The city of Avignon can be found in Southeastern France, in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The city is located right on the banks of the river Rhone meaning that throughout history Avignon has always been an important city for trade.

There are many things to do in Avignon such as walking along beside the medieval walls and fortifications. Spend an afternoon visiting the majestic Palace of the Popes and strolling around the gardens of the Rocher des Doms.

In this article we will look at the top things to do in Avignon and the nearby surroundings to give you some inspiration on how to spend your time during your next trip!

1 – Admire the gothic grandeur of the Palace of the Popes

Palace of the Popes, Avignon

During the 14th century the Papacy was relocated from Rome to Avignon. Pope Clement V decided to move the Papal Court away from Rome due to political turmoil.

The Palace of the Popes is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so its definitely worth the visit! There are two buildings within the Palace of the Popes, the old palace of Benedict XII and the new palace of Clement VI.

Visitors have access to 25 stunning rooms within the Palace for example the Grande Audience Hall, the Great Clementine Chapel and the private apartments of the Popes.

Learn more about the lives of the nine Popes who lived within the Palace walls and marvel at the frescoes by Matteo Giovanetti and Simone Martini.

When making your way to the Palace of the Popes make sure to walk along the Rue de la Republique which is full of lively shops and restaurants.

Palace of the Popes tours

2 – Cross over the 12th century Pont d’Avignon

Pont d’Avignon

Taking some photographs on the Avignon bridge is one of the essential things to do in Avignon! The bridge has been made famous worldwide due to the popular children’s song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon.’

The bridge is often referred to as the Pont Saint-Bénézet. Bénézet was a shepherd boy from the nearby village of Villard. He claimed that he received a divine message to start the construction of a bridge over the Rhone and miraculously managed to lift some massive stones.

The bridge has been important since the Middle Ages when pilgrims would cross over the bridge whilst making pilgrimages to Italy and Spain. The bridge originally had 22 arches however nowadays only 4 of the arches remain.

The bridge has suffered lots of damage over the years for example during the 17th century a small part of the bridge collapsed due to severe flooding.

Pont d’Avignon tours

3 – Sit out on a terrasse at the Place de l’Horloge

Place de l’Horloge, Avignon

During Medieval times the Place de l’Horloge was a a bustling market place. It is believed that it was probably on this central square that the Roman forum originally existed.

It is in this square that visitors can admire the Town Hall and the Theatre of Avignon nowadays known as the ‘Opéra du Grand Avignon.’

The square is surrounded by various restaurants, cafés and brasseries and its central location in the heart of the city makes it an excellent spot for people watching. Due to its large spacious pedestrian area the Place de l’Horloge often hosts outdoor events or flea markets. Kids will love taking a ride on the majestic carousel!

walking tours in Avignon

4 – Explore the charm and natural beauty of Provence

Provence, France

Take a day trip from Avignon to discover the highlights of Provence. There are many tours including the UNESCO World Heritage Roman Pont du Gard and scenic hilltop villages such as Gordes.

One of the most popular towns visited on day tips is Roussillon. Roussillon stands out due to the reddish-orange buildings created due to the natural ochre deposits. There is even an Ochre trail where visitors can hike through the ochre quarries!

Another popular destination included in many day trips of Provence is the village of Les Baux de Provence. Les Baux de Provence is an ancient medieval village that once was inhabited by Celts and Romans.

For those traveling with kids, a fun day trip in Provence could involve a trip to Parc Spirou. Parc Spirou is an amusement park in Monteux with roller coasters and several children’s rides.

Provence day trips from Avignon

5 – Browse for local delicacies at the Avignon Les Halles

Avignon Les Halles

Avignon Les Halles is a covered market which is home to 40 different vendors selling fresh produce such as local meats and cheeses. Typical products include Provençal sausages and patées, fresh oysters, quiche and jams.

There has been a market held at Avignon Les Halles for the last 200 years! The modern exterior of Les Halles designed by Patrick Blanc is unique due to the fact that it is covered in lush green plants creating a plant wall! 20 different plants can grow on one square meter of the urban wall.

Every Saturday at 11am there is a cooking demonstration by top regional chefs who come to showcase their culinary prowess to enthusiast market goers.

