The 11 things to do in Avignon

Are you going to Avignon? Maybe your suitcase is already ready! Wanderlix accompanies you by presenting the essentials to visit Avignon.

Want heritage, exhibitions and theatre? Avignon opens its doors to you and makes you travel in the age of time. You can't cross the Vaucluse without stopping for a moment to visit Avignon, its prefecture. Whether for 24 hours, a weekend or a long stay, Avignon will take care of you.

Magic places and activities are numerous in the "City of the Popes". On the banks of the Rhone you will only have to walk on the paved streets admiring the famous Avignon Bridge. City of theatre, Avignon will also surprise you with its visual arts. With its selection not to be missed, Wanderlix makes you visit Avignon better than anyone.

1. The Pont d’Avignon

It does not seem possible to visit Avignon without strolling on its famous bridge. Pont Saint Bézenet, also known as Pont d’Avignon, is one of the most famous monuments in the world thanks to its song. On the other hand, his story has not known the same notoriety.

Of 22 original arches, only 4 remain today. What happened? Following the war and flooding of the Rhone, the bridge was damaged several times. Despite many attempts, reconstruction work ceased in the seventeenth century. With more than 400,000 visitors per year, the site is now classified as the world heritage of the UNESCO .

2. The Palace of the Popes

With over 600,000 visitors a year, the Palais des Papes is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France. The monument is the most important Gothic palace in the West.

Féru d’histoire or passionate about architecture, if you come to visit Avignon do not miss the uncontournable Palace of the Popes! Servant at the time of fortress and residence for the popes, it is here that there are many cultural events: exhibitions, concerts and even some performances during the Avignon festival.

3. The capital of the theatre

Each year in July, Avignon becomes a city-theatre by transforming its architectural heritage into various places of representation. Indeed, Festival d’Avignon created in 1947 by Jean Villar is today one of the most important international events of the contemporary living show.

Often on holiday and from far, spectators are more than 130,000 to meet in the City of the Popes. They have the opportunity to attend about forty performances, but also at readings, exhibitions, films or debates! The festival makes Avignon a real place of creations and adventures, for artists and spectators.

4. The historic city centre of Avignon

Surrounded by ramparts, the intra-muros city is a must to visit Avignon. She finds herself on foot, venturing into the small streets. You will stroll on small hidden places where it makes good lunch on the terraces of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a shopping session in the shops of rue de la République.

Also go ahead the Avignon Opera , located on the very beautiful square of the clock and the city hotel. Take the time to stop at the Place Pie market. Finally, finish your trip through the paved street of the Teinturiers.

5. Place Pie

You are in the belly of Avignon. It is on Place Pie that the Grand Marché stands in the colours of Provence. These modern halls are open from Tuesday to Friday from 6am to 1:30pm. You can also go there weekend from 6am to 2pm . In fact, every Saturday at 11am large local chefs offer demonstrations of their best recipes.

6. The Cathedral and the Rock of the Doms

Built in the 12th century and renovated in the 15th and 17th centuries, Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral is located next to the Palais des Papes. Thanks to its strategic location, it can now dominate the Rhone valley.

Admire the beautiful Romanesque façade and look at the decorations of the portal. For once, it is not a sculpted decoration, but a painted decoration. Her bell tower is surmounted by a golden lead Virgin. Inside the cathedral there is a special atmosphere that bathes in a gentle shade. You can see a few frescoes on the walls, but stop on the Romanesque dome and the tomb of Pope Benedict XII.

7. Museums

The Calvet Museum

The Calvet Museum is the main museum of the city. It is located in a special 18th century hotel. It brings together many collections of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts. The permanent collections of the museum offer a florilège of treasures of French painting, from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.

The Petit Palais Museum

At the end of the Place du Palais des Papes, you will find the Petit Palais Museum. With its outstanding collections of Italian paintings (collection Campana) and Provencals, this museum is listed at UNESCO World Heritage. Here you will find the Virgin to the child of Botticelli or the Angel of the Annunciation of San di Pietro.

