What to See When You Visit Avignon

If you love fascinating architecture, layers of history, narrow and winding cobblestone lanes, and delicious food, you will enjoy a visit to Avignon. The ancient wall still surrounds the old town, so it’s easy to enter and wander around this area. I immediately fell in love with the city. Located in the south of France, Avignon is the perfect base for exploring northern Provence. While you may be taking day trips around the region, Avignon itself offers plenty of interesting things to do. Read on to discover what to see when you visit Avignon.

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The Palace of the Popes

This massive, intriguing palace dominates the old town. It served as the seat of the papacy in the 14th century. The story is that the Benedict XII fled to Avignon from Rome to avoid being killed. He started building the Gothic palace in 1335, designing it as a fortress with thick walls and defensive towers. The newer building, built by Clement VI, is more of a residence. You’ll move through grand reception halls, chapels, and apartments.

Known in French as the Palais des Papes, the palace has also been military barracks and a prison. Today, it is open to the public to tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site gives you many rooms and passageways to explore. You’ll notice ongoing archeological digging sites inside, too, as history is still being uncovered here.

When you arrive, buy your ticket and take an iPad device in your language. As you move from room to room, your device will “move” with you and tell you where you are and give you a background. Illustrations of what the palace looked like when it was occupied help you visualize life long ago in this now-vacant place.

The Bridge at Avignon

This bridge is famous because of a children’s song that’s taught to youngsters in France. Whether or not you know “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”), you will find the bridge unique and worth a visit. It stops midriver, making it a bridge to nowhere. Built across the Rhône River in the late 12th century, the medieval bridge quickly became a significant transportation route for merchants and pilgrims traveling between Italy and Spain.

The bridge, also known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, suffered damage from floods and wars. By the 17th century it stood truncated and abandoned.

Today you can walk across the existing bridge, look down into the river, and then stroll back.

It’s wide and still houses a small chapel dedicated to Saint-Nicolas, the patron saint of bargemen. Notice stone stairs going from the bridge down to the water. Linger in the viewpoints built to the side of the main walkway. Yes, the view alone is worth the walk, as you look back at Avignon, with the river flowing and trees lining the bank.

Read about other iconic bridges in Europe

The Rhône River

The lovely Rhône River flows past the city of Avignon. Plan to take advantage of the free ferry ride across. This five-minute journey yields views of the bridge from different angles. Once you are on the bank opposite the city, look back and enjoy the view, with the papal palace, high gardens, and the medieval wall.

The Rocher des Doms

The Rocher des Doms is a park near the Palace of the Popes. To reach it, hike up the stone stairs from the street along the river. You can stop at different viewpoints. At the top, take in the panorama of the city behind you, the greenery of the Rhône River Valley in front of you, and the St. Bénezet Bridge standing in the water. Stroll through the gardens, too. It’s a great place to relax.

Avignon Main Square

This large square in the Old Town is a focal point of the city, attracting both locals and tourists. I walked through here countless times and found it lovely whether in daytime or lit up in the evening. Here you find cafes and large restaurants, shops, the town theater, and a carousel. I happened to find a car show here, too. And the square is just a short walk from the Palace of the Popes.

One of the prominent features of Avignon Main Square is the clock tower, known as the “Tour de l’Horloge,” which stands tall and overlooks the square. The clock tower is a significant historical landmark and offers a stunning view of the city from its top.

The square’s central location makes it easily accessible and a great starting point for exploring the city’s rich history and architectural wonders. I also recommend an early morning walk here. It’s quiet without the daytime crowds. Bask in the beauty of the sun rising on the ancient buildings. Stroll down the lane to the river and see the light sparkle on the water. It’s worth getting up early for this experience.

Hotels in Avignon

I definitely recommend staying in the Old Town (Vielle Ville) for the atmosphere, old buildings, and cobblestone streets. The Old Town abounds in restaurants and shops, too. You’ll be able to walk wherever you want to.

