Nestled along the banks of the Rhône River in the heart of Provence, Avignon is a city that feels like a living museum. Known globally for its dramatic papal history and the famous nursery rhyme about its broken bridge, this walled medieval gem offers far more than just a quick photo opportunity. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the lavender fields, vineyards, and hilltop villages of Southern France.
Whether you are a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or a traveler looking to soak up the slow pace of Provençal life, Avignon delivers a sensory feast. The city is compact enough to navigate on foot, yet dense with cultural treasures that can fill several days of exploration. From Gothic architecture to bustling covered markets, the blend of the ancient and the contemporary creates a unique energy.
Most visitors flock to the Palais des Papes, and while it is undeniably spectacular, the true magic of Avignon lies in its hidden courtyards, local eateries, and the gentle hum of daily life within the ancient ramparts. The city’s artistic scene is vibrant, heavily influenced by its annual theater festival, which transforms the streets into a stage every July.
To truly appreciate Avignon, one must look beyond the headline attractions. It is a city of textures—the rough limestone of the walls, the smooth cobblestones underfoot, and the vibrant colors of fresh produce at Les Halles market. The Mediterranean sun casts a golden glow over everything, making even a simple walk feel like a cinematic experience.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the best of what this Provençal capital has to offer. By focusing on both the iconic landmarks and the local secrets, you will be able to craft an itinerary that goes beyond the standard tourist trail.
Below is a curated list of the essential experiences and sights that should be on your radar when visiting this historic city.
Palais des Papes
| Address | Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 32 74 32 74 |
The Papal Palace in Avignon is a place I had dreamed of visiting for a very long time.
It is incredibly beautiful, atmospheric, and absolutely massive — a place you truly need to experience in person.
Take your time for it. Before visiting, grab a delicious ice cream, enjoy a cup of coffee, and then simply go and immerse yourself in this beautiful place — its atmosphere, incredible history, stunning gardens, spiral staircases, and the grand architectural vision of the entire palace.
I highly recommend walking around Avignon first, then visiting the Papal Palace and truly soaking in the history of France — a magnificent country with an incredible heritage.
It is most popular visitor attraction in Avignon. The exterior architecture is grand and impressive, but not so much on the inside as there is no period furniture to make visit experience richer. Few rooms with leftover original frescos… Here is the positive note though: it is the only museum in the city open on Mondays.
The Palais des Papes is an absolute must-see in Avignon. The scale alone is extraordinary, and it is hard not to be impressed walking through a 14th-century palace that once stood at the center of the papacy in Europe. The Gothic architecture, massive halls, courtyards, and surviving painted rooms make the history feel unusually tangible. One of the defining sights of Avignon and an easy 5/5.
Just awe inspiring. We almost had every room to ourselves. We got there as it opened at 9am, which I recommend. It's just an incredible self guided tour through history. Each doorway leads to something new. I'll put a photo at the end, as I circled back in to see how busy it was at 10am... Yikes
Interesting. But I would say there are plenty more to see in Avignon and if one has a limited time choose carefully. Beautiful frescoes but not much paints.
The Bridge of Avignon
| Address | Bd du Rhône, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 32 74 32 74 |
Nice place. One needs to pay for the visit. But it’s good since there are not much tourists there and you can do really nice pictures.
It was okay but nothing spectacular. It might be more appealing if you didn’t have to pay just to walk out to the end of a half-way bridge. I did it because we were there, but I don’t think it’s a highlight of Avignon.
Takes around 20 minutes to see, there are extra rooms and info that would make it longer, but boy was it hot. Iit looks nicer from across the river to be fair though. We did it after the palace, so it felt a bit underwhelming even though it isn't.
You have to go & dance in a circle. Its compulsory. Finding it from the Palais des Papes was a pain as signed route from park down was closed (safety fencing & hazard tape) so alternate route down required hundreds of steps. Better to do the Bridge the walk to the Palais. Also with the Mistral howling it was very windy on the bridge! Still compulsory for all learning French at school!
I spent around 20 minutes at the Pont d’Avignon**, and it was absolutely worth it. The bridge, though only partially standing today, carries so much history and charm. Walking along the remaining arches with the Rhône River flowing below and the old city walls in the background feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Even in a short visit, you get a real sense of Avignon’s medieval past — the connection between the bridge and the nearby Palais des Papes is fascinating. The site is peaceful, with lovely views over the water and the surrounding countryside.
