Avignon, a former papal city nestled on the banks of the Rhône, combines medieval history, a vibrant cultural scene, and the relaxed Provençal way of life. We were captivated by the diversity of its cultural heritage, from the Palais des Papes to its museums and gardens perched on the Rocher des Doms.
This town in the Vaucluse region appeals to history buffs and theater enthusiasts alike during the Avignon Festival.
In this article, we share with you 10 reasons to visit this city.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Avignon is well worth a visit, if only for its Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world. We enjoyed the city’s rich cultural offerings, including museums, a theater festival, and lively side streets.
You’ll also discover the Provençal way of life, with markets, restaurants, and walks along the Rhône. We list the reasons in more detail below. You can also take a look at our selection of the city’s top attractions.
Reason 1 – A UNESCO-listed architectural complex, located between the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet
The Palais des Papes has overlooked the city since the 14th century, a period during which the papacy left Rome to settle in Provence for nearly 70 years. We were struck by the size of the Old Palace and the New Palace, and by the frescoes by the painter Matteo Giovannetti that remain in the Saint-Martial Chapel.
Just a few steps away, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge—also built in the 12th century—retains only four of its original twenty-two arches: a unique appearance that we find moving. You can book a combined ticket to visit both attractions without waiting in line. Book your combined ticket for the Palais des Papes and the Bridge here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Avignon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
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See our complete selection of the best hotels in Avignon (coming soon)
Reason 2 – A historic district best explored on foot, from square to square
The historic center of Avignon, surrounded by ramparts, can easily be explored on foot in about an hour and a half. Rue des Teinturiers, lined with plane trees and bordered by a branch of the Sorgue River, is one of our favorite places, with its old waterwheels that remind us of the textile industry of days gone by.
Place Pie, bustling with its market and outdoor cafes, is a good starting point for exploring the narrow streets, while Place de l’Horloge is home to City Hall and the Opéra Grand Avignon, surrounded by 19th-century facades. You can sit out on the patio there before continuing your exploration.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 3 – A remarkable concentration of museums, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary art
Avignon is home to several high-quality museums. The Lambert Collection, housed in two 18th-century townhouses, brings together works of contemporary art from the collection of gallery owner Yvon Lambert. For its part, the Angladon Museum houses the only work by Vincent van Gogh on display in the PACA region, surrounded by paintings by Picasso, Modigliani, and Cézanne, in period-style private apartments that we found quite moving.
The Calvet Museum, housed in a Baroque mansion, rounds out the picture with its Egyptian antiquities, while the Petit Palais Museum exhibits Italian Old Masters, including works by Botticelli. You can visit several of these museums for free.
Check out the Avignon City Pass— see details
Reason 4 – An ideal location for exploring all of Provence
Avignon is ideally located for visiting exceptional cities, charming villages, and magnificent regions. There are many day trips to explore that are less than an hour away:
- The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just 25 km away,
- The Luberon, including the villages of Gordes and Roussillon, is less than an hour away. See guided options
- The Camargue, with its salt marshes and pink flamingos, is about an hour away, and we count this region among our favorite destinations in France. See guided options
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its wines, is located 20 km away
- Orange and its ancient theater are 30 km away.
- and much more!
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Reason 5 – A rich culinary scene, featuring bustling markets and renowned wines
Les Halles d’Avignon, recognizable by its green facade designed by landscape architect Patrick Blanc, welcomes Provençal producers every morning who sell cheese, olives, and herbs. We loved the lively atmosphere of this covered market, where locals and visitors mingle. You can also take part in a guided tasting at Les Halles. Check out the tasting activities here.
The city also offers some excellent restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant La Mirande and Restaurant Acte 2, which features a creative menu. The region showcases the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Côtes du Rhône, as well as truffles from the Luberon.
Reason 6 – Hilltop gardens and a pristine island along the Rhône River
Perched on the Rocher des Doms, the gardens and their lookout point offer a panoramic view that takes in the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Rhône River, Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon, and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux. We especially enjoyed this spot in the late afternoon, when the light highlights the contours of the ramparts.