6 – Observe spectacular views over Avignon from the Rocher des Doms

Rocher des Doms, Avignon

The Rocher des Doms is a natural limestone hill that rises about 30 meters above the level of the Rhône River. Archeologists have discovered that there is evidence of human activity on this site since the Neolithic period!

The hill has some gardens with a statue of Jean Althen, who introduced the cultivation of madder to use for dyeing cloth in the 18th century

Admire the pond with the sculpture of Venus with the swallows. In 1894 the sculpture of Venus was moved from the Place Carnot to the Gardens of the Rocher des Doms because the nudity of Venus was considered to scandalous for the city centre!

From this elevated vantage point at the Rocher des Doms visitors can admire the views of Mont Ventoux and the meandering Rhone River. As a plus, children will definitely enjoy watching the ducks and peacocks.

7 – Step inside the Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms

Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms, Avignon

This Cathedral is located on the Rocher des Doms, next to the Popes Palace. It is a Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the 12th century! Throughout the centuries the cathedral has been repaired and restored.

On top of the bell tower make sure to catch a glimpse of the golden Virgin Mary made out of gold lead and weighing 4.5 tons.

In the interior of the Cathedral, visitors can take a look at the mausoleum of Pope John XXII. He was the longest reigning Pope in Avignon who died in 1334.

8 – Discover the charming villages of the Luberon

Luberon, France

Luberon is a region in the heart of Provence with attractive landscapes of vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and forests.

Many of the trips around Luberon also include a visit to the villages of Gordes and Roussillon. Both Gordes and Roussilon have been classed as being part of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’ group.

During Gordes daytrips visitors can admire the grey and beige stone that makes this village perched on a hilltop so characterful! Gordes also has a Medieval castle which houses an exhibition on the Polish artist Pol Mara. Nearby to Gordes visitors can also look around the 12th century Cistercian Sénanque Abbey.

During Roussilon daytrips visitors can take photographs of the ochre-colored cliffs and browse the numerous art galleries showcasing the works of local artists. Check out the Tourscanner site for more information regarding the Gordes day trips and Roussilon day trips.

Luberon day trips from Avignon

9 – Unwind during an atmospheric candlelit concert

candlelight concert in Avignon

Treat yourself to an evening of Spanish guitar, a tribute to Michael Jackson or film music related to the theme of Rings and Dragons!

Concerts take place in different breathtaking locations throughout the city such as the Cour du Châtelet du Pont d’Avignonor the Salle du Grand Tinel within the Palace of the Popes.

Listening to music illuminated by flickering candles creates a moving and spellbindingly intimate atmosphere for a memorable night out.

candlelight concerts in Avignon

10 – Savor the complex and rich red wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon

The area of of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is famous world wide for full bodied and heavily tannic red wines with great aging potential.Wine has been cultivated here since the Romans and the Popes expanded the vineyard area to provide fine wines for the Papal court in Avignon.

Discover more about the main grape varietals of the area (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre). You may be surprised to discover that up to 13 different grape varieties are permitted in the Cheteauneuf-du-Pape blends!

Learn more facts about the terroir and the wine production from an informative and engaging wine guide.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape day trips from Avignon

11 – Take a peak inside the Basilique Saint Pierre

Basilique Saint Pierre , Avignon

The Basilique Saint Pierre is a gothic style basilica dating from 1358. Gaze up ay the solid walnut door that stands 4 meters high and is decoratively carved. This impressive piece of woodwork is from 1551!

Inside the basilica there are 6 small side chapels to wander around. Things of interest include some relics of the Cardenal Pierre de Luxemburg and the tomb of the Galliani family sculpted by Jacques Morel.

The basilica is actually connected to the Papal palace through a private passage that the Popes used to use!

12 – Select a bike tour to discover the nearby landscapes and historic villages

bike tour in Avignon

Explore the area surrounding Bonnieux on an E-bike, pedal along the most scenic road of the Luberon and discover the narrow streets and stones houses of Bonnieux. Finish off the tour with some tasty wine tasting.

During one of the guided bike tours on offer you can also visit an olive farm and olive oil museum!

Alternatively some of the E-bike tours offer a trip around the Côtes du Rhône-Séguret wine area and Vaison la Romaine. Séguret is a charming medieval village surrounded by vineyards that provides a lovely stop-off point during a bike ride.