The Lambert collection

The Lambert Collection in Avignon is a unique contemporary art museum. She was born at the initiative of an art merchant and collector: Yvon Lambert. The latter gave the State an exceptional set of major works of the second half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Located in the heart of Avignon, the Lambert Collection is housed in two beautiful private hotels of the 18th century. It presents ambitious exhibitions and a varied cultural and educational programme. This unique place is a must to visit Avignon.

8. The chapel of Saint-Martial

Closed to the public for 10 years, La Chapelle Saint-Martial has regained its brilliance thanks to almost 2 years of restoration. Today it is possible to visit this masterpiece of the Middle Ages. This unique and fragile space is a jewel of the 14th century European painting.

Come and discover the frescoes of Matteo Giovannetti, official painter of Pope Clement VI and major artist of the 14th century. Guided tours of about an hour are possible if you want to know all the secrets and treasures in the place.

9. Avignon Luminescences

Every evening, the Palace of the Popes kisses. The walls of the Court of Honour become a real spectacle. Thus, with a breathtaking rhythm, Avignon’s Luminescences immerse the viewer in an uninterrupted visual and narrative tourbillon.

10. Gastronomy and vineyards of the region

The capital of the wines of the Rhône valley, to visit Avignon is also to taste its wines and local products. Avignon becomes the heart of the divine nectar and the drink of the Popes. prestigious appellations such as Chateauneuf du Pape await you! You will discover great reds at the very good outfit, as well as very aromatic and fresh whites.

There is no more beautiful way to learn the secrets of the birth of a wine than by strolling into the heart of the vineyard. Turn your trip into a gustative walk and also enjoy local products. The specialties of the region are numerous: candied fruits, Nougats Laurmar, and olive oil. But Avignon’s gastronomy is also a lot of fresh fruit that will scare you! Complementary, wine and gastronomy make such a good household that they invite you to a guided walk!

11. Fort Saint-André

Fort Saint-André is located in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, 15 minutes from the Cité des Papes. This former sentinel will offer you a panorama from Mont Ventoux to the Alpilles. Remarkable by its conservation, the Fort was built in the 1360s near the residence of the popes in Avignon.

It is considered a symbol of royal power until 1480. Indeed, from that moment on, its strategic role was challenged, in particular because Provence was attached to the Kingdom of France. In addition to its architectural beauty, this place is therefore heavy with history and secrets!

Our workshop in Avignon

From Avignon? Initiate yourself to an ancestral Provencal tradition with Elsa, which will guide you in the realization of your lavender rocket.

Indeed, in this workshop which will take place in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Park, the lavender will present to you its lavender culture which has more than 4,000 plants, nestled between olive trees and vineyards: landscape and guaranteed southern atmosphere! You will then realize a lavender rocket, an object of Provencal heritage that once served to perfume the linen in the wardrobes, with fraiche lavender straps and satin ribbon.

How to get to Avignon?

• If you wish to come aircraft, you will have to land at Marseille Provence Airport. Then you will have 45min before joining the City of the Popes. To find the flight that best fits your expectations, a flight comparison such as Skyscanner Will help you.
• To visit Avignon in train, two stations are at your disposal. The first is Avignon centre: here are mainly regional and intercity trains. At the same time, the Avignon TGV station receives the main lines. Only 5min from downtown, she puts Avignon in 2h40 Paris, 3h Roissy Charles de Gaulle and 1 hour Lyon.
• However, it is possible to prefer it car. In this case, the A7 must be borrowed. Come out to Avignon Sud if you're from Marseille, Nice, orItaly, and in Avignon Nord if you come from Paris or Lyon.

Once on site, most places are on foot. This is especially the case that it is difficult to find where to park in the old city. Thus, to visit Avignon the car will not be of great utility. If walking is not right for you, opt for cycling or urban transport.

Where to stay in Avignon ?

The ideal to visit Avignon is to stay in the old town, inside the ramparts. This is probably the best way to discover the city and enjoy its charm, all on foot. Here you will easily find a hotel to welcome you. If you pass during the festival, the price of accommodation will be very high. So to help you in housing research, a Compare hotels can be useful.

If your budget is a stronger one, opt for one Airbnb in the vicinity of the City of the Popes. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue , or Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are ready to welcome you during your stay!