For just 5 EUR, it’s a quick but meaningful stop — perfect for anyone exploring Avignon and wanting a glimpse of its history and beauty in under half an hour.
Visited: October 10, 2025
Duration: ~20 minutes
Highlights: The historic arches, river view, and quiet atmosphere that captures the spirit of old Avignon.
Jardin des Doms
| Address | 2 Mnt des Moulins, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 80 80 00 |
I bet lots of tourists don't even know these gardens are here. But what a gem. When facing the Palace, walk up one of the ramps or stairs to the left and you'll eventually reach a high garden with the most magnificent views over the Rhone, Pont D'Avignon and city. We walked up around 7.30am and had the place almost to ourselves. Very peaceful with just the bird song. Highly recommend 🙌
Lovely garden easily accessible after visiting Palais des Papes. Seems to be very popular with local families (at mid-day Monday). Beautiful river views from the terrace, however I would not go out of the way to visit the park since it’s relatively small.
Beautiful place to have a brief rest and escape from the sun. Lovely views and a well maintained park with benches, toilets and a little pop up cafe. Worth an early morning visit in particular
Beautiful park with running water. Very unique.
Beautiful amazing garden a lot off people gathering chit chat picnick enjoying weekend
Remparts d'Avignon
| Address | 84000 Avignon, France |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 32 74 32 74 |
This was a very historical building with lots of history to be told, as we went on a tour from our cruise ship and he walked us through here. We parked right across the street, right next to the bridge. It was a cool place where you could walk out on the water over the river. We walked through here into the Old Town, and we even got to see the big sign of the city. We really liked this area. This is a very cool old historical place in the city. I highly recommend you go here. Whenever in Avignon
The city walls were constructed during the period when the city served as the seat of the papacy (1309–1377), a time known as the Avignon Papacy. With the arrival of the popes, Avignon was transformed into a fortified stronghold. The walls extend for approximately 4.3 kilometers, forming a near-complete loop around the historic center. The fortifications include 39 towers and 7 major gates, making them one of the best-preserved examples of medieval urban ramparts in France.
The length and size of the rampart is amazing. The rampart was constructed to protect the Papal palace inside
In 1995, the historic center of Avignon （the oldest famous City of Popes） was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Beautiful historic wall! It looks even beautiful right before sunset.
Les Halles d'Avignon
| Address | 18 Pl. Pie, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 63 72 71 56 |
Really nice market in Avignon. We have seen a couple now dans la sud de France which seem a bit manufactured but this was lovely and authentic
I think the trick seems to be to look for the ones that close at 1400. Anything that stays open later seems to be a bit formulaic.
Anyway.
Enough jawing.
Here’s a few pics.
Beautiful city, a lot of culture, well preserved Popes Palace, wonderful museum near by a must visit! Market every nice.
Incredible gardens and historic sites. The walk from Avignon was easy and enjoyable with many opportunities to stop for drinks and food.
An experience! Explore all the fresh produce from Avignon & Provence. Great for small gifts, or gran some local produce for a picnic and enjoy the local flavours.
Excellent french produce at one place .
Counter restaurants are simply amazing.
They put a lot of efforts and their passion is really comes through .
Food gorgeous..
Just go there around 1130 . Full of atmosphere, order nice glass of french wine and smoked salmon . That's what we did and it was amazing.
Top French quality and flavours of south of France
Pont du Gard
| Address | 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 66 37 50 99 |
Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive historical landmarks I’ve ever visited. It’s incredible to think that this Roman aqueduct was built nearly 2,000 years ago and still stands as a masterpiece of ancient engineering. The views are breathtaking, and the surrounding natural scenery makes it even more special.
The Gardon River is clean and refreshing, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Whether you’re walking across the bridge, relaxing by the river, or simply admiring the architecture, it’s an unforgettable experience.
A must-visit destination in southern France for anyone who appreciates history, nature, and remarkable engineering.
Absolutely amazing piece of Roman engineering. Well worth the visit. We added this excursion from Avignon. It's about 30 minutes away.