Vaison la Romaine is well worth a visit for those who enjoy exploring Roman ruins! The town has an old Roman theater, bridge and some remains of old Roman villas.

Other biking tours include trekking through the Luberon on mountain bikes! This is a great option for those for are feeling like a more active physical challenge.

bike tours in Avignon

13 – Inhale the scent of the perfumed lavender fields

Lavender Fields, France

The Provence lavender typically blooms mid-June to early August. The fields appear like blankets of purple and you can hear the gentle hum of bumble bees vibrating through the air.

Some of the Lavender Field tours take visitors to Sault where a guide explains about how they extract the essential oils at the lavender farm using steam distillation.

Learn more about the two different varieties of Lavender (true lavender and lavandin).True lavender is known for its high quality essential oil and gentle perfume yet lavandin is known to produce a higher quantity of oil.

Understand more about the different aromatic properties of lavender and the relaxing anti-stress qualities!

Lavender Fields day trips from Avignon

14 – Watch a show at some of the best theaters in Avignon

best theaters in Avignon

The Théâtre LE PARIS specializes in comedy, monologue and theater for kids. Centrally located in the Rue Henri Fabre, the Théâtre LE PARIS is an important venue during the Avignon Festival.

Comedy fans should check out the program at the Théâtre Le Palace. Situated on the Cours Jean Jaurès, the Théâtre Le Palace has five different performance rooms and the place is particularly animated and buzzing during the Festival.

The Théâtre du Rempart can be found near the old city gate of the Poterne Saint-Lazare. At the Théâtre du Rempart visitors can assist concerts and small theater pieces. They place seeks to give a platform to new talent and aims to promote originality and creativity.

The Opéra Grand Avignon has been the home of opera and ballet performances since 1847. The place has been recently renovated in 2020. The Greco-Roman style façade with colonnades creates an impressive exterior with two replica statues of important French playwrights Molière and Corneille.

15 – Fly high over the Provence landscape in a helicopter tour

helicopter tour in Avignon

Get a birds eye view in a thrilling once in a lifetime helicopter experience! There are helicopter experiences that offer flight trips over Les Baux de Provence, the Avignon Bridge or the Fontaine de Vaucluse.

The Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the most powerful natural springs in the whole of France! The natural spring is the source of the Sorgue river and from above you can watch it emerge from out under the limestone cliffs!

There is also the possibility of a microlight flight over Mont Ventoux or the Vaucluse. A microlight flight involves a super light aircraft accompanied by a professional pilot.

helicopter tours in Avignon

16 – Take a day trip to Nîmes in Occitanie, referred to as ‘the French Rome’

Nimes, France

Nîmes is jam packed with incredibly well preserved Roman monuments! Learn more about the Maison Carrée, the iconic Roman temple in the heart of Nîmes! Nîmes also has an amphitheater that used to accommodate 24,000 Roman spectators. The arena was used by the Romans for gladiator battles and animal hunts.

Many of the half day trips to Nimes include a visit to Uzes. Check out the Tourscanner site for more details regarding the Uzes day trips.

Uzès used to be a Roman settlement and then became a prominent Medieval town. The Dukes of Uzès formerly inhabited the castle. Today during Uzes daytrips visitors can still admire the castle with its impressive tower.

Nimes daytrips from Avignon

17 – Walk alongside the Remparts d’Avignon

Remparts d’Avignon

During the 14th century the Popes needed a robust defense system to protect Avignon from bands of mercenaries and therefore they constructed walled fortifications.

The ramparts were 4.3 km long and there was also a moat that was filled with water from the Durance and Sorgue rivers. Along the ramparts there are lots of city gates and towers.

Today many portions of the walled fortifications are well-preserved and in some parts visitors can climb up on the ramparts to walk along and take photographs. The section near the Avignon Bridge gives visitors access to a part of the ramparts.

18 – Catch some waves at the Aquatic park Wave Island

Wave Island, Avignon

Kids will go crazy for a fun packed afternoon at the Wave Island. The park is full of slides, lazy river, wave pools and splash zones to play around in.

