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.

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

A medieval-walled city with papal grandeur and Provençal soul, Avignon delivers headline culture with fewer crowds and better value.

• Culture: Europe’s largest Gothic palace meets living churches; explore the Palais des Papes, Notre‑Dame‑des‑Doms and the chapelled Pont Saint‑Bénézet with room to breathe, then seek out frescoed chapels and sacred‑music concerts in basilicas.
• Atmosphere: Inside the ramparts, cobbled lanes, café terraces and Rue des Teinturiers’ old waterwheels feel delightfully everyday; wander up to the Rocher des Doms gardens for wide Rhône views at sunset.
• Authenticity: From the historic Synagogue to Holy Week Pénitents’ processions and Christmas crèches with santons, traditions are lived, not staged; market squares by Saint‑Pierre keep Provençal flavours front and centre.
• Value & ease: Compact, walkable and calmer than big‑name magnets; many churches are free, the Palais + Pont combo is good value, and off‑season mornings are gloriously crowd‑free.

Avignon is ideal for travellers who love layered history, sacred architecture and atmospheric old towns. From the mighty Papal Palace to intimate penitent chapels and a living synagogue, the city blends UNESCO-grade heritage with everyday Provence. It’s compact, walkable and rich in culture, food and river scenery—perfect for a long weekend or a deeper dive.

• History lovers: Explore the Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in Europe—the Romanesque cathedral and the storied bridge in a single, walkable core.
• Sacred‑heritage seekers: Find living faith in quiet chapels, Holy Week processions and the historic synagogue of the Juifs du Pape, with time for contemplation between visits.
• Culture vultures: Time your trip for the Festival d’Avignon to see theatre in cloisters and concerts in basilicas, or catch summer night projections on the palace walls.
• Scenery seekers: Climb the Rocher des Doms for Rhône panoramas and golden‑hour shots of the Pont d’Avignon and gilded Virgin.
• Foodies: Graze on Provençal produce and Rhône Valley wines in cafés and markets, then linger on pretty Rue des Teinturiers by the old waterwheels.
• City‑breakers: With TGV access, a compact, pedestrian centre and combined tickets for the Palais + Pont, Avignon packs a lot into an easy weekend.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Avignon, the City of Popes. Use this mini‑itinerary to take in the essentials in a day or two.

• Walk the legendary Pont Saint-Bénézet to its chapels and imagine medieval pilgrims crossing the Rhône.
• Explore the vast Palais des Papes, from frescoed chapels to fortress towers, with the immersive HistoPad.
• Visit the Romanesque Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms and linger in the serene Rocher des Doms gardens.
• Take a detour along Rue des Teinturiers, past working waterwheels and cosy cafés by the Sorgue canal.
• Hike the 14th-century ramparts for sweeping views of the city, the bridge and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Avignon, the City of Popes. Use this mini‑itinerary to take in the essentials in a day or two.

• Walk the legendary Pont Saint-Bénézet to its chapels and imagine medieval pilgrims crossing the Rhône.
• Explore the vast Palais des Papes, from frescoed chapels to fortress towers, with the immersive HistoPad.
• Visit the Romanesque Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms and linger in the serene Rocher des Doms gardens.
• Take a detour along Rue des Teinturiers, past working waterwheels and cosy cafés by the Sorgue canal.
• Hike the 14th-century ramparts for sweeping views of the city, the bridge and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Avignon’s food culture is sun-drenched Provençal: olive oil, herbs, ripe vegetables, and Rhône wines. Expect simple, flavour-packed plates and proud local specialities. Think bustling markets, shady café terraces, and cosy wine bars.

• Les Halles d’Avignon – Covered market brimming with olives, goat’s cheese, fougasse and herbs; arrive early to graze at the stalls amid lively market chatter.
• Le Grand Aïoli – Classic Provençal platter of garlicky mayonnaise served with poached fish, eggs and seasonal vegetables; a Friday favourite in family-run bistros and café terraces.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône – Iconic local reds, whites and rosés; taste flights in snug wine bars or take a short trip to nearby domaines.
• Papaline d’Avignon – Pink, Chartreuse‑liqueur chocolates unique to the city; pick up a box from old-town pâtisseries and enjoy with an espresso at a café.

Avignon’s food culture is sun-drenched Provençal: olive oil, herbs, ripe vegetables, and Rhône wines. Expect simple, flavour-packed plates and proud local specialities. Think bustling markets, shady café terraces, and cosy wine bars.

• Les Halles d’Avignon – Covered market brimming with olives, goat’s cheese, fougasse and herbs; arrive early to graze at the stalls amid lively market chatter.
• Le Grand Aïoli – Classic Provençal platter of garlicky mayonnaise served with poached fish, eggs and seasonal vegetables; a Friday favourite in family-run bistros and café terraces.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône – Iconic local reds, whites and rosés; taste flights in snug wine bars or take a short trip to nearby domaines.
• Papaline d’Avignon – Pink, Chartreuse‑liqueur chocolates unique to the city; pick up a box from old-town pâtisseries and enjoy with an espresso at a café.

Choosing where to stay in Avignon is about picking the right area, not a specific hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe—from medieval lanes to river‑island calm—so match your base to what you value most (history, quiet, family space, or festival buzz).