There is a small museum, gift shop, cafeteria on the parking side. The museum is quite good and we'll air conditioned. You walk down to the bridge from there. There is a pedestrian bridge that allows you to cross to the other side. On that side, there's a restaurant as well, and a trail up the hill that takes you to the top where you can see actual aqueduct. A little further on the trail, there are nice viewpoints to see the entire bridge. The trail is a little challenging, so not appropriate for those with mobility issues.
Also popular is taking a dip is the river. There were lots of people that did that on the hot summer day when we were there. But we didn't.
Growing up in Canada, history is something found in a text book. But in Europe, history is right out in the open. The pedestrian bridge itself is 300 years old! Knowing what I know now, I would have like to find an excursion that included Nims as well, the destination of the aqueduct.
Absolutely stunning adventure! Be sure to bring your swimsuit so you can relax on the beach and enjoy both swimming and breathtaking views. Parking is just a 10-minute walk away. There are also nearby restaurants and clean toilets. If you love packrafting or want to rent a kayak, definitely explore local businesses. This place is truly fantastic!
Really enjoyed my visit to Pont du Gard. Very different to the last time I visited about 50 years ago.
There is now a very big car park which cost 9€ per vehicle. You then go through a central row of buildings with a museum, a café and souvenirs shop. This leads you on a path accessible to everyone and takes you all the way to 'le Pont'. It was still as impressive as I remembered it. They were people along the Gardon's bank enjoying a paddle or a swim. It is a shingle beach so i would recommend having water shoes to make it more enjoyable. A great place to visit for the history and also to enjoy a dip in the water by hot weather.
Very unique spot. Terrific museum. It’s quite a walk down to the river but definitely worth it. Several shops and food options, bathrooms are decent. The water is cold but how many times will you be able to swim in front of a Roman aqueduct? Highly recommended this one of a kind experience!
Carrières des Lumières
| Address | Route de Maillane, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 49 20 02 |
Stunning, Stunning, Stunning! I am not a fan of Picasso, and my husband doesn't even like art...but we LOVED it! The venue is remarkable (lovely and cool on a jot summers day too) and the way the art is shown it is just so imersive. It was brilliant and we would go back again without hesitation.
The local village, Les Beaux de Provence, is listed as a beautiful village and you can see why. It's just a few minutes from the exhibition, up hill, and worth a visit. Look past all the tourists and gift shops to the history and magnificent views.
If you are staying in Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s worth driving over to check out this art exhibition. It’s located inside an old quarry, and the current feature is Picasso. It’s actually quite nice to just sit on the stone benches inside and watch the different paintings being projected one after another. This way, you don't have to keep walking around, and the combination of music and lighting gives it a unique character. However, I personally felt it wasn't quite as breathtaking or impactful as the one at the submarine base in Bordeaux."
A very unusual place, a multimedia show right inside the grottoes, which have preserved their history and pristine nature. We went to the "Oceans" show, a very interesting and colorful show. Cons: the parking lot nearby is overcrowded, so you either have to wait or park far away.
We (DASA) would like to leave a review of this remarkable place.
What has been created from a former quarry is truly impressive! The scale of the project, the presentation, and the amount of work behind it deserve nothing but admiration. It is a unique experience and definitely worth visiting.
However, there are a few drawbacks regarding the visitor services:
The parking is paid 5eu/h , which is not a problem by itself, but there is essentially only one payment machine. Its small screen is very difficult to read in the bright sun, and as a result long queues quickly form.
Also, keep in mind that this is a former mountain quarry, so there is quite a bit of dust inside. If you have breathing problems or are sensitive to dust, the visit may be somewhat challenging.
Other than that, everything is excellent, and the overall experience is truly memorable.
A place to go with the whole family and connect with something that will make you have fun like a kid. The vibe of the place is really great. It's totally worth it!
Petit train touristique d’Avignon
| Address | Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 10 32 85 24 |
Very nice experience seeing a lot of Avignon in a short time. We only had about an hour and we had tired children, so this was perfect. The audio description was interesting. Easy to get tickets at the starting point.
An experience not to be missed- a very good exposition of Avignon character and offering and a very good value for money.
Comfortable mini tourist train with excellent sound system and commentary. Good value.
The train is fun and good value at €10 per person. We took it because my grandfather has limited walking endurance and wouldn’t have been able to see the city otherwise.