Wave Island has the largest artificial wave pool in the world according to the Guinness Book of Word Records! Try surfing on the waves and get your adrenaline pumping.

For those who want to take it easy there is also the option to relax and float around in a large rubber tyre or chill out in the picnic zone. Booking the experience in advance can mean avoiding large queues on the day!

Wave Island tickets

19 – Marvel at the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct bridge

Pont du Gard, France

Marvel at the ingenuity of Roman engineering! The Romans constructed this aqueduct in the first century AD to supply water to the city of Nîmes from the water springs near Uzès.

The aqueduct bridge consists of three tiers reaching a height of 48.8 meters. The aqueduct is made out of limestone and continued to supply Nîmes with a fresh water supply even during the Medieval period!

Trips to the Pont du Gard often include Saint Remy day trips.During Saint Remy daytips take a walk around the historical town centre and visit the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum where the legendary artist Van Gogh painted some of his masterpieces such as ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Irises.’

Pont du Gard day trips from Avignon

20 – Taste some top quality wines and cheese on a wine tour

wine tour in Avignon

Set eyes on the gorgeous vineyards of the Luberon and enjoy a selection of wines with cheese tastings in the village of Bonnieux. Common grape varieties grown in the Luberon region include Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah.Popular cheeses in the Luberon region include Banon which is a small soft cheese made from goat’s milk

Other cheese tastings take place in Vaison-la-Romaine where visitors can ask questions to the master cheese-maker. Learn how to match the different cheese with wines based on the saltiness, creaminess and wine acidity.

In addition to the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape, some of the wine tours available take visitors to explore the wines of Vacqueyras, and Gigondas. These areas produce deep red wines with dark fruit and spicy flavors, often with a hint of garrigue (mediterranean plants).

wine tours in Avignon

21 – Appreciate some world class art at the best museums in Avignon

best museums in Avignon

The Musee du Petit Palais can be found right next to the Papal Palace. The permanent collection of the Musee du Petit Palais includes a large variety of Italian paintings, sculptures from Avignon sculptors and paintings from the school of Avignon.

Art lovers should definitely spend a morning at the Musée Calve, a museum dedicated to decorative arts, ethnography and fine arts.The Musée Calve was founded in 1810 by Esprit Calvet, a doctor and art collector from Avignon.

The collection is housed in an elegant 18th century Neo-classical style building with a columned entrance with ornate reliefs. Visitors will enjoy taking a look at the artworks by top class artists such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, Poussin, and Gustave Doré.

The Musée Lapidaire showcases the archeology section of the Calvet collection. It is located in the baroque chapel of the college of the Jesuits. Visitors can admire a wide range of Greek, Roman, paleo-Christian and Egyptian artifacts, vases and sculptures.

The Musée Angladon houses a collection of paintings and furniture collected by the high fashion couturier Jacques Doucet. There is a large section dedicated to art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Admire works by Degas, Daumier, Vuillard, Van Gogh and many others.

The Musée Angladon is located inside the 18th century mansion, the Hôtel de Massilian, a fine example of Neo-classical and Rococo architecture.

Fans of contemporary and modern art should head to the Collection Lambert Avignon. The museum collection is on display in two large Avignon mansions, the Hôtel de Montfaucon and the Hôtel de Caumant. The Collection Lambert Avignon is packed with works by celebrated artists such as Basquiat, Sol LeWitt, Barceló and Cy Twombly. There are frequent temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

22 – Look out for pink flamingoes in the Camargue

Camargue, France

The Camargue is the region where the Rhone river flows out into the Mediterranean sea and it is characterized by wetlands, marshes and lagoons. In the Carmague it is possible to see semi-wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes.

Traveling through the Camargue visitors can check out the rice cultivation and the salt production. Bird watchers should ensure to bring along some binoculars since the Camargue is known to have over 400 different bird species!

Certain Arles day trips also combine a trip through the Camargue. After enjoying the natural scenery of the Camargue, walk around the Roman amphitheater and Ancient theatre of Arles during the Arles daytrips.

Camargue day trips from Avignon

23 – Admire the fascinating architecture of the Avignon Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville, Avignon

The town hall was constructed in 1844 in a Renaissance style with an interesting clock tower. The clock tower features some mechanical statues of Jacquemart and his wife who strike the clock every hour sending out chimes across the Place de l’Horloge square.