I stayed at the Hotel de Garlande, a boutique hotel in a 17th-century building. The owner chatted often with me and told me about the historic designation of the hotel. This means that you navigate the winding stairway without elevators. That was part of the fun. Rooms are recently redecorated and comfortable. Breakfast featured about a dozen different kinds of baked goodies along with traditional breakfast foods. The owners helped me with train reservations as well as recommending the best itinerary for the city.

Here are some other recommendations for other hotels in Avignon’s Old Town:

The Hotel d’Europe, is a five-star hotel housed in a 16th-century building. This hotel has luxurious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

La Mirande is a boutique hotel in a 14th-century mansion. It offers elegant and unique rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a beautiful terrace.

Hotel Le Colbert is a cozy and comfortable budget option. You can relax in the peaceful courtyard.

Shopping in Avignon

Specialty shops are everywhere in the Old Town. I had no trouble finding a music box and a little stuffed dog for the new baby in my family.

Try Les Halles, a lively indoor market, to sample local foods and pick up specialty gifts like cheeses and wines.

Wander the Rue des Teinturiers, a pedestrian street lined with historic buildings. When you’re finished shopping, stop here for a drink or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Restaurants in Avignon

My favorite restaurant for dinner in Avignon is Maison del Cotto. The mouthwatering Italian dish I ate was so good that I returned there for dinner the following evening, too.

Restaurants are in the main square, along the streets going off from there, and then dotted around the Old Town. Here are a few more recommendations:

La Fourchette: Enjoy classic Provencal cuisine made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Le 46: Dine on modern French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Food is served in a stylish and contemporary décor that includes a beautiful outdoor terrace.

L’Essentiel: This cozy bistro offers a seasonally inspired menu that changes regularly. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is perfect for a romantic dinner.

Day Trips from Avignon

You may want to plan day trips when you visit Avignon. Many travelers rent a car and tour the area.

I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.

If you are not renting a car, it’s easy to use either the efficient train system or book a tour.

Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service. 

Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.

Here are the places I loved visiting while staying in Avignon.

Arles

Arles is renowned for its association with the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who lived in the city from 1888 to 1889. Many of his famous works, such as “Starry Night Over the Rhône” and “Café Terrace at Night,” were inspired by the city’s landscapes and architecture.

As you arrive in the city from the train, you’ll immediately see ahead the grand Roman Amphitheatre. Built in the 1st century AD, it is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and is still used today for various events, including bullfights and concerts.

The historic center of Arles, with its narrow streets and well-preserved medieval buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the winding streets, visit charming cafes and shops, and admire the beautiful architecture.

You can easily spend a full day seeing all the Arles has to offer. Arles is about a half hour train ride from Avignon.

Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, in the Occitanie region of southern France. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved Roman structures in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built in the 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire, the Pont du Gard served as part of a larger aqueduct system that transported water from the Eure spring, located around 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, to the city of Nîmes. The aqueduct system was constructed to supply water to the city, providing for public baths, fountains, and private residences.

I walked across this massive bridge, taking my time to savor views of the river. It was a bit windy (actually, very windy), but otherwise pleasant to spend time on the bridge.

I went on a tour with Civitas to Pont du Gard, St. Remy, and Les Baux. I highly recommend this company.

St. Remy

St. Remy is a picturesque town located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Nestled at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, St. Remy is known for its charming Provençal atmosphere, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings.

One of the most notable attractions in St. Remy is the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery. This historic site is where the renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the asylum in 1889. During his time there, Van Gogh produced several of his most famous works, including “The Starry Night.”

Les Baux

Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval hilltop village, is worth a visit to explore its narrow streets and enjoy breathtaking views. My tour spent about an hour in Les Baux, and in that time, I was able to walk it from one end to the other and back. It’s small but full of charm, and the views of the surrounding countryside go for miles.

Whether you visit Avignon for several days, with trips to other towns in the area, or you stop by for a day in your travels, you will find Avignon a most memorable place.

 

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