France travel guide

Avignon

A historic city on the Rhône – a destination where medieval walls, papal grandeur and Provençal joie de vivre meet in a distinctive Southern French atmosphere.

Avignon is one of the most historic and charming cities in Southern France, beautifully set on the Rhône in the heart of Provence. The city is known for its striking medieval character, ancient ramparts and the spectacular Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest Gothic palaces. Together with the famous Pont d’Avignon, these landmarks give the city a truly distinctive atmosphere.

Inside the old walls you will find a lively historic centre with cobbled streets, small squares, cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy the best of Provençal food and wine. Avignon is also an important cultural city, especially known for the Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s largest theatre festivals.
Thanks to its central location, Avignon is also an excellent base for exploring Provence. Nearby you will find beautiful wine areas such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, historic cities including Arles and Nîmes.

Avignon guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Avignon is one of the most historic and atmospheric cities in Provence, known for the papal palace, the bridge over the Rhône and an old town full of life. Here you get a wonderful combination of culture, architecture, food experiences and rewarding excursions in the region.

The city is ideal if you want to experience UNESCO-listed sights, everyday Provençal life and beautiful landscapes in the Rhône Valley and the Luberon.

Explore the Palais des Papes, the vast 14th-century Gothic papal palace and one of Europe’s most impressive medieval buildings.
Walk across the famous Pont d’Avignon and enjoy views of the Rhône and the city’s historic skyline.
Wander through Avignon’s old town, enclosed by medieval walls and filled with small streets, cafés and shops.
Visit Place de l’Horloge, the city’s lively main square with restaurants, outdoor terraces and historic buildings.
Take in the view from Rocher des Doms, a beautiful park beside the papal palace with panoramic views across the Rhône Valley.
Visit Les Halles d’Avignon and taste local cheeses, olives, wine and Provençal specialities.
Experience the world-famous Festival d’Avignon, one of Europe’s largest theatre and culture festivals in summer.
Take a day trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and taste some of the Rhône Valley’s most famous wines.
Explore the Pont du Gard, a spectacular Roman aqueduct from antiquity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the beautiful villages of the Luberon, such as Gordes and Roussillon, known for Provençal charm and wonderful scenery.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Avignon has an exciting restaurant scene where classic French gastronomy meets Provençal produce, Rhône wines and modern culinary creativity. You will find elegant gourmet restaurants, intimate bistros and popular places with strong local roots.

Whether you are looking for a Michelin-level experience, a romantic meal in the old town or a more relaxed table with seasonal dishes, the city offers many good choices.

La Mirande – Elegant gourmet restaurant in historic surroundings near the Palais des Papes, with refined Provençal gastronomy.
Hiély-Lucullus – One of Avignon’s most acclaimed restaurant addresses, known for a personal style and cuisine that brings together Provence and Peru.
Pollen – Modern Michelin restaurant with seasonal menus and creative presentation.
Sevin – Gourmet restaurant beside the papal palace, serving modern Provençal dishes in a striking historic setting.
La Fourchette – Charming restaurant in the old town with classic French dishes.
Le Goût du Jour – Modern restaurant focused on seasonal produce, flavourful menus and local character.
Fou de Fafa – Popular, personally run bistro with a relaxed atmosphere and good ingredients.
Acte 2 – Intimate restaurant with a modern gastronomic style and local seasonal food.
Le 46 Avignon – Stylish restaurant and wine bar in the centre with modern French dishes, a good wine list and a warm, elegant atmosphere.
O'Papilles – Charming restaurant in historic surroundings with local, homemade food.
La Vieille Fontaine – Exclusive restaurant at Hôtel d’Europe with a romantic courtyard garden and refined Southern French cuisine.

Tip: In Avignon, some of the best food experiences come from combining dinner in the old town with local wines from the Rhône Valley. Start the evening with a visit to Les Halles or an aperitif at Place de l’Horloge before dinner.

Historic city favourite Avignon – the city of the popes in the heart of Provence

Avignon – the city of the popes

Avignon is one of the most historic and fascinating cities in Southern France. The city lies on the banks of the Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and is known for its impressive medieval architecture, rich history and lively cultural life. Avignon is especially famous for its vast papal palace, ancient ramparts and the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which has become a symbol of the city.

With its cobbled streets, shaded squares and historic buildings, Avignon gives visitors the feeling of travelling back to the Middle Ages. At the same time, today’s city is a lively cultural centre with restaurants, art galleries, festivals and markets that attract travellers from all over the world.

Why Avignon is worth the journey

Experience the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic medieval buildings.
Explore the old town inside the ramparts, with small streets, squares and classic Provençal atmosphere.
A great base for a week-long trip with experiences in both the Rhône Valley and the Luberon.

We have put together a guide with food, wine and memorable experiences.

History Food and wine Provence

Calanques National Park

Marseille to Cassis Turquoise coastal scenery

Calanques National Park is one of the most striking natural areas in France, with narrow coves, turquoise sea and white limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.

The landscape between Marseille, Cassis and onwards towards La Ciotat feels wild, dramatic and almost unreal in its beauty. This is a perfect place if you want to combine hikes, viewpoints, boat trips and swimming in some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern France.

Regional guide

Provence

Villages and wine Across the region

Provence is a feast for the senses, with morning sun over lavender fields, market life in the shade of plane trees, the blue-green Mediterranean and a rhythm that invites you to slow down. The region stretches from the Luberon and Alpilles to Verdon, Mont Ventoux, the Camargue and Marseille on the coast. Cities such as Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Arles offer layers of history, art and gastronomy, while small villages tempt with views, stone houses and authentic Provençal charm.

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