In addition to the statues, the clock tour features an astronomical clock with a dial that displays the time, phases of the moon, and the zodiac signs.

24 – Get active and try out some tricks at Jump Indoor, the Trampoline Park in Avignon

Trampoline Park in Avignon

Allow your kids to bounce around and let off steam on 1000 square meters of indoor trampolines at Jump Indoor.

Jump Indoor has a wide range of facilities including a basket jump, dodgeball, high walls and various jumps to keep the kids amused. They also have a 20 meter long trumbling lane for aspiring gymnastics!

Jumping around on trampolines improves balance and co-ordination and the indoor centre provides a perfect rainy day activity.

25 – Get some spectacular views from Baux de Provence

Baux de Provence, France

Located in the Alpilles mountains, Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque medieval hill top village 245 meters high. The name derives from the provençal word ‘bauç’ which means rocky outcrop.

Explore the ruins of the old castle belonging to the Counts of Baux who used to control the region and wander around the narrow cobbled streets of the village. The notorious Counts of Baux claimed that they were the descendants of King Balthazar adopting the motto, ‘by the grace of Balthazar!’

From the high vantage point of the village try and look out for birds of prey such as the Bonelli eagle, the Egyptian vulture and the lesser kestrel

There are also experiences available offering helicopter rides over Baux de Provence giving you a panoramic tour of the olive groves and vineyards stretching out around the area.

Baux de Provence day trips form Avignon

26 – Walk along the small canal along the Rue de Teinturiers

Rue de Teinturiers, Avignon

In english, ‘rue de teinturiers’ translates to ‘the street of the dyers.’ Historically the area used to be an important centre for the manufacturing of wool, silk and cotton textiles and therefore many fabric dyers lived in the neighborhood.

Along the canal there used to be many waterwheels that were used in the textile industry to operate the weaving mills and rinse the fabrics. Today only 4 water wheels remain because many were damaged during the French revolution.

The sycamore and plane trees along the Rue de Teinturiers provide some cooling shade during the summer months.

27 – Play a round of golf with friends

golf courses in Avignon

Just a 10 minute drive away from the city centre, you can come across the UGOLF : Golf d’Avignon Châteaublanc. The place offers a 18 hole and a 9 hole golf course, lots of practice posts and 2 putting greens. Golfers can also enjoy the surrounding landscape of green Provençal rolling hills.

The UGOLF : Golf d’Avignon Châteaublanc also have a restaurant ‘Sur le green’ overlooking the golf course.

Another fantastic location for a game of golf is the Golf Grand Avignon.This 18 hole course stands out due to the fact that it is surrounded by 5 lakes! The edges of the course are all filled with beautiful cypress trees, lavender and olive trees and you can even spot the Mont Ventoux. It takes just 16 minutes to arrive here by car from the centre of Avignon.

Finish off your round of golf at Golf Grand Avignon with a delicious lunch on the terrace restaurant ‘Les Terrasses du lac.’

28 – Spend time in the charming coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer, the capital of the Camargue

Saintes Maries de la Mer, France

The town is named after the three holy Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome, and Mary Jacobé) who are believed to have once arrived on the shores of the Camargue after fleeing from the Holy Land.

The town is particularly important to the Roma community who gather here yearly for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sarah (the patron saint of the Roma). According to legend, Sarah was a local woman who welcomed the holy Marys upon their arrival.

Van Gogh used to come to paint the picturesque scenery of the town and his painting ‘View of Saintes-Maries’ can be found in the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands.

Relax on the sandy beaches and take a dip in the clear blue waters. Make sure to check out thee Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church which was built in the 12th century. Before leaving try some of the local gastronomic delicacies such as clams or bull stew.

Saintes Maries de la Mer day trips from Avignon

29 – Take a ride in the Grande Roue d’Avignon (the ferris wheel)

Grande Roue d’Avignon

Hop into one of the 36 ferris wheel cars for some breathtaking views over the Rhone river, the rooftops of Avignon and the Provençal countryside! Get a completely different perspective of the Palais des Popes and the Avignon bridge from up high. The ride is great for all ages and provides some magical photo opportunities.

