Best Things to Do in Avignon, France

This article is about the best things to do in Avignon, France, so you know what to visit. From what to see in Avignon to the city’s top attractions and a couple of day trip ideas, this Avignon things-to-do list has it all!

The charming city of Avignon is nestled on the left bank of the Rhône River, in the heart of Provence, Southern France. Known for its stunning medieval heritage and UNESCO-listed Old Town, Avignon has been the seat of seven Popes who built a magnificent residence in the heart of the city, still visible today.

Avignon is a small city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Don’t let its contained size fool you: Avignon boasts lots of stunning things to see, from the Palace of the Popes to the Pont d’Avignon to several museums.

This city was also named a European Capital of Culture in 2000 and is filled with cinemas, theaters, and art galleries, as well as the world-famous Avignon Theatre Festival, held in July. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Avignon for an unforgettable stay.

1. Palace of the Popes

The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is one of the unmissable Avignon attractions. Built in the 14th century, it is the largest civil Gothic construction in the world and a true architectural wonder. It served as the residence of popes during their time in town when the papacy was exiled from Rome.

The Palace of the Popes is a stunning symbol of medieval opulence. Stepping inside the Palace, you can visit over 25 rooms, including audience and ceremonial spaces, and the Pope’s private chambers. There’s not much left from its illustrious residents, but you can get a glimpse of their daily life thanks to the Histopad, the digital guide for an immersive visit. The Histopad is available in 7 languages and is included in the ticket price.

If you are traveling to Avignon during the high tourist season, I highly recommend booking your entrance tickets in advance. In summer, the lines to enter the Palace are very long, and waiting in line under the Provence sun is not fun – Click here to buy your tickets to the Palace of the Popes

Address: Place du Palais des Papes; Opening times: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the low season and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the high season.

TIP: Combine the Palace of the Popes with other Avignon favorites and save money.

2. Explore Avignon’s Old Town

One of the best things to do in Avignon is to explore its beautiful Old Town on foot. Avignon is surrounded by medieval walls, and it boasts pretty squares, fountains, and beautiful architecture.

The city is packed with history and curious anecdotes, so I suggest joining this walking tour to discover everything about Avignon. 

If you prefer a self-guided tour, you can start from the (short) rue Jean-Vilar that leads to the Place de l’Horloge, which houses Avignon’s City Hall and – right next door – the Avignon Opera. From there, you can walk Rue de la République, a large street that arrives at the Avignon-Centre train station, the place to go shopping in Avignon.

During your self-guided walking tour, don’t miss the vibrant Place Pie, where you will find the bustling Les Halles market offering fresh local produce. Another must-see is the scenic Rue des Teinturiers, which runs along the Sorgue River. This charming street is lined with bars perfect for an apéritif and features several historic paddle wheels, adding to its unique atmosphere.

To expand my knowledge about the city, I also took this guided tour that starts at sunset. This night tour is more about Avignon’s legends and hidden gems, so it is a perfect complement to the first recommended tour.

This tour is ideal during the summer months because it avoids the hottest hours and the intense day crowds.

3. Pont d’Avignon

Saint Bénezet Bridge, commonly known as Pont d’Avignon, is a historic landmark that dates back to the 12th century. This UNESCO-listed monument was a vital crossing point between Lyon and the Mediterranean.

It used to span nearly 900 meters across the Rhône River with 22 arches, but suffered repeated flood damage, and it was left almost abandoned in the 17th century.

The Pont d’Avignon is a testament to medieval engineering, and it is famous worldwide thanks to the iconic French children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.”

The visit to the Pont d’Avignon includes an exhibition to learn more about the history and importance of the bridge in the region. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak to sail under the Pont d’Avignon.

Opening times: daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the low season and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the high season.

4. Cathedral of Avignon

Another must-see attraction in this Avignon things to do list is its Cathedral. The Basilica of Notre-Dame des Doms was built in the 11th century, and it was originally built in Romanesque style. However, the Cathedral underwent a series of renovations in the following centuries, which only added to its splendor.

