Palais des Papes
Ads
related to: avignon france points of interestFrance trips built entirely around your wishlist. Get in touch with our team today. Audley provides 100% tailor-made trips to fit your budget, interests, & tastes.
- Best time to visit
Find out the best time to travel.
Miss crowds & extreme temperatures.
- Places to visit
Our choice of must-sees and
hidden gems for your consideration.
- Best time to visit
Special offers. Step on board. Book your ticket online now! Access to a wide range of destinations across Europe. Discover our offers.
Find the Best Attractions in Avignon. Compare Prices and Book Online. Full Refund Available up to 24 Hours Before Your Tour Date. Quick & Easy Purchase Process.
Make the Most of Your Trip & Book Today. See Reviews for Over 300,000 Things to Do. Use Reserve Now & Pay Later to Secure the Activities You Don't Want to Miss. Book Now!
Travel Through Historic Cities & Pristine Port Towns On Your Way To The Normandy Coast. You'll See More & Do More. Unrivaled Support, 24/7. This Is How Travel Should Be.
Search results
Things to Do in Avignon, France - Avignon Attractions. Explore popular experiences. See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Wine Tastings (30) Day Trips (73) Flea & Street Markets (3) Walking Tours (17) Half-day Tours (30) Historic Sites (7) Historical Tours (54) Full-day Tours (58)
- Palais des Papes. To visit the Palais des Papes is to witness the power of the Papacy during the Middle Ages. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing palace was the most important monument in Christendom during the 14th century, when Pope Clement V moved the papal court from Rome to Avignon.
- Pont Saint Bénézet. This graceful 13th-century landmark is one of Avignon's most iconic sites, and walking its length is among the top things to do in Avignon.
- Rocher des Doms. A short walk away from the Palais des Papes, the Rocher des Doms is a rocky promontory that offers an exceptional panoramic view of Avignon.
- Musée du Petit Palais. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Petit Palais was the residence for Avignon's episcopal bishops before Pope Clement V created the Palais des Papes.
- An Introduction to Avignon
- The Best Things to Do in Avignon, France
- Avignon Attractions on The Map
- Practical Matters For Visiting Avignon
- What to Do in Avignon – FAQ
Why visit Avignon
Avignon is a city that boasts a rich history, centred around the majestic Palace of the Popes, which is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region. But beyond its historical significance, Avignon is a vibrant university town, with a bustling arts scene that comes to life during the annual festival. The city’s architecture is truly stunning, with a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles that give it a unique character. And for those who love to explore, the compact city centre is filled...
A short history of Avignon
Avignon has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back 5,000 years. It was once the stronghold of the Gallic tribe of Cavares, and later became the Roman city of Avennio. In the 12th century, it gained independence and flourished in trade, but lost its independence in the 13th century after being occupied by King Louis VIII. This paved the way for the city’s later role as the seat of the papacy. In 1309, Pope Clement V chose Avignon as the location for the papal residence, partly...
Learn about Avignon’s history on a walking tour
Avignon is so incredibly full of history, and taking a walking tour is a wonderful way to fully understand its history and cultural significance. By exploring on foot, you can properly soak up the atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city and appreciate its ancient Roman roots as well as its role as the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century. This 3-hour walking tourof Avignon and the Pope’s Palace is a fantastic option for those looking to dive deep into the city’s history and beauty. Led by an...
Visit the Palace of the Popes and the Musée du Petit Palais
If you’re planning a visit to Avignon, there are two must-see attractions that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage: the Palace of the Popes and the Petit Palais museum. The Palais des Papesis an imposing Gothic structure that was built over a period of less than 20 years in the 14th century. It served as the residence of the popes who lived in Avignon during the 14th century and is considered one of the most important buildings of its time. Today, visitors can explore more...
Enjoy the atmosphere on Rue des Teinturiers
Rue de Teinturiers is a beautiful and atmospheric street that comes alive at night. It gets its name from the intense textile industry that flourished there between the 14th and 19th centuries. The street follows the narrow Sorgue river, fed by the waters from the Fontaine de Vaucluse. You can still see four water wheels as testimonies to this past. In the past, mills were installed in the houses across from each wheel, and the machines were driven by an axle that ran under the street. The de...