The ride on the Ferris wheel is particularly romantic at sunset with the light casts shadows over the buildings and treetops. At night the wheel is illuminated and the lights shimmer in the river water.

30 – Use your brain power and team solving skills to set your group free from the escape room

escape room in Avignon

Located in Avignon- Montfavet, Les Secrets du Phoenix is an escape room that will immerse you in an ambience of mystery and intrigue. Les Secrets du Phoenix have four different themed challenges to choose from including the Demo Gorgon, Bunker 666, Joo Manji and the Curse of the Pharaoh.

TimeXperience has various missions to test your reflexion and manipulation skills! Their challenges include the Crazy Saloon, Black Virus, Base C-18 and the Challenge BattleXperience. TimeXperience is located in the Zone de Courtine in Avignon and players should leave 60 minutes for each escape challenge.

The Great Escape, situated near the commercial center Leclerc Les Anges has 4 rooms with 4 different levels to accommodate players all abilities. The Great Escape also has 2 rooms specially for kids.

Alternatively Défiez Le Cube offers another engaging escape game enigma for friends and family to try and solve. Players are presented with 10 challenges, 10 clues and have to try and find the password.

31 – Attempt a lucky strike at the bowling alley

bowling in Avignon

Take part in a fun social and competitive activity that can involve all the family. Improve your hand-eye coordination and accuracy when swinging back the ball! An evening of bowling is the ideal activity during wet weather.

The Bowling du Pontet has 22 air-conditioned bowling alleys and 27 billiards tables. The Bowling du Pontet is open daily from 2pm in the afternoon until late. It takes 20 minutes by car to get there from the centre of Avignon.

32 – Learn about Medieval defense tactics at the Fort Saint Andre in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Fort Saint Andre, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Fort Saint Andre is a 14th century medieval fortress with impressive defensive towers, portcullises and a drawbridge. The Fort was built by the King of France Jean le Bon in order to help protect the nearby Benedictine abbey of Saint André.

From the forts elevated position on top of Mount Adaon visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mont Ventoux, Avignon, the Rhone and the Alpilles mountain range.

Make sure to enter the Tower of Masks and the Prisoner’s room to take a look at the historic graffiti etched into the walls by dozens of prisoners. Inside the Tower of Masks, Protestant heretics were imprisoned during the Wars of Religion!

33 – Indulge your palette with a fine dining experience

fine dining in Avignon

The Hiély-Lucullus restaurant is run by the Avignon born chef Gérald Azoulay who creates dishes heavily inspired by the native flavors of Provence. He mixes and experiments with typical ingredients such as black truffles, asparagus, aromatic herbs and honey. The Hiély-Lucullus restaurant has been producing gourmet cuisine since 1938.

For a historical gourmet experience reserve a table at Sevin. Sevin is attached to the southern façade of the Palais des Papes and the building was built between 1190 and 1220 making it even older than the Palais des Papes! Enjoy the poetic and creative cuisine in walls marked by history.

Located right in the heart of Avignon the Michelin star Pollen restaurant places a large emphasis on seasonal and natural products. The decor of Pollen is contemporary with cosy wooden floorboards and hanging lights.

La Mirande can be found right next to the Palais des Papes in the 5 star boutique hotel. The building is where the cardinals used to share dinner with the Popes during the 14th century. La Mirande has a Michelin star and a Michelin green star for sustainable gastronomy.

The La Vieille Fontaine is another Michelin star restaurant located in the Hôtel d’Europe. La Vieille Fontaine mixes contemporary decorations with 18th century features to achieve an ultimate ambiance of finesse and elegance.

Set in an elegant Avignon town house, Bibendum has an excellent restaurant with a chic wine bar and a cocktail bar. During the week Bibendum offers a stylish business lunch menu.

34 – Experience the best nightlife in Avignon

best nightlife in Avignon

Marion Nous – Bar à Vins & Tapas is centrally located on the Place Des Carmes and offers a great selection of regional wines. The walls are lined with books and the soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

Oenophiles will similarly fall in love with Le Carré du Palais wine bar which offers a selection of 32 different wines that it is possible to try by the glass. They especially focus on wines from the Rhone valley. Get some great tasting tips from the sommelier!

