Things to do in Avignon: your complete guide to Provence's most historic city

Avignon is so much more than just the famous bridge from the children’s song. The “City of the Popes” on the banks of the Rhône was the centre of the Christian world for almost seventy years and is now home to the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Set against a backdrop of medieval city walls, lively markets and sunny squares, the classic image of Provence unfolds here. The UNESCO-listed old town, the monumental Papal Palace, the famous Pont d’Avignon and Provençal cuisine make Avignon one of the most impressive day trips from your holiday home in the South of France.

When the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon in 1309, the city transformed within a few decades into one of the richest and most powerful centres in Europe. Seven popes resided here until 1377, leaving behind monumental buildings that still characterise Avignon today.

Today, the city combines history with a lively atmosphere. Students, markets, festivals and street cafés ensure that Avignon never feels like an open-air museum. Thanks to the compact old town, much of it can be easily explored on foot. It is particularly lovely to combine a visit with other highlights of Provence, such as the Lavender Route in Provence, the [mountain villages of Provence] (https://www.casapilot.com/en/blog/provence-cote-d-azur/mountain-village-provence) or a wine tour through France.

From most holiday homes in Provence, you can reach Avignon in one to two hours and easily make a whole day of cultural exploration out of it.

The Papal Palace (Palais des Papes)

The Papal Palace is undoubtedly Avignon’s most famous attraction and one of the most impressive buildings in France. Covering more than 15,000 square metres, it is considered the largest Gothic palace in the world. Built between 1335 and 1352, this monumental complex served as both a residence and a fortress.

The huge halls, chapels and courtyards are impressive from the moment you step inside. Particularly worth seeing are the frescoes in the private chambers and the high-vaulted rooms, which impressively demonstrate the power of the popes of that era. Modern visitors are also given a Histopad tablet, which digitally reconstructs the rooms and brings the palace to life. Families in particular benefit enormously from this.

You should allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. During the high season, it is worth booking online, as queues can get particularly long in the morning. Admission currently costs around 12 to 14 euros, and combined tickets with the bridge are available.

The square in front of the palace is also one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Street cafés, musicians and artists lend Avignon precisely the atmosphere that many visitors associate with the typical Provençal way of life.

The Bridge of Avignon (Pont Saint Bénézet)

Almost everyone is familiar with the famous Bridge of Avignon from the song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’. Originally, the medieval bridge was almost 900 metres long and connected the two banks of the Rhône with a total of 22 arches. Today, only four arches remain, as floods destroyed large sections of it.

Nevertheless, the bridge remains one of Provence’s most important landmarks. During the walk, visitors receive fascinating information via an audio guide about the history of the structure and the legend of the shepherd Saint Bénézet, who is said to have initiated its construction.

The small Chapel of Saint Nicolas, situated halfway along the bridge, is particularly beautiful. A visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

The best photo opportunities can be found either from the Rocher des Doms or from the Île de la Barthelasse on the opposite bank of the Rhône. It is at sunset in particular that some of the most beautiful pictures of Avignon in Provence are taken there.

The Old Town and the City Walls

The Old Town of Avignon is one of the best-preserved historic centres in France. Around 4.3 kilometres of medieval city walls still almost completely surround the city centre today, giving the town an exceptionally enclosed character.

Within the walls, visitors will discover narrow alleyways, small squares, churches and elegant townhouses. The Place de l’Horloge is particularly lively with its terraces and street cafés. Here you’ll find students, locals and tourists alike.

Arguably the most charming street in Avignon is the Rue des Teinturiers. Along a small canal, old waterwheels still turn amongst plane trees and natural stone façades. Many small theatres and cafés lend the street a special atmosphere, particularly during the Festival d’Avignon.

Above the city lies the Rocher des Doms. The small park offers not only shade and tranquillity, but also a fantastic view over the Rhône, the bridge and the surrounding Provençal landscape. Right next to it stands the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral with its golden statue of the Virgin Mary.

Anyone who loves the historic atmosphere of Provence should also take a look at the markets of Provence, as many of the finest Provençal traditions can be experienced right here in Avignon.

Markets and Dining

Avignon is one of the best cities in Provence for food lovers. In the city centre lies Les Halles d’Avignon, the city’s famous covered market. More than 40 traders sell regional specialities such as cheese, olives, cured meats, herbs, fruit and wine.

The market is open daily except Mondays, usually from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. The cooking demonstrations on Saturdays, where local chefs showcase regional dishes, are particularly popular.

Outside Les Halles, there is also a large open-air market at Place Pie. Especially in the morning, the typical southern French market atmosphere comes to life here, with the scents of lavender, fresh bread and spices.

Among the best-known specialities are Papalines d’Avignon, small chocolate pralines with oregano liqueur, as well as Berlingots and wines from the Côtes du Rhône region.

From the Var coast around Sainte-Maxime or Grimaud, you can reach Avignon in around two to two-and-a-half hours via the A8 and A7. From Aix-en-Provence, the journey takes about an hour, and from the Luberon often less than 45 minutes.

The best place to park is the free car park on Île de la Barthelasse. From there, you can reach the city centre directly in ten minutes via a footbridge. The historic centre itself is largely car-free and not suitable for parking.

Half a day is sufficient to see the main sights in Avignon. If you also want to visit Les Halles, enjoy a leisurely meal or explore the museums, you should allow a full day.

The best time to visit the market is in the morning before 12 noon. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. In July, the famous Festival d’Avignon transforms the city into a huge stage, although visitor numbers and hotel prices rise significantly at that time.

The combined ticket for the Papal Palace and the bridge currently costs around 15 euros. The old town itself can be explored free of charge.

Families can also enjoy a relaxing day out in Avignon. The Papal Palace works surprisingly well with children thanks to the interactive Histopad, as the rooms are digitally reconstructed and history comes to life.

The Pont d’Avignon is short enough that children won’t lose patience, and the Rocher des Doms offers an ideal spot for a break, with a playground and views over the Rhône.

Many families also combine a visit to Avignon with a family holiday in Provence, as culture, markets and relaxing afternoons by the river can be perfectly combined here.

Avignon uniquely combines history, Provençal light and the southern French way of life. Between the imposing walls of the Papal Palace, the sunny squares of the old town and the markets brimming with regional specialities, you’ll experience Provence at its most captivating.

Discover our holiday homes in Provence and our holiday homes in the South of France and plan your perfect day trip to Avignon.