Avignon

Europe

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France

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Avignon

Avignon is a prefecture in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Situated on the eastern bank of the Rhône River, northwest of Nîmes, Avignon is one of the largest metropolitan areas in France. As the capital of Vaucluse and the Côtes du Rhône, Avignon serves as a center for historical, artistic, and cultural activities, with its episcopal buildings, the Popes' Palace, and Saint Bénézet Bridge designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of Avignon’s most iconic landmarks is the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes). Here, you can witness a grand and opulent structure adorned with luxurious tapestries, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and stunning wall paintings. Guided tours provide insights into various highlights of the building, including the Grand Chapel and the central courtyard, now used for music and theater performances.

Besides Palais de Papes, Avignon is also home to several other fascinating destinations. For example, Pont d'Avignon or Pont Saint-Bénézet, a bridge offering panoramic views of the city and the charming Rocher des Doms. Prepare your camera as you capture stunning photos with two significant structures as a backdrop: the ancient Chapel of Saint Nicholas built on the second arch and the Philippe-le-Bel Tower, where the bridge meets the Avignon side.

During three weeks in July, you can participate in The Festival D'Avignon to experience the Avignon Theatre Festival. During this time, the city's atmosphere is filled with art, with more than 400 spectacular performances you can see, from contemporary comedies, Chinese theater, and African dances, providing a unique experience in Avignon.

Get to Know Avignon

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Avignon

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Avignon

A guide to Avignon's local transportation

Taxi

Car rental

Bike rental

For those looking to explore Avignon using a taxi, there are plenty of taxis available that you can find there. The average fare you need to pay for using a taxi in Avignon starts from EUR2, with a subsequent charge of around EUR1.88 per kilometer.

Practical Tips for Avignon

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the best things to do in Avignon?

Exploring a historically rich city like Avignon presents numerous opportunities to visit various museums housed in elegant buildings throughout the city. If you have a penchant for fine arts and archaeology, the Musée Calvet is an ideal destination.

Additionally, you can see Botticelli's famous Madonna and Child at the Musée du Petit Palais, which also showcases a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. Alternatively, visit the Musée Angladon to view works by Van Gogh and Picasso, along with various Impressionist artworks.

Exploring Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also a highly popular tourist attraction in Avignon. You can opt for a half-day or full-day tour to experience wine tasting and visit wine-producing towns such as Mont Ventoux, Tavel, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Gigondas.

In the evening, taking a leisurely stroll down the Rue de Teinturiers is one of the best activity options. This street is home to numerous bustling cafes, restaurants, and bars which are always busy with visitors. Additionally, at the end of Rue de Teinturiers, where it meets Rue des Lices, you can observe one of the remaining chapels and the bell tower from what used to be one of the largest churches in Avignon.

Taking a half-day tour in Avignon provides you with various opportunities to explore the hilltop villages of Luberon with stops at Marquis de Sade's famous castle and the Senanque Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque), which is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here, you can opt for a full-day walking or cycling tour to see the blooming fields along the Lavender Route and the scenic views along the Ochre Path in Roussillon.

What are the best places to visit in Avignon?

A visit to Rocher des Doms promises an intriguing experience where you can enjoy captivating views along the banks of the Rhône River. You can ascend the stairs from Boulevard de la Ligne or from behind the palace on Rue des Escaliers Sainte-Anne to reach Rocher des Doms. There, you have plenty of opportunities to relax in a café and stroll around to admire the panoramic views of Avignon from above.

Les Halles Food Market, a renowned destination in Avignon, is unlike your typical market. It is a permanent fixture in the cityscape, resembling an industrial setting that provides a pleasant backdrop for strolling and shopping. You can discover various culinary ingredients, some exuding the fragrance of lavender, warm croissants, and bustling wine bars that attract visitors.

Take a moment to visit Barthelasse Island for a picnic, a leisurely riverside stroll, or a bike ride. You can use the free ferry service or walk across the Édouard Daladier Bridge to reach the island. Here, you can see numerous fruit orchards and vineyards or visit the Manguin Distillery to savor delicious fruit brandy.

How to travel from Paris to Avignon?

If you plan to travel from Paris to Avignon, you will need to cover a distance of 579 kilometers. For this, you can use the train, which takes an average travel time of 3 hours and 16 minutes, with ticket prices starting from EUR16 if booked in advance. All available trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Avignon TGV station.

How is the weather in Avignon?

Avignon has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers, cool winters, and rainfall throughout the year. The hottest weather in Avignon occurs in July and August, with an average temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, while January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of about 9 degrees Celsius.

When is the best time to visit Avignon?

Generally, summer is the best time to visit Avignon, as the ideal weather allows you to witness the famous theater festivals and explore the stunning lavender fields. Additionally, many small villages are open during the summer, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Avignon.