Things to do in Avignon

Activities, attractions and tours

Avignon featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Avignon featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Palais des Papes which includes heritage architecture and a castle
Avignon featuring flowers
Avignon showing a city and heritage architecture
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Top places to visit

1. Palais des Papes

The monumental Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) served as a fortress, residence, administrative center and place of worship. Heavily fortified with its turrets, high towers and thick walls, the palace was the headquarters of the Catholic Church during the 14th century when Rome was torn by political infighting. Today the palace is one of the most visited monuments in France and is the much-loved cultural center of modern day Avignon.
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Palais des Papes featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

2. Parc des Expositions

Parc des Expositions is a state-of-the-art exhibition and convention center on the outskirts of Avignon. It hosts many large-scale events, including music concerts, sporting matches and hobbyist exhibitions such as car and motorbike shows. Come here to search for bargains at antique fairs, watch sporting teams play or admire works by local or international artists in an exhibition. Attend a trade fair to see what’s new in anything from motor sports to health food.
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Parc des Expositions which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a river or creek

3. Pont Saint-Bénézet

Pont Saint Bénézet or Pont d’Avignon as it is more commonly known, was immortalized in the nursery rhyme Sur le Pont d'Avignon (On the Bridge of Avignon). The ancient stone bridge is a condensed version of its former self. When the 12th-century structure was built it was 2, 952-feet (900-meters) long and spanned the Rhône River. Today it stops abruptly before reaching the other side, but still forms an important link back to Avignon’s early times.
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Pont d\'Avignon showing a river or creek, a bridge and heritage elements

4. Avignon Cathedral

Built over the foundations of a 4th-century Catholic basilica, Avignon Cathedral rose in the 12th-century, but was soon overshadowed by the extravagant Palais des Papes which grew up beside it. Not to be outdone, additions were undertaken over the centuries including the 14th-century cupola, 17th-century choir and the 19th-century gilded statue of Mary. Today, the still-working cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon and the fascinating resting place of French popes.
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Avignon Cathedral showing heritage architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral

5. Rocher des Doms

Rocher des Doms is an attractive seven-acre (2.8-hectare) park situated on a rocky outcrop above the Palais des Papes. Avignon’s citizens have been promenading here since the 17th century, and today locals and visitors continue to enjoy the tranquility of the park’s gardens, scenic terrace and pond.
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Pont Saint-Bénézet

What to do in Avignon

Popular places to visit

Palais des Papes featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

Palais des Papes

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Built to house and protect France’s 14th-century popes, one of Europe’s largest Gothic palaces dominates Avignon’s skyline and cultural life.

Palais des Papes
Festival d'Avignon

Avignon Festival

Enjoy a show at Avignon Festival, a theatre with a story to tell in Avignon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's festivals.

Avignon Festival
Parc des Expositions featuring a river or creek and a small town or village

Parc des Expositions

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Attend a concert, sporting event, art exhibition or even a circis at this stunning center just outside Avignon.

Parc des Expositions
Pont d\'Avignon showing a river or creek, a bridge and heritage elements

Pont Saint-Bénézet

4/5(36 reviews)

One of Avignon’s most iconic landmarks is a bridge that literally goes nowhere, yet continues to draw travelers from all over the globe.

Pont Saint-Bénézet
Avignon Cathedral showing heritage architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral

Avignon Cathedral

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Celebrate mass in this resting place of 14th-century popes, or simply visit to enjoy the spiritual and artistic treasures within this beautiful Romanesque cathedral.

Avignon Cathedral
Avignon featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Rue de la Republique

You can learn about the history of Avignon with a visit to Rue de la Republique. Discover the festivals and cathedral in this walkable area.

Rue de la Republique
Pont Saint-Bénézet

Rocher des Doms

5/5(1 review)

Avignon's historic hilltop park is a popular picnic and walking spot with spectacular views of the city, river, surrounding countryside and vineyards.

Rocher des Doms
Mannequins in their own private drama on the Rue Des Teinturiers "Street of the Dyers", Avignon. Eclectic, bohemian, and a nice place to stop with a carafe of Chateau Neuf du Pape. #Culture.

Rue des Teinturiers

You can learn about the history of Avignon with a trip to Rue des Teinturiers. Discover the festivals and cathedral in this walkable area.

Rue des Teinturiers
Avignon showing heritage elements

City Walls

Running for a length of more than 2 miles, these medieval fortifications draw a boundary around the historic core of Avignon.

City Walls

Areas of Avignon

Palais des Papes featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

Avignon City Centre

4.5/5(48 area reviews)

River views, historical sites and museums are some highlights of Avignon City Centre. Make a stop by Rue de la Republique or Place de l'Horloge while you're exploring.

Avignon City Centre
panorama avignon

Quartier Est

When in Quartier Est, you can plan a visit to Rue des Teinturiers and Rocher des Doms, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Quartier Est
Avignon, Palace of the Popes, Vaucluse, France

Quartier Nord

Quartier Nord might not have many top sights, but Rue des Teinturiers and City Walls are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quartier Nord
The famous Pont d'Avignon, France 🇫🇷

Rocade Nord

While Rocade Nord may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rue des Teinturiers and Avignon Festival.

Rocade Nord
The train station at Avignon really is gorgeous from an architectural stand point. Well worth arriving a few minutes early for your train to wonder and explore. #sunlight #patterns #lifeatexpedia

Quartier Ouest

While Quartier Ouest isn't home to many top sights, Avignon Festival and Rue de la Republique are some notable places to visit nearby.

Quartier Ouest
Parc des Expositions featuring a river or creek and a small town or village

Montfavet

Montfavet is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Parc des Expositions and Epicurium.

Montfavet

 

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Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon

Le Pontet

Frequently asked questions

Is Avignon worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Avignon is visit Château de la Gardine. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Avignon?
After you've visited leading attractions like Avignon Ferris Wheel and Château Mont Redon, spend some time exploring Avignon's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Avignon?
Don't go home without checking out Château de la Gardine, rated the top tourist attraction in Avignon.
Is three days enough to stay in Avignon?
Three days in Avignon is enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Avignon Ferris Wheel, Collection Lambert and Musée Louis Vouland are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Arles.
Is Avignon a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Avignon, including Avignon Ferris Wheel and Collection Lambert, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Avignon is Avignon City Centre and Piot is 0.97 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Avignon with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all ages, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Avignon with kids.

What to do in Avignon for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Avignon, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Château de la Gardine or Château la Nerthe.
Are there free things to do in Avignon?
In Avignon, Musée Louis Vouland is a must-see spot for anyone looking to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Avignon.

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