I appreciate that there has been a lot included in this guide, therefore I’ve put as much of these things to do in Avignon it as I can into a map, which you can save for your own trip to Avignon should you wish. Attractions, outdoor areas, museums and galleries, restaurants, shopping and wine bars have all been colour coded and saved into different...
When is the best time to visit Avignon
The best time to visit Avignon all depends on your preferences and what you want to do. The peak tourist season in Provence is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is hot and sunny, and the region is bustling with tourists from all over the world. This is also when the famous Avignon Theatre Festival takes place in July. However, keep in mind that the crowds can be overwhelming during this time, and it can be challenging to find affordable accommodation. Personally, I st...
How to get to and around Avignon
Avignon is a well-connected city in the south of France and there are several ways to get there: By plane: The closest airport is Avignon-Provence Airport, located about 10 kilometres from the city centre although you likely will not find flights from your original destination to here. Alternatively, you can fly into Marseille Provence Airport,which is about 75 kilometres away, and take a train or bus to Avignon. By train: Avignon is served by two train stations: Avignon Centre and Avignon TG...
Is Avignon a walkable city?
Avignon is a very walkable city. The old town, which is surrounded by medieval walls, is compact and easily navigable on foot. The main attractions, such as the Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, and the Avignon Cathedral, are located within a short distance of each other and can easily be visited on foot. Walking is also a great way to discover the city’s charming streets, squares, and hidden corners. There are also very few hills – Avignon is a very flat city, so it’s not too taxing to e...
How many days do you need in Avignon?
You can visit Avignon in one day, but I would recommend staying for at least two or three days to explore the city and its surroundings. This will give you enough time to visit the main attractions, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the local cuisine and wine. You can also use Avignon as a base to explore the wider Provence region, which is home to stunning landscapes, historic towns and vineyards. In this instance, then you can easily plan for longer. One added b...
What is Avignon best known for?
Avignon is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, which is home to the imposing Palais des Papes, the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet and the picturesque Place de l’Horloge. The city is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated every year during the Avignon Festival, one of the most important theatre festivals in the world. Additionally, Avignon is renowned for its food and wine, including the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine which is made nearby.
- Palais des Papes. You can’t comprehend the scale of the 14th-century Papal Palace until you see it in real life. Just to trying to convey the size, you could fit four gothic cathedrals in here and there are 24 rooms to visit on the tour.
- Pont Saint-Bénézet. Known to all as the Pont d’Avignon, the mythic bridge is from the late-12th century, linking France with Papal Territory. It was positioned on the tightest part of the bend in the Rhône to lessen its exposure to the river’s notorious strong currents.
- Place du Palais. The wide open space that sets off the Papal Palace isn’t here by accident. It was laid out by the antipope Benedict XII in the early 15th century, when the winding streets around the palace were razed to enhance the grandeur of the structure.
- Collection Lambert. Collection Lambert is one of Avignon’s newer art museums and was founded in 2000 by the art dealer Yvon Lambert as a space to display the works he had donated to the French government.
Top Things to Do in Avignon, France. Places to Visit in Avignon. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Day Trips (73) Wine Tastings (30) Flea & Street Markets (3) Walking Tours (17) Half-day Tours (30) Historic Sites (7) Historical Tours (54) Full-day Tours (58)
Discover the best attractions in Avignon including Palais des Papes, Pont St-Bénézet, and Musée du Petit Palais.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Avignon. Things to Do in Avignon. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Wine Tastings (27) Bus Tours (86) Historic Sites (7) Day Trips (71) Cultural Tours (43) Points of Interest & Landmarks (14) Full-day Tours (52) Half-day Tours (31)
Ads
related to: avignon france points of interestFrance trips built entirely around your wishlist. Get in touch with our team today. Audley provides 100% tailor-made trips to fit your budget, interests, & tastes.
Special offers. Step on board. Book your ticket online now! Access to a wide range of destinations across Europe. Discover our offers.
