Avignon, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Avignon

Avignon travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyChâteauneuf-du-Pape wineFree to read

Avignon is a stunning medieval city on the banks of the Rhône river, famous for its grand Papal Palace and well-preserved 14th-century ramparts. Once the seat of the Catholic papacy, its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with Gothic architecture and rich history. Every July, the city transforms into a vibrant hub for the world-renowned Festival d'Avignon theatre festival.

01

Best time to visit Avignon

aprilmayjuneseptemberoctober

Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the city on foot before the summer crowds and heat peak. July brings the famous theatre festival but also heavy tourist traffic.

02

What to see in Avignon

Palais des PapesChillTrip
Must-see
01monument

Palais des Papes

The world's largest Gothic building, this imposing palace served as the seat of the Catholic papacy in the 14th century. Though largely emptied during the French Revolution, remnants of frescoes and the sheer scale of the structure make it unmissable.

Paid entryAbout 90 minhistoryculture

AddressPl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–7 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Pont Saint-BénezetChillTrip
Must-see
02monument

Pont Saint-Bénezet

A ruined medieval bridge over the Rhône, immortalised in the famous French song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'. Only 4 of the original 22 arches remain, and a multilingual audio tour brings its legendary history to life.

Paid entryAbout 45 minhistoryculture

AddressBd de la Ligne, 84000 Avignon, France

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–7 pm
  • Friday9 am–7 pm
  • Saturday9 am–7 pm
  • Sunday9 am–7 pm
  • Monday9 am–7 pm
  • Tuesday9 am–7 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–7 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Rocher des DomsChillTrip
03park

Rocher des Doms

A rocky outcrop rising above the Rhône, inhabited since the Stone Age and now a lovely public park offering panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, with benches, a café, and a playground.

FreeAbout 45 minnature & outdoorshistory

Address84000 Avignon, France

3.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Monday7:30 am–6 pm

Open in Google Maps

Place du PalaisChillTrip
04neighborhood

Place du Palais

The grand square in front of the Papal Palace, at the heart of Avignon's historic centre. Lively and atmospheric, though busy and pricey in high season.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistory

Address84000 Avignon, France

Open in Google Maps

Collection LambertChillTrip
05museum

Collection Lambert

A contemporary art museum built around the prestigious collection of art dealer Yvon Lambert, located just north of the central train station.

Paid entryAbout 75 minculture

Address5 Rue Violette, 84000 Avignon, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday2–6 pm
  • Friday2–6 pm
  • Saturday11 am–6 pm
  • Sunday11 am–6 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday2–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Avignon

L'EpicerieChillTrip
01Provençal

L'Epicerie

Tucked in a quiet square just south of the Papal Palace, this restaurant is known for its Assiette Epicière — a generous plate of Provençal specialities including tapenade, ratatouille, salad, and ham.

Price $$Must tryAssiette Epicière

Address10 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 84000 Avignon, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–2:15 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Friday12–2:15 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Saturday12–2:15 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Sunday12–2:15 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Monday12–2:15 pm, 7–10 pm
  • TuesdayClosed
  • WednesdayClosed

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Avignon

Festival d'Avignon

showPaid entryAbout 180 min

One of the world's most celebrated theatre festivals, held every July for three to four weeks. The city fills with street performers, actors, and musicians, with headline performances staged inside the Papal Palace itself.

Le Vin Devant Soi

otherPaid entryAbout 60 min

A wine shop on Rue Collège du Roure featuring a permanent tasting machine loaded with 32 wines from the Rhône Valley. Purchase tasting credit and sample wines in three different pour sizes at your own pace.

Parc des Sports

otherPaid entryAbout 120 min

Home ground of SO Avignon rugby league club, competing in Elite 1, the top French tier. Matches are played from September to April at this 10,000-capacity stadium 3 km southeast of the city centre.

05

Where to go near Avignon

Arles

Train 17min

A city packed with Roman and Romanesque monuments, worthy of a full day's exploration and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Orange

Home to one of the finest and best-preserved Roman theatres in Europe.

Pont du Gard

Car 30min

Arguably the finest Roman aqueduct still in existence, located about 30 km west of Avignon and a great spot for hiking and canoeing.

Features a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and a famous Greek temple, the Maison Carrée.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

A short trip north of Avignon, this village is home to some of France's most famous and prestigious vineyards.

A beautiful Roman-founded city known for its fountains, art scene, and vibrant café culture.

Tarascon

A charming medieval town just a short train ride south of Avignon, known for its imposing riverside castle.

Mont Ventoux

An iconic Provençal mountain offering spectacular nature, popular with cyclists and hikers alike.

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