Regrettably, the departure point is rather hard to reach for anyone with limited mobility. One cannot simply take a bus or taxi to Place du Palais - you have to walk a ways uphill to get there. It would be nice if they had a departure point near the cruise ships or the train station.
We had a lovely time on the train going around town. You can cover the same ground on foot, but the train is a nice way to see it all and not be winded. For the money, you can't beat it. Headphones are provided with some history lessons. Well worth it!! A+
Musée Angladon - Collection Jacques Doucet
| Address | 5 Rue Laboureur, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 82 29 03 |
Very interesting museum. The collection has some great pictures in a lovely building. The likes
of Alain Derain, Pablo Picasso, Cezanne, Manet, Degas, Modigliani are all to be viewed here.
The staff are very kind and helpful and the building very well maintained and clean. Definately worth a visit if you are at all interested in art.
Really interesting museum/gallery. I enjoyed learning about the life of the collector and how the art was passed on to his grandson and his wife, both also artists, whose work is displayed on the top floor. Charming!
We went in this museum bc the big art museum that day was sadly closed! The ticket 8 euros I think it is too much for what you will see there. Not much famous paintings 🖼️ I would say it is ok museum if I did not see it I would not cry over it 🙂
Great little collection. It would have been nice if I could see the labels and the artworks themselves. Would have left immediately if I was not accompanying someone.
To the curator, are you aware it possible to have modern quality LED lighting that is very low UV?
I’m not sure what people see in this museum. Sure it has a few notable paintings. The Picasso. However the whole museum is kind of dark and dingy. The Picasso is weirdly displayed up high with no real focus. There is a kind of weird old Grandmother’s old bedroom smell in some of the rooms. Better options for Art museums in Town.
Notre Dame des Doms
| Address | Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM Sunday: 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 60 16 00 80 |
Gorgeous! It’s a bit muggy inside with the hot weather, would have loved more information on the building and architecture.
This is Avignon’s principal Romanesque cathedral, originally constructed around 1150. When the Papacy relocated to Avignon in the 14th century, the cathedral became the site of major papal liturgical ceremonies and masses. Its proximity to the Palais des Papes elevated its religious and symbolic status significantly. The building has undergone several restorations, especially in the late 19th century, which preserved its original Romanesque structure while incorporating Gothic and Baroque elements. One of its most striking features is the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop the western façade, visible from many parts of the city. Inside, the cathedral houses the marble tomb of Pope John XXII, making it not only a religious but also a historical monument closely tied to Avignon’s unique role in Church history.
Notre-Dame des Doms is a must-visit destination in Avignon, especially if you’re looking for an unforgettable sunset experience. Perched atop a hill, this historic cathedral not only offers a deep dive into the region's rich religious history but also provides some of the most spectacular views in the area.
As the sun begins to set, the view from Notre-Dame des Doms becomes truly magical. The sweeping panorama of the Rhône River, the Pont d'Avignon, and the distant hills is bathed in a warm, golden light that creates a breathtaking backdrop. The changing colors of the sky and the landscape as the sun dips below the horizon make for an unforgettable experience, perfect for capturing stunning photographs or simply soaking in the beauty.
The cathedral itself is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with its intricate details and serene interior adding to the overall experience. The peaceful ambiance within the church provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant colors of the sunset outside.
Whether you're an avid photographer or simply looking to enjoy a tranquil moment, Notre-Dame des Doms during sunset is a truly magical experience. It’s a highlight of any visit to Avignon and a beautiful way to end a day of exploring. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a blend of history, beauty, and unforgettable views!
Huge church!!!
So beautiful, filled with little details.
If you want to donate some money, is very easy. Just need to tap the card and choose the amount.
When we went, there was someone playing the organ, so beautiful
Beautiful cathedral next to the Palace of the Popes. Building started in 1150 and it is now the seat of the archdiocese of Avignon. Pope John XXII mausoleum is in this church.
Recommend a short visit, especially if you going to the Palace of the Popes.
Place du Palais
| Address | Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The place itself is stunning and has unique architecture. This is signature of Avignon city. When reaching here you also can enjoy yourself in the old town square, shopping, ice cream or have lunch here.
