Avignon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever wondered why Avignon, France is so special? It's not just the historic walls that make it charming. This city is a vibrant mix of history and art with a welcoming village feel. When you visit Avignon, you might think it's not a big city, but it surprises with lots to see and do. The famous Pont d'Avignon and the grand Palais des Papes are just the start of what this lovely place has for you.

Key Takeaways

• Avignon is a popular base for exploring the wider Provence region, offering a unique blend of history, art, and charm.
• The city boasts a wealth of attractions, including the iconic Pont d'Avignon and the majestic Palais des Papes.
• Avignon's well-preserved ramparts and compact size create a lively, village-like ambiance that invites exploration.
• Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant cultural scene, indulge in Provençal cuisine and wine, and use Avignon as a springboard to discover the surrounding Provençal gems.
• Despite its status as a city, Avignon maintains a charming, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, making it easy to get lost in the winding medieval streets and discover hidden gems.

What's the magic in Avignon, at Provence's heart? Discover all the amazing things to do and top picks in this captivating city. You'll see why many people find it hard to leave.

Explore the Charming Heart of Provençal France

Avignon is more than just a city. It feels like a welcoming village at its core. Its historic center is lively and rich in history and art. The city is known for its well-preserved walls and small size, which make it perfect for exploring on foot. This allows visitors to wind through its medieval streets and find surprises at every turn.

The city of Avignon is steeped in history, with many historical landmarks and cultural sites. Sites like the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon highlight its past. Avignon is also alive with art, seen in its museums and the Festival d'Avignon, which attracts people from everywhere.

Marvel at the Iconic Pont d'Avignon

The Pont d'Avignon is known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet too. It's a key piece of Avignon's history. The bridge linked Avignon to the papal state, but only four arches stand today. Still, it's loved by many and celebrated in "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." You can buy tickets to see part of the bridge and the Rhône River.

Breathtaking Views from Rocher des Doms

The best way to see the Pont d'Avignon is from Rocher des Doms. This garden has great views over the bridge and beyond. It's a green oasis with trees to cut the wind. You can enjoy the view sitting on benches, at a café, or walking around.

Île de la Barthelasse: A Peaceful River Island Escape

The Île de la Barthelasse sits between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. It's the biggest river island in Europe. This calm spot near the lively city is great for picnics, walks, and biking. To go there, take the free ferry or cross the bridge. The island has farms, vineyards, and nature, making it a quiet escape.

The Majestic Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes stands tall in Avignon, making it the world's biggest Gothic palace. It was home to the popes in the 14th century when the papal seat was moved to Avignon. The building took less than 20 years to complete and covers 15,000 square meters. This huge construction shows the power the church held at that time.

Inside, visitors can see the palace's grand halls and the living spaces of the popes. This offers a glimpse into the extravagant life of the papal court. It's a place filled with history and grandeur.

Immersive Tours with Histopads

Exploring the Palais des Papes is made even better with histopads. These are interactive digital tablets you get with admission. They use augmented reality to show what each room and chapel looked like in the past.

The histopads add a new level of fun and learning to your visit. Plus, they let you go up the palace's towers for amazing views. From there, you can see the city, the Rhône River, and the beautiful countryside.

Wander the Winding Medieval Streets

Exploring Avignon means walking through its historic center. Here, each corner holds a new find. The old, winding streets inside the ancient walls are perfect for strolling. Visitors often find themselves in quiet spots with art, gardens, or beautiful architecture. While it's easy to lose your way, the city's main points keep you centered.

Hidden Gems Behind Ancient Ramparts

Inside Avignon, the medieval streets offer many secrets. They're tucked safely within the old stone walls. Walking around, you might find galleries, gardens, or stunning old structures. It's a maze, but Avignon's famous spots will keep you on track, not far from the lively heart of the city.

Lively Squares and Pedestrian Areas

Avignon's city walls protect a space where life slows down. It's a great spot for strolling around. The Place de l'Horloge is a favorite, full of cafes and shops. It's under beautiful trees and loved by both locals and tourists. People come here to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in Avignon's wonderful vibe.

Avignon's Vibrant Cultural Scene

Avignon is known for its rich culture and welcomes all who are eager to explore it. With a mix of arts and theaters all year round, the city truly shines. The highlight is the Festival d'Avignon, the oldest of its kind in France.

Festival d'Avignon: Dance, Music, and Theatre

In July, Avignon bursts into life with the Festival d'Avignon. This event sees a flood of visitors enjoying dance, music, and theater. Performances take place in the stunning Palais des Papes and all over the city. The Off Festival adds to the fun, turning every corner into a stage for artists.

Renowned Art Museums Showcasing Masterpieces

Thanks to its history as the papacy's home, Avignon is rich in art and culture. It boasts several top art museums each with unique collections. The Musée du Petit Palais highlights Italian religious art. The Musée Calvet offers pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries. Works by Picasso and other greats can be seen at the Musée Angladon. The Louis Vouland Museum is a must for fans of 18th-century porcelain and furniture.