On the other side of the river, Barthelasse Island features 700 hectares of meadows and orchards crisscrossed by bike paths. You can get there by taking the ferry from downtown to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town for a few hours. The views of the ramparts from the island are among the most beautiful in the region.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Panoramic Cruise – View Options and Availability
- Gastronomic Activities: Cooking Classes and Tours with Tastings— see options and availability
- Art and photos: see options and availability
Reason 7 – A Rich and Unusual Cultural Heritage
Right next to the Palais des Papes, the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral, founded in the 12th century, combines Romanesque elements with Gothic additions. Its bell tower is topped by a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, visible from many parts of the city, and it houses the tomb of Pope John XXII, carved in the 14th century.
Not far from there, the Bains Pommer—a former Belle Époque spa—traces the history of a family and the evolution of hygiene practices: we found this detour particularly unique, far from the usual tourist trails.
Reason 8 – Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon: A Heritage Extension on the Other Bank
Just a few minutes from Avignon, on the other bank of the Rhône, Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon boasts a cultural heritage that rivals that of its neighbor. Fort Saint-André, a 14th-century fortress perched on Andaon Hill, features well-preserved towers and ramparts. You can book your ticket to Fort Saint-André right now. Book your ticket here.
We loved the views from the ramparts, which take in Avignon and the surrounding plain. The Philippe Le Bel Tower, the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, and the Pierre de Luxembourg Museum round out this rich cultural heritage.
Reason 9 – A world-renowned theater scene thanks to the Avignon Festival
Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Avignon Festival transforms the city into a world capital of theater every July. The main courtyard of the Palais des Papes hosts the Festival In, the official selection, while the Festival Off takes over the streets, schoolyards, and chapels during the event’s three-week run.
We were captivated by the special energy that fills the city at that time. You’ll find theater, dance, and circus performances to suit every budget, but we recommend booking in advance. Visit the official festival website for more info here.
Reason 10 – A pleasant destination year-round, offering a balance of excitement and tranquility
Avignon is worth visiting any time of year, as it has two very distinct sides. In the summer, the city comes alive with the Festival, with its shows and crowded outdoor cafes. We find that winter, on the contrary, offers a calmer atmosphere, perfect for visiting museums without waiting in line and for leisurely strolls through the historic center.
The Mistral may blow at this time of year, but the weather is often clear and sunny. This way, you can choose the time of year that best suits your preferences, whether it’s the lively atmosphere of summer or the tranquility of winter.
DISCOVER Avignon
- Best things to do in Avignon
- Where to stay in Avignon: best hotels (coming soon)
- Where to eat in Avignon: best restaurants (coming soon)
- Best museums in Avignon (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days (coming soon)
The few downsides of a trip to Avignon
The crowds during the Avignon Festival
During the three weeks of the festival in July, the city gets very crowded, and traffic in the historic center becomes congested. We recommend that you book your accommodations as early as possible and use public transportation instead of driving. You’ll still find plenty of shows available outside of peak hours, which lets you enjoy the city in a bit more peace and quiet—especially early in the morning
Parking and Traffic in the City Center
Parking in Avignon’s historic center remains limited. We recommend the Les Halles underground parking garage on Place Pie, or the parking garages on the outskirts, such as the Allées de l’Oulle or Île Piot garages, which are an economical option for day trips. During the Festival, traffic is particularly heavy: you’ll save time by taking the Orizo buses instead of driving your own car.
The limited accessibility of certain sites
Some museums and monuments in Avignon have limited or no accessibility for people with limited mobility, including the Musée du Petit Palais, the Musée Angladon, and the Bains Pommer. We recommend that you check the access requirements before your visit if this applies to you. The Palais des Papes, for its part, offers partial wheelchair access, by reservation only, on certain days of the week.
How to Get to Avignon
Avignon is very well served by the TGV, thanks to two train stations: Avignon TGV Station, located outside the city walls and connected to the city center by a 15-minute shuttle ride, and Avignon-Centre Station, right in the heart of the city. From Paris, the trip takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, compared to 1 hour and 5 minutes from Lyon and 35 minutes from Marseille. By car, the A7 highway makes it easy to reach Avignon from Lyon or Marseille. The nearest airport is Marseille-Provence, about an hour’s drive away. Book your train ticket now, or reserve a rental car here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
- Inspiration
Best things to do in Provence
Provence’s most beautiful towns
Most beautiful villages
Most beautiful castles
Best destinations
- Practical advice
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (coming soon)
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual (coming soon)
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Provence
Best luxury hotels
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