France · Region
Avignon
Encircled by medieval ramparts on the banks of the Rhône, Avignon is best known as the seat of the Roman Catholic papacy in the 14th century, its skyline still dominated by the fortress-like Palais des Papes and the famous half-bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet. Beyond its papal past, the city is a lively gateway to Provence, buzzing each summer with one of Europe's largest theatre festivals.
Top attractions
attraction Jardin des Doms: Avignon Travel Guide (4.5★)
Jardin des Doms is the hilltop park directly above the Palais des Papes, open daily 7:30am–10pm, with sweeping views over the Rhône and the Pont Saint-Bénézet. 4.5★ (3,955 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Musée Calvet: Avignon Travel Guide (4.5★)
Musée Calvet sits on Rue Joseph Vernet in central Avignon, a five-minute walk from Place de l'Horloge, and it's one of the city's quieter big-ticket museums. 4.5★ (1,052 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction The Bridge of Avignon: Travel Guide (4.2★)
The Bridge of Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) sits on the Rhône just below the Palais des Papes, and today only four of its original arches survive. 4.2★ (21,254 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market: Avignon Travel Guide (4.5★)
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market fills the quays of this river town about 25 km east of Avignon on Thursday (7am to 1:30pm) and Sunday (7am to 2pm) mornings only. 4.5★ (12,178 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Place du Palais: Avignon Travel Guide
Place du Palais is the vast stone square in front of the Palais des Papes, and it's open around the clock with no ticket needed just to stand in it.
Top-rated things to do in Avignon
Live prices from Klook. Booking through these links supports our free guides at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Avignon
Compare Avignon hotels and stays at the lowest price — deals, ratings, and real traveler reviews.
Search hotels in Avignon →Booking links are affiliate links — booking through them supports our free guides at no extra cost to you.
Plan your trip to Avignon
Some links above are affiliate links — if you book through them, Wander Atlas earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep every guide free.
When to visit France: month-by-month weather, crowds and holidays →
Frequently asked questions about Avignon
How do I get to Avignon?
Avignon TGV station sits on the LGV Méditerranée high-speed line, putting it roughly 2h40 from Paris by direct train, with a shuttle service (or short TER hop) connecting the TGV station to the central Avignon Centre station a few kilometres away. There's a small local airport, but most flyers arrive via Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), the region's main international hub, then continue to Avignon by regional train.
How many days should I spend in Avignon?
Plan on ~2-3 days to explore the walled old town, Palais des Papes and riverside bridge at a relaxed pace, with extra time useful for day trips into the surrounding Luberon countryside or to the Pont du Gard.
What is Avignon known for?
Encircled by medieval ramparts on the banks of the Rhône, Avignon is best known as the seat of the Roman Catholic papacy in the 14th century, its skyline still dominated by the fortress-like Palais des Papes and the famous half-bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet. Beyond its papal past, the city is a lively gateway to Provence, buzzing each summer with one of Europe's largest theatre festivals.