Indulge in Provençal Cuisine and Wine

Avignon is heaven for food lovers. Its Les Halles market is the heart of local food and fresh crops. Inside, you'll find a rich selection of goods. This includes pastries, cheeses, meats, and fresh produce from the nearby Provençal area. It's a great place to try local food, enjoy the vibe, and see the community come together. On Saturdays, there are cooking shows from local chefs, highlighting the area's amazing food skills.

Côtes du Rhône Wines and Local Specialties

The city is close to famous wine spots like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. You can taste their great Côtes du Rhône wines. Plus, enjoy local treats such as melons, goat's cheese, truffles, olive oil, and nougat. With a glass of rosé and a fresh goat's cheese salad, or a big stew, you really get to know the flavors here.

Avignon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Avignon sits in Provence, a region known for its beauty. The city mixes history and culture in a special way. It's home to the famous Pont d'Avignon and Palais des Papes. You'll also find narrow streets, lively squares, and amazing food and wine. This makes it a wonderful place for anyone to visit.

Visit the Pont d'Avignon to see a part of its old bridge. You can enjoy stunning views of the Rhône River and Rocher des Doms. Explore the Palais des Papes, the biggest Gothic palace globally, and learn its story with histopads.

Stroll Avignon's old streets and see what’s hidden around every corner. Enjoy the bustling Place de l'Horloge, the city's lively center. Here is where you can taste local dishes and watch the world go by.

Avignon is also known for its lively cultural scene. The Festival d'Avignon and great art museums are a big part of that. For foodies, don't miss the Les Halles market. And don't forget to try the famous Côtes du Rhône wines.

With its mix of history, art, and welcoming vibe, Avignon is amazing. It's a top choice in the South of France. Everyone can find something to love and enjoy here.

Explore the Surrounding Provençal Gems

Avignon is full of things to see and do. But, its central location is great for exploring nearby places in Provençe. Close by are the Roman towns of Arles and Nîmes. You can reach them easily by train. They have amazing Roman amphitheaters, beautiful monuments, and old streets to explore.

Roman Towns of Arles and Nîmes

In Arles and Nîmes, you get to see well-preserved Roman ruins. For instance, Arles has a huge Roman amphitheater still used for events today. Nîmes features the Maison Carrée, a stunning Roman temple. Dive into these towns to experience their rich Provençal history.

Luberon Villages and Lavender Fields

East of Avignon is the Luberon, famous for its pretty villages and lavender fields. The area is perfect for a day trip. You can see the lovely villages and enjoy the beautiful lavender views. Stroll through cobblestone streets, stop by markets, and take in the peaceful scenery.

Côtes du Rhône Wine Region

Avignon is near the Côtes du Rhône wine region, great for wine lovers. Just north of Avignon, this area is known for its excellent vineyards. Go on a tour from Avignon to places like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. This lets you learn about the wine culture and taste the great Côtes du Rhône wines.

Experience Avignon's Scenic Waterways

Visitors in Avignon can enjoy a boat ride on the Rhône River for a unique view. The trips showcase the city's famous sights like the Pont d'Avignon from a water perspective. You also get to see the beautiful Provençal countryside. The river starts in the Swiss Alps, passes through places like Lyon, Avignon, and Arles, and ends in the Mediterranean. You can pick from different cruises, whether it's a quick journey or a meal included.

Charming Rue des Teinturiers and Historic Waterwheels

The Rue des Teinturiers by the water is a must-see in Avignon. It's known as the "street of the waterwheels" for its past silk work. Walking here means seeing the canal and its four old waterwheels. These gears once powered the silk mills. Now, the street is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops, all in historic buildings.

Unwind in Avignon's Enchanting Squares

In Avignon, there's a special place at the city's core called the Place de l'Horloge. It's well-known and busy, surrounded by the city hall and an opera house. Plus, you'll find cafés, restaurants, and shops all around. This makes it a perfect place to sit back, enjoy a coffee, and feel the city's charm.

Place de l'Horloge: The Heartbeat of the City

The Place de l'Horloge is like Avignon's lively heartbeat, attracting both locals and tourists. It's a historic square with huge plane trees providing shade. This spot is great for people-watching and for getting deep into the Provençal vibe. Enjoy a nice Côtes du Rhône wine or a French pastry while taking in the city's rhythm.

Cafés and People-Watching Opportunities

In Avignon, the squares and pedestrian areas are perfect for chilling at cafés and doing some people-watching. Pick a seat at a cozy sidewalk café. Then, enjoy some local wines or coffee while observing life around you. The scenic, tree-shaded spaces offer a peaceful vibe to relax and soak in Avignon's specialness.

Conclusion

Avignon is a city in Provence that's full of culture, history, and charm. It features landmarks like the well-known Pont d'Avignon and the impressive Palais des Papes. The city's medieval streets, lively spots, and amazing food and wine are also a highlight.

This city draws visitors with its top sights and vibrant local feel. It's also a great starting point to explore the beautiful Provençal region nearby. Avignon is a place where you're bound to make special memories.

With its lively festivals, art scene, and delightful food, Avignon will captivate you. The city offers a perfect mix of past and present. Get ready to be enchanted by its lasting beauty and friendly welcome.