The Place du Palais in Avignon is a stunning and historic square that immediately impresses with its grandeur and atmosphere. Framed by the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe, this square is a must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re sipping a coffee at one of the cafés or simply soaking in the view, the Place du Palais offers a unique blend of medieval history and vibrant modern life. Street performers often liven up the square, adding to its charm and making it feel truly alive.
Fun Facts:
• The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) was the seat of the Catholic popes in the 14th century when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon.
• The square was once the main gathering place for medieval markets and public events — a tradition that continues today with festivals and open-air performances.
• During the annual Festival d’Avignon, the Place du Palais becomes an open stage and hub of cultural activity.
• The cobblestone surface of the square is made of locally sourced stone and has been preserved to maintain the historical feel.
Whether you’re visiting for its historical significance or just enjoying the ambiance, Place du Palais is an unforgettable experience that connects you to the heart of Avignon’s past and present.
Located directly in front of the Palais des Papes, this expansive stone square has served as the heart of political, religious, and civic life in Avignon since the papal court relocated here in the 14th century. Today, it functions as one of the central stages for the renowned Festival d’Avignon.
La place du Palais is indeed a beautiful agora in the heart of Avignon where you can visit the castle and have a tour in the old town and rest in this wonderful place to have lunch or coffee. A beautiful place to rest after visiting le Pont D'avignon. Enjoy...
We arrived as the town was preparing for the annual festival and they were building a huge seating platform in the main courtyard of the Palais, so our experience was not great. The tour direction was changed and the audo guide made.no sense...we feel we missed out on a few highlights. It's a small complaint but did
impact on a visit we were looking forward to for many months. Visitors in June beware you don't arrive just before the festivals.
Basilique Saint-Pierre
| Address | Pl. Saint-Pierre, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 82 10 56 |
What a stunning church on the outside this is , unfortunately on our visit we didn’t get to look around on the inside which is a real shame . I was blown away the doors to the church the wood carvings were just Fantastic, it’s great that we can still see these beautiful buildings . Avignon is a great place to visit you won’t be disappointed.
Beautiful place. A lot to see if you like religious artifacts
Absolutely stunning gothic basilica with incredible carved wooden doors. Building begun in 1358 and Pope Innocent VI erected it as a collegiate church.
Absolute must see.
Took us a while to find the entrance at the side. Once you're inside, you'll see it's beauty. It's very dark as well.
This Gothic church reflects the religious atmosphere of 14th-century Avignon during the Papal period. It is renowned for its richly carved wooden portal created in the 16th century. Inside, it features a Baroque-style altar.
Gardens at the Popes’ Palace
| Address | Rue des Esc. Sainte-Anne, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
It's a very small garden but it's pretty, with fragrant herbs and flowers. Entry was included with the tickets we got for the castle, dont think i would have wanted to pay for it otherwise.
These garden are beautiful but they are relatively small.
We purchased a 3 pack ticket which gave us entry to the palace, the gardens and the bridge for just £17.
We visited in the afternoon and perhaps the lighting and photographs would have been better in the morning.
Worth a visit and very well maintained.
Located on the eastern side of the Palais des Papes, these gardens once served as a private retreat and botanical garden for the popes during the Middle Ages. Today, visitors can access the gardens through the palace itself.
※ Included in the Avignon City Pass.
Real disappointing knowing that it's a garden with wine leaves, rosemary and other aromatic herbs and artichokes ... for a Palace's garden it's a bit light and out of purpose ! Let alone that you have to pay 5 Euros for this ...
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The iPads were useful but were a distraction. If more if the information views were in English, would have made the tour more fluid. Desired more information on what parts of the buildings were reconstructed or original. Feature information and subsequent history post the popes was lacking. Was disappointed with having to pay a fee for the gardens which were a disappointment and did not meet expectations.
Collection Lambert Avignon
| Address | 5 Rue Violette, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 16 56 23 |
This contemporary art museum in a former palace balances the challenging pieces amidst dramatic architecture. Personally I enjoyed seeing one of my favorites, Sol LeWitt.
The museum is just down the block from one of Avignon's most entertaining streets with restaurants and shops only a few steps away. I recommend L'Épicerie de Ginette for open sandwiches, soups & homemade cakes in a 1940s cafe with period music and terrace seating on a small square.
