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Avignon with historic buildings, city walls and a Provençal atmosphere 🏰 Provence · History by the Rhône
France travel guide

Avignon

Papal grandeur, medieval ramparts, theatre and Provençal flavours – all in a compact cultural city on the Rhône.

Avignon is one of southern France’s most distinctive historic cities. Within its preserved ramparts, the Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, small squares and atmospheric streets make the centre easy to explore on foot.

The city also has a lively everyday character, with Les Halles, restaurants, museums and cultural venues. During the festival season the streets fill with theatre and performances, while spring and autumn offer a gentler pace.

Avignon is also an excellent base for exploring Rhône wines, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Pont du Gard, Arles and the villages of the Luberon.

Palais des PapesPont d’AvignonWine and Provence
Best forHistory, architecture, culture and Provençal dining
Ideal forCouples, friends, families and a rewarding long weekend
Easy to exploreThe main sights are clustered within the city walls
Excellent baseRhône wines, Pont du Gard, Arles and the Luberon
Highlights

Experience Avignon

Begin with the papal palace and the bridge, but leave time for the market, museums, theatre quarter and views across the Rhône.

Find tours and activities in Avignon
Suggested itineraries

Avignon in 1, 3 or 5 days

Choose the length of your stay and follow a practical itinerary combining history, food, culture and rewarding excursions in Provence.

A historic day within the city walls

Avignon is compact enough to see its greatest highlights without making the day feel rushed.

MorningStart at Place du Palais and allow plenty of time for the Palais des Papes.
Late morningContinue to Pont d’Avignon and enjoy the views across the Rhône.
AfternoonHave lunch near Les Halles, then choose a museum or Rue des Teinturiers.
EveningEnjoy an aperitif in one of the squares, followed by a relaxed dinner in the old town.
Choose the right area

Where to stay in Avignon

Choose medieval atmosphere near the papal palace, restaurant-lined streets in the east, elegant western quarters or a practical base by the station.

Close to the sights

Place du Palais

A historic setting close to the Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon and Notre-Dame des Doms.

Best for first-time visitors and an immersive historic setting.
Best for atmosphere

Place de l’Horloge

A central area of squares, pavement terraces and the opera, with the whole old town within easy reach.

Ideal for couples and a sociable city break.
Culture and evening life

Rue des Teinturiers

An atmospheric quarter of waterwheels, intimate theatres, restaurants and festival energy.

A strong choice for culture lovers.
Central and elegant

Rue Joseph-Vernet

Quieter historic streets near Musée Calvet, restaurants and the western side of the centre.

Well suited to adults and travellers looking for design-led hotels.
Convenient for transport

Saint-Roch and Avignon Centre

Just outside the city walls by the station, offering an easy arrival and a short walk to Rue de la République.

Best for rail travel, luggage and day trips.
Selected places to stay

Hotels in Avignon

Here are all the hotels we have selected in Avignon, across categories and price levels. Use the map to compare locations.

Hotel d’Europe★★★★★
Place Crillon

Hotel d’Europe

5-star hotel in Avignon with restaurant options and a comfortable, well-located feel.

La Mirande★★★★★
Palais des Papes

La Mirande

5-star hotel in Avignon with comfortable rooms, well-kept setting and good local access and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Avignon Grand Hotel★★★★
Saint-Roch

Avignon Grand Hotel

4-star hotel in Avignon with old town, station and rooms and suites and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Novotel Avignon Centre★★★★
Boulevard Saint-Roch

Novotel Avignon Centre

4-star hotel in Avignon with spa, restaurant options and pool and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Best Western Plus Le Lavarin★★★★
Lavarin

Best Western Plus Le Lavarin

4-star hotel in Avignon with terrace, pool and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Hôtel De Cambis★★★★
Rue Joseph Vernet

Hôtel De Cambis

4-star hotel in Avignon with restaurant options and stylish design and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Kyriad Avignon – Palais des Papes★★★
Place de l’Horlande

Kyriad Avignon – Palais des Papes

3-star hotel in Avignon with restaurant options and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Hotel Central Avignon★★★
Rue de la République

Hotel Central Avignon

3-star hotel in Avignon with terrace, old town and station and a comfortable, well-located feel.

ibis budget Avignon Centre★★
Saint-Dominique

ibis budget Avignon Centre

2-star hotel in Avignon with old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.

The map shows hotels from the shared English hotel file. Select a marker to see an image, address and further details.
History, parks and riverside life

Avignon between the ramparts and the Rhône

Medieval history

Palais des Papes

Allow plenty of time for the halls, courtyards and views within this monumental Gothic palace.

Views and city history

Rocher des Doms

The belvedere offers panoramic views of the Rhône, the bridge and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Parts of the garden are being restored ahead of June 2027.

A peaceful nature break

Île de la Barthelasse

Cross the Rhône for riverside paths, cycling, picnics and classic views back towards the old town.

More of Provence

Four rewarding day trips from Avignon

Avignon is an excellent hub for wine country, Roman monuments and villages. Trains work well for selected towns, while a car or organised tour offers the greatest freedom in the countryside.

Explore further

More to experience from Avignon

Read the full city guide, continue planning your Provence trip or build an itinerary through the villages.

Avignon and the historic bridge over the Rhône
In-depth city guide

Avignon – the papal palace and Rhône Valley

Read more about the monuments, market, a four-day itinerary, hotels and maps.

Read the Avignon guide →
Lavender landscape in Provence
Regional guide

Discover Provence

Discover cities, wine country, markets, the coast and ideas for a longer journey through the region.

Read the Provence guide →
Evening atmosphere in a Provençal village square
Touring itinerary

The most beautiful villages

Plan a village route from Avignon through the Luberon and onwards across Provence.

View the village guide →
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