• Intra‑Muros — medieval streets around the Palais des Papes and Place de l’Horloge; best for first‑timers and history lovers who want everything walkable (cobbles, crowds in summer).
• Rue des Teinturiers — bohemian, canal‑side strip with waterwheels and indie cafés; lively during the Festival d’Avignon, great for nightlife and creatives, calmer off‑season.
• Villeneuve‑lès‑Avignon — serene small‑town feel across the Rhône with the Chartreuse and Fort Saint‑André; suits couples/families seeking space, views, and easy bus/taxi links.
• Île de la Barthelasse — green river island with cycle paths, farms and pool‑friendly stays; ideal for drivers and cyclists wanting quiet, parking and wide Rhône views.

Choosing where to stay in Avignon is about picking the right area, not a specific hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe—from medieval lanes to river‑island calm—so match your base to what you value most (history, quiet, family space, or festival buzz).

• Intra‑Muros — medieval streets around the Palais des Papes and Place de l’Horloge; best for first‑timers and history lovers who want everything walkable (cobbles, crowds in summer).
• Rue des Teinturiers — bohemian, canal‑side strip with waterwheels and indie cafés; lively during the Festival d’Avignon, great for nightlife and creatives, calmer off‑season.
• Villeneuve‑lès‑Avignon — serene small‑town feel across the Rhône with the Chartreuse and Fort Saint‑André; suits couples/families seeking space, views, and easy bus/taxi links.
• Île de la Barthelasse — green river island with cycle paths, farms and pool‑friendly stays; ideal for drivers and cyclists wanting quiet, parking and wide Rhône views.

Getting to and around Avignon is straightforward, with most highlights clustered inside the medieval walls. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will help you plan a smoother visit.

• Affordability: Expect café lunches €14–20, mid-range dinners €25–35 per person, espresso €2–3; rooms run roughly €60–100 (budget/off-season), €110–170 (mid-range), and €180–300+ in July festival weeks.
• Transport: The walled centre is very walkable; TGVs connect from Paris/Marseille (shuttle to the centre), TER trains and buses reach Arles, Nîmes, Pont du Gard, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, while a car helps for Luberon villages—park outside the ramparts.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and major sights; a few polite phrases (bonjour, s’il vous plaît, merci) go a long way.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; watch for petty theft in festival crowds, mind uneven cobbles and summer heat, and dress modestly when entering active churches.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–August (very busy in July during the Festival), shoulder months May–June and September are pleasant, and October–March is quiet with shorter hours but lower prices.

Getting to and around Avignon is straightforward, with most highlights clustered inside the medieval walls. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will help you plan a smoother visit.

• Affordability: Expect café lunches €14–20, mid-range dinners €25–35 per person, espresso €2–3; rooms run roughly €60–100 (budget/off-season), €110–170 (mid-range), and €180–300+ in July festival weeks.
• Transport: The walled centre is very walkable; TGVs connect from Paris/Marseille (shuttle to the centre), TER trains and buses reach Arles, Nîmes, Pont du Gard, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, while a car helps for Luberon villages—park outside the ramparts.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and major sights; a few polite phrases (bonjour, s’il vous plaît, merci) go a long way.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; watch for petty theft in festival crowds, mind uneven cobbles and summer heat, and dress modestly when entering active churches.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–August (very busy in July during the Festival), shoulder months May–June and September are pleasant, and October–March is quiet with shorter hours but lower prices.

Avignon follows a Mediterranean rhythm: mild, bright winters and hot, dry summers, with the mistral sometimes sharpening the air. The Festival d’Avignon in July is the key driver of peak seasonality, when prices and visitor numbers surge.

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm, fresh light and blossom; manageable crowds (busier at Easter/Holy Week); ideal for unhurried church visits and riverside walks.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Very hot and dry; peak crowds, queues and prices; electrifying vibe during the Festival d’Avignon as cloisters and chapels host theatre.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Warm days, cooler evenings; thinner crowds after summer; highlights include European Heritage Days in mid‑September and golden light over the ramparts.

Avignon follows a Mediterranean rhythm: mild, bright winters and hot, dry summers, with the mistral sometimes sharpening the air. The Festival d’Avignon in July is the key driver of peak seasonality, when prices and visitor numbers surge.

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm, fresh light and blossom; manageable crowds (busier at Easter/Holy Week); ideal for unhurried church visits and riverside walks.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Very hot and dry; peak crowds, queues and prices; electrifying vibe during the Festival d’Avignon as cloisters and chapels host theatre.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Warm days, cooler evenings; thinner crowds after summer; highlights include European Heritage Days in mid‑September and golden light over the ramparts.

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 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.

Who should go to Avignon?

Avignon is ideal for travellers who love layered history, sacred architecture and atmospheric old towns. From the mighty Papal Palace to intimate penitent chapels and a living synagogue, the city blends UNESCO-grade heritage with everyday Provence. It’s compact, walkable and rich in culture, food and river scenery—perfect for a long weekend or a deeper dive.

• History lovers: Explore the Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in Europe—the Romanesque cathedral and the storied bridge in a single, walkable core.
• Sacred‑heritage seekers: Find living faith in quiet chapels, Holy Week processions and the historic synagogue of the Juifs du Pape, with time for contemplation between visits.
• Culture vultures: Time your trip for the Festival d’Avignon to see theatre in cloisters and concerts in basilicas, or catch summer night projections on the palace walls.
• Scenery seekers: Climb the Rocher des Doms for Rhône panoramas and golden‑hour shots of the Pont d’Avignon and gilded Virgin.
• Foodies: Graze on Provençal produce and Rhône Valley wines in cafés and markets, then linger on pretty Rue des Teinturiers by the old waterwheels.
• City‑breakers: With TGV access, a compact, pedestrian centre and combined tickets for the Palais + Pont, Avignon packs a lot into an easy weekend.