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Before you go
Your trip to Avignon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Avignon – Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Destination Provença about 100 km from Marselha
How to get there
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Aéroport Marseille Provence (MRS) Marignane · 80 km
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Gare d'Avignon-Centre 1 km
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Gare d'Avignon TGV Courtine · 4 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Paris the TGV reaches Avignon TGV station in about 2 h 40 min; from there a shuttle train takes you to Gare d'Avignon-Centre, in front of the walls, in roughly 5 minutes. TER regional trains link Avignon to Arles in about 20 minutes and to Marseille in just over an hour. The most commonly used airport is Marseille.
How many days
One day is enough for the Palais des Papes, the bridge, the Rocher des Doms and the streets within the walls. With two days, add the Pont du Gard or Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. For the Luberon (Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse) allow an extra full day, preferably with a car.
When to go
April to June and September to October offer pleasant temperatures for walking. In July the Festival d'Avignon takes place, the town gets very crowded and accommodation becomes expensive: book early or avoid it depending on your interest. Luberon lavender typically blooms from mid-June to mid-July. In winter (December to February) the mistral blows strongly and it's cold.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
For the town itself, no: the center is walkable and Avignon-Centre station is right next to the walls. A car makes a difference for the Luberon and the lavender fields, which have limited bus service. There is a regional bus to the Pont du Gard from Avignon's bus station—check schedules. Inside the walls the streets are narrow: leave the car in the edge parking lots.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Avignon
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Morning
Palais des Papes
Begin early at the Palais des Papes, before the tour groups arrive. The route goes through the Grand Tinel, the chapels with frescoes and the papal apartments. Finish in the Jardins pontificaux, which are included in the ticket.
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Afternoon
Lunch and the Avignon bridge
Have lunch near the place de l'Horloge. Afterwards walk down to the Pont Saint-Bénézet, enter with the same combined ticket and stroll along the four remaining arches over the Ródano.
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Late afternoon
Rocher des Doms
Climb up to the Rocher des Doms garden, next to the cathedral, to see the Ródano, the bridge and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the far bank. On a clear day Mont Ventoux is visible in the background.
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Evening
Walled centre
Dine in the streets around the place de l'Horloge or the rue des Teinturiers, with its waterwheels by the canal. The palace façades are lit up at night.
2 days in Avignon
Day 1
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Morning
Palace and gardens
Do the full visit of the Palais des Papes with the audio guide and the augmented reality tablet, and finish in the Jardins pontificaux.
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Afternoon
Bridge and ramparts
Visit the Pont Saint-Bénézet and walk along the bank of the Ródano, at the foot of the walls, to the porte de l'Oulle.
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Late afternoon
Rocher des Doms
Climb the Rocher des Doms via the staircase beside the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms and stay to watch the sunset over the river.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Dine in the centre and take a stroll along the rue des Teinturiers and the place Pie, where the covered market Les Halles is located.
Day 2
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Morning
Pont du Gard
Drive or take a bus to the Pont du Gard, about 25 km away. Cross the aqueduct on the pedestrian side and visit the museum.
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Afternoon
Gardon riverside
Have lunch on site or enjoy a picnic. In summer many people cool off in the Gardon river just below the aqueduct.
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Late afternoon
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
On the way back, stop in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and climb Fort Saint-André to view Avignon and the Palais des Papes from across the Ródano.
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Evening
Return to Avignon
Return to Avignon for dinner. If you have an extra day, reserve it for the Luberon: Gordes, Sénanque, Roussillon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Which station to use in Avignon: TGV or Centre?
TGV trains from Paris stop at Gare d'Avignon TGV, about 4 km from the centre. From there a shuttle train takes you to Gare d'Avignon-Centre in about 5 minutes. Centre station sits in front of the walls and serves TER regional trains to Arles, Marseille and Orange.
What is the Festival d'Avignon?
It is one of the world's largest theatre festivals, founded in 1947, held every July. The official program uses the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes and other venues, while the so‑called Off takes over hundreds of rooms and squares. The town becomes very crowded and accommodation must be booked well in advance.
Can you visit the Luberon without a car?
It's difficult. There are regional buses to some villages with limited schedules, and organized day tours from Avignon that cover Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in one day. With a car you can build your own itinerary and stop at lavender fields during the bloom.
Is there a pass for the monuments?
Yes. The Avignon City Pass includes the Palais des Papes, the Jardins pontificaux, the Pont Saint-Bénézet and other monuments and museums, plus discounts. There is also a combined ticket just for the palace, the gardens and the bridge. Check prices and what's included before you go.
Is Avignon a good base for exploring Provence?
Yes. The city has both TGV and regional train stations, is 20 minutes from Arles and just over an hour from Marseille by train, and is the closest hub for the Luberon, the Pont du Gard and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.