This is a major contemporary art museum in Avignon, founded in 2000 through a generous donation by renowned French collector Yvon Lambert. Initially established with his personal collection, it is now jointly operated by France’s Ministry of Culture and local authorities. The museum is housed within two adjoining 18th-century aristocratic mansions — the Hôtel de Caumont and Hôtel de Montfaucon — offering an elegant architectural contrast to the contemporary works it displays. The collection is notable for both its scale and quality, featuring works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Exhibitions are organized on a rotating basis and often take the form of curated thematic or solo shows.
※ Included in the Avignon City Pass.
Spent two hours in the museum and loved it! The building is impressive and the collection is beautiful! We enjoyed the diversity of the media presented. Also the stuff was super friendly and helpful ✨
I really enjoyed the variety of artworks at this museum. Just make sure to visit outside of lunchtime hours for a smoother experience.
I travel a lot and I can say that this museum has one of the best collections of contemporary art that I have seen in the last 2 years. Especially when compared with other major museums, which often have rather boring expositions.
Musée du Petit Palais
| Address | Palais des archevêques, Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 86 44 58 |
The best place for visiting
30/07/26 entrance was for free.
3 floors with amazing art!
Very good bravo 🫶🏻🤍🙏🏻
Free museum definitely worth your time, if not for the art at least for the gorgeous interior of the building. Some upstairs rooms were closed off but since I didn’t see them no clue what I’m missing, but, it’s a free museum!
They have some wonderful art, but they also had the lights off in some of their galleries, had other galleries closed off, and herded is out a half hour before they even close. Make sure you go early, and pay attention to their seasonally changing hours.
It's free museum but it's world class museum with many old masters paintings. I especially like the methods of how they made paints in the past.
Too bad my French is not very good cos very few descriptions are in English and it's mostly just who's the painter and title.
Opened in 1976, this FREE (yes apparently it’s free) wonderful museum that is located in the main square (at the side of the Palais des Papes) has fantastic collection of Renaissance paintings of Avignon. It’s a very easy and relaxing place so do take your time and just enjoy.
Insider Tips for Visiting Avignon
To make the most of your time in this Provençal hub, it helps to know a few local logistics and cultural nuances. Navigating the city like a seasoned traveler rather than a tourist will save you time, money, and potential frustration. Here are some essential tips to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
- Time Your Visit for the Festival or Avoid It Entirely: Avignon has two distinct personalities. In July, the Festival d’Avignon takes over, offering incredible street performances and energy but also massive crowds and high hotel prices. If you seek tranquility, avoid July; if you love theater, book months in advance.
- Wear Comfortable, Flat Shoes: The historic center is almost entirely pedestrianized and paved with cobblestones (often sloping). High heels or flimsy sandals will make a day of sightseeing painful. Sturdy sneakers or cushioned walking shoes are a necessity.
- Use the Avignon City Pass: If you plan to visit the Palais des Papes, the Pont d’Avignon, and several museums, the Avignon City Pass offers significant savings. It also often includes free public transport and discounts at select shops, making it a smart investment for active sightseers.
- Eat at Les Halles Before Noon: The covered market, Les Halles, is the culinary heart of the city. Go late morning to browse the stalls, chat with vendors, and grab a bite at one of the small counters inside. Many of the best food stalls sell out or close by 2:00 PM.
- Look for the "Carré du Palais" for Parking: If you are driving, do not attempt to navigate the narrow medieval streets. Park at the Palais des Papes parking structure (Parking du Palais des Papes) or the free parking lots outside the walls (like the Parking de l’Île Piot) and take the free shuttle or walk into the center.
- Validate Your Bus Tickets: If you use the local bus system (TCRA) to reach areas outside the walls, remember you must validate your ticket in the machine on board. Failure to do so can result in a fine, even if you have purchased a valid ticket.
Avignon is a city that rewards the curious traveler. While the sheer scale of the Palais des Papes and the romance of the broken bridge are the initial draws, the city’s true charm often reveals itself in the quiet moments spent sipping a Côtes du Rhône on a shaded terrace or getting lost in the labyrinth of side streets.
As the sun sets and the stone walls glow warm orange, you will understand why so many artists and writers have fallen under the spell of this Provençal capital. Whether you are here for a day trip or a week-long stay, the memories of its distinct character and rich history will linger long after you have crossed back over the river.
