Avignon, France: travel guide
Walled medieval city of the popes, on the banks of the Rhône
A medieval walled city on the Rhône that served as the seat of the Catholic papacy for 70 years in the 14th century.
About Avignon
Avignon is a walled city on the Rhône in Provence, best known as the seat of the popes in the fourteenth century. The huge Palais des Papes dominates the old town, and the ruined Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge of the old song, reaches halfway across the river.
Things to do in Avignon include touring the papal palace, walking the ramparts, wandering the squares and lanes within the walls and sampling Provençal food in the market halls. The city hosts a major theatre festival each July, and it is a natural base for Luberon villages, the Pont du Gard and the wine country of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Avignon suits history lovers and slow regional travel. Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Country
- France
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
- Nearest airport
- FNI
Last updated
Top places to visit in Avignon
Palais des Papes Avignon
Gothic palace · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest Gothic palace in the world — 15,000 m² built 1335–1363 by the Avignon papacy. Nine successive popes ruled Christianity from here for 70 years. Two wings house 25 open rooms; audio guide is essential.
Avignon Pont du Gard Day
roman-aqueduct · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · entry €8 (≈ ₹850)
A day trip from Avignon to the Pont du Gard — the spectacular 1st-century Roman aqueduct, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the three tiers of arches over the Gardon River.
Avignon Pont d'Avignon Bridge
medieval-bridge · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon) — the iconic 12th-century medieval bridge over the Rhône, famous for the children's song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon", with only 4 of the original 22 arches surviving.
Pont Saint-Bénézet Avignon
medieval bridge · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The famous Bridge of Avignon immortalised in the French nursery rhyme "Sur le Pont d'Avignon". Built 1177–1185, the original 22-arch bridge spanned the full Rhône; today 4 arches remain. Walk 900 m into the river for spectacular views of…
Rocher des Doms Garden
park-viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Rocher des Doms — the spectacular park on the limestone outcrop above Avignon, with panoramic views over the Rhône, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, and the Mont Ventoux.
Avignon Walls Ramparts
medieval-walls · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Avignon Walls — the spectacular 14th-century fortifications surrounding the entire old town, built by the Popes, with the famous gates, the watchtowers, and the historic ramparts walk.
Avignon Festival Theatre
theatre-festival · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The Avignon Theatre Festival — the world's largest theatre festival held every July, with hundreds of theatre, dance, and music performances in the Cour d'Honneur and venues throughout the city.
Avignon Les Baux Provence
clifftop-village · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip to Les Baux-de-Provence — the spectacular hilltop village carved into limestone cliffs, with the medieval ruins of the Château des Baux, the Carrières de Lumières art installations, and the panoramic views.
Avignon Arles Roman Day
roman-city · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip to Arles — the spectacular Roman city with the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre (still used for bullfights), the Roman Theatre, the historic Place du Forum where Van Gogh painted, and the Romanesque Saint-Trophime church.
Avignon Provence Lavender Day
lavender-fields · 4.9 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A summer day trip from Avignon to the Provence lavender fields — the spectacular purple Valensole plateau, the Sénanque Abbey lavender fields, and the famous Sault region.
Avignon Place de l'Horloge
main-square · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Place de l'Horloge — Avignon's spectacular main square dominated by the City Hall and the 19th-century Opera House, with the lively cafe terraces, the famous Festival d'Avignon events, and the heart of Avignon.
Avignon Fontaine de Vaucluse
water-spring · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Avignon to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse — France's most powerful spring (5th largest in the world), with the famous Petrarch House, the dramatic emerald-green pool, and the iconic Provençal village.
Things to do
- Palais des Papes & Pont Saint-Bénézet Guided Visit Guided Tour · 2 h · from EUR 29 per person
Day trips and tours
- Luberon Villages and Lavender Fields Day Tour 9 h · from EUR 71
Where to stay in Avignon
- Intra-Muros (Walled City) about EUR 140 per night
The entire historic core is enclosed within 14th-century ramparts — stay inside the walls to be steps from the Palais des Papes, the Rocher des Doms garden and the Festival stages.
Hotels
- La Mirande 5-star · EUR 380 to EUR 1,500 per night
- Hôtel de Garlande 3-star · EUR 95 to EUR 185 per night
- Hostel Avignon Bagatelle 2-star · EUR 18 to EUR 65 per night
Where to eat
- La Fourchette french, provencal · about EUR 35 per person
- Hiély-Lucullus french, provencal, fine_dining · about EUR 110 per person
- Les Vins de Mon Père wine_bar, french · about EUR 25 per person
Getting to Avignon
Airport: Nimes (FNI)
Getting around
- Transit Pass
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Guided Tours Outside Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes main entrance, Place du Palais
Self-styled guides offer cheap tours outside the official entrance but provide poor information and demand tips mid-tour.
How to avoid it: Book official guided tours at the Avignon Tourisme office on Cours Jean Jaurès or at the palace ticket desk.
More in France
Frequently asked questions about Avignon
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Avignon?
- The highest-rated places in our Avignon guide are Avignon Provence Lavender Day, Avignon Pont du Gard Day, Avignon Festival Theatre, Palais des Papes Avignon, Avignon Pont d'Avignon Bridge.
- Where should I stay in Avignon?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Avignon: Intra-Muros (Walled City).
- How do I get around Avignon?
- Ways to get around Avignon covered in our guide: Transit pass, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Avignon?
- Scams reported to us for Avignon include Unofficial Guided Tours Outside Palais des Papes. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Avignon?
- The nearest airport to Avignon has the code FNI.