d’Avignon (by Avignon Centre station, just outside the ramparts).
• Operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
• Sample times (traffic‑dependent): Marseille 1.5–2h; Lyon 3–4h; Montpellier 1.5–2h; Paris 9–10h (often overnight); Barcelona 6–7h.

By Car

• Motorways: A7 (Lyon–Marseille) serves Avignon directly (Exits 23 Avignon Sud, 24 Avignon Nord). A9 (towards Nîmes–Montpellier–Spain) nearby via Remoulins.
• Approximate driving times: Marseille ~1h; Lyon ~2h15–2h30; Montpellier ~1h15; Nice ~2h30–3h; Barcelona ~4h45–5h.
• Parking: Historic centre is largely pedestrianised; use car parks outside the walls or park‑and‑ride (e.g., Île Piot, Les Italiens) with shuttle buses into the centre.
• Car hire: Available at Avignon TGV and Avignon Centre, and at major airports.