The most striking characteristic of this architectural gem is the golden statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of the Cathedral. Visible from various points around the city, the Cathedral of Avignon is an iconic landmark that houses the tombs of Popes John XII and Benedict XII. Unfortunately, little remains of their original resting places due to damage during the French Revolution when locals famously used the popes’ cranes to play football.

Address: Place du Palais des Papes; Opening times: From June to September, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. From October to May, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 9:45 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Jardin des Doms et Rocher des Doms

During the good season, the Jardin des Doms and the Rocher des Doms are two beautiful places to visit in Avignon.

The lush Jardin des Doms is an oasis of peace in the very heart of Avignon. This public garden used to be the papal garden, and it is today a relaxing spot where locals and tourists alike can spend hours soaking up the beauty of the surroundings.

By the garden’s lake, you will find a ‘guinguette’ (an outdoor café) that makes for the perfect place to take a break while sipping a nice glass of wine or enjoying an amazing ice cream cup. I did both!

Another great place for a quick break is the Rocher des Doms. Perched high above the city, this garden boasts panoramic views of the Rhône River, the surrounding vineyards, and the iconic Pont d’Avignon.

6. Musée du Petit Palais

This beautiful museum is housed in the Petit Palais, a stunning building that used to be the residence of the Popes in Avignon until the construction of the Palais des Papes. The Petit Palais was built in the early 14th century, and it is a splendid example of the Gothic style.

UNESCO-listed, the Palace boasts carefully preserved rooms and an impressive collection of medieval art. Among the pieces you can see, there are over 300 paintings by the Italian Primitives (those immense painters who, between the end of the 13th century and the middle of the 14th century, are at the origin of the history of Italian art). You will also find sculptures from the 12th to 16th centuries and works from the Avignon School.

The Petit Palais Museum is free to enter, making it one of the top attractions in Avignon.

Address: Place du Palais des Papes; Opening times: The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the low season and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the high season. The museum is closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

7. Visit the Saint-Véran Cemetery

Created in 1820, the Saint-Véran Cemetery is, along with the Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the oldest in France and a veritable open-air museum of sculpture and funerary art. For obvious reasons, it is located outside the walls of Avignon, and it covers 14 hectares and contains some 12,000 graves.

Along the alleys, you will also find century-old trees that constitute a veritable arboretum of Mediterranean species. The cemetery makes for a pleasant stroll, especially during the hottest days in Avignon.

Address: 10 Avenue Stuart Mill; Opening times: daily, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

What to Do Near Avignon

For its location, Avignon is an excellent base for exploring Provence. There are many beautiful places to visit near Avignon. I mention my two favorites here, and you have the full list in this article about day trips from Avignon.

8. Wine Tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

One of the best day trips from Avignon is to go wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. Located in the Southern Rhône Valley of France, just a short drive from Avignon, this area is world-famous for its bold red wines, primarily made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. The best way to discover the Chateauneuf du Pape wine region is on a guided tour.

I highly recommend this guided tour, during which a wine specialist guide will accompany you to visit four of the main appellations in the region during a visit to a wine producer. The tour of the cellars will be followed by tasting the wines produced on-site and having lunch in a local restaurant. If you prefer to do it alone, here’s the list of wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that offer wine tastings in French and English.

9. Hilltop Villages in the Luberon

The hilltop villages of the Luberon in Provence are a charming collection of picturesque towns boasting stunning views, cobblestone streets, and a quintessential Provençal experience.

The Luberon villages are best explored by car or with a guided tour. If you don’t have a car, I suggest checking out this tour, which includes visits to the hilltop villages of Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon, and Ménerbes.

If you are visiting Avignon in the summer months, you can combine the Luberon villages with a visit to some lavender fields. This tour here is the perfect choice as it will allow you to enjoy a picturesque drive through the countryside full of blossoming lavender fields and then explore the villages of Roussillon and Gordes. 

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