For a night of Jazz music head to the Ajmi Jazz Club, Ajmi has been classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France! Discover new jazz talents and enjoy the jazz jam sessions.

For a place to dance to some electro and retro beats, spend the evening at Bokoa’s nightclub. Check out their program for further information on the latest DJs and themed parties.

35 – Have fun at the Festival d’Avignon

Festival d’Avignon

The Festival d’Avignon takes place annually in July and the city comes to life with theatre goers, actors, dancers, musicians culture lovers who gather together to gain inspiration and enjoy a wide range of innovative theater performances.

The Festival was first formed in 1947 by the actor and director Jean Vilar who wanted to promote experimental theater and the arts. During the festival shows are held throughout the city in squares, churches, side streets and the courtyard of the Palais des Papes.

The festival has been classified as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and has gained global popularity. If you are visiting Avignon during the Festival make sure to book up your accommodation in advance because demand is very high.

How to get to Avignon?

The nearest airport to Avignon is Nîmes which is 37.3 kilometers away or slightly further afield is the Marseille airport, at a distance of 65.4 kilometers. Check out the Tourscanner site to compare prices on airport transfers to Avignon. Airport transfers ensure that you save time and reduce hassle when traveling.

Alternatively take the TGV high speed train from Paris which takes 3 hours 25 minutes and there are around 18 trains per day.

Where to stay in Avignon?

La Maison Grivolas Appartements et Maison d’hôtes is one of the best hotels in Avignon, just 500 meters away from the Papal Palace. The place has an attractive garden and swimming pool. The rooms have a cosy decor and guests are served a fresh continental breakfast.

La Maison de l’Olivier is 800 meters away from the Papal Palace and provides a peaceful oasis near the city center, This guest house also has a swimming pool and a garden. Those who are looking for ultimate relaxation will enjoy the hydromassage bath tub and hammam.

The Villa Pauline Avignon – Maison d’hôtes & Bed and Breakfast & Galerie d’Art is 3.3 kilometers away from Avignon Central station. The villa has a tranquil garden and outdoor swimming pool to soak up the sun. The rooms are full of interesting artworks inspired by the theme of travel and the place is full of charm and character.

best hotels in Avignon

Where to go next?

There are many other fun things to do in southeastern France. There are many things to do in Marseille such as strolling around the Old Port or taking a boat to see the Château d’If. Other activities in Marseille include climbing up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde to take in the panoramic views of the city and coastline.

Check out things to do in Montpellier such as visiting the top class art gallery the Musée Fabre or learning about the city history at the Musée du Vieux Montpellier. Don’t miss also walking along the Promenade du Peyrou and admiring the Arc de Triomphe.

Discover things to do in Aix-en-Provence, a one hour drive away from Avignon. Fun activities include looking at the paintings of Cézanne and Van Gogh at the Musée Granet or observing the elegant architecture and mansions in Le Quartier Mazarin.

There are also many things to do in Toulouse such as visiting the UNESCO-listed Romanesque basilica of Saint-Sernin. Or taking a bike ride along the Canal du Midi is another one of the top activities in Toulouse.

Head to the French riviera coast and discover things to do in Cannes such as people-watching along the Promenade de la Croisette and browsing the boutique shops and restaurants.

Take a look at top things to do in Nice such as visiting the Matisse or Chagall Museums, admiring the breathtaking view of the Bay of Angels from the Colline du Château, one of the most memorable activities to do in Nice.

Finally why not spend a few days in Lyon? Spend an afternoon visiting the Confluence Museum to learn about science and natural history within innovative modern architectural complex. Other things to do in Lyon involve eating out in the typical restaurants known as bouchons and trying the local gastronomy with dishes such andouillette and quenelle dumplings!

For further inspiration check out our article regarding the best places to visit in France.

Final thoughts

We hope this article has persuaded you that there are many things to do in Avignon. Delve into the historical roots of the city and the surrounding area, learning more about the Romans and Popes who made Avignon their home.

Enjoy strolling along the Rhone river, embracing the aromatic flavors of the Provençal cuisine and sampling the deep and complex local wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape! Take the opportunity to explore other enchanting nearby villages in the Luberon or look out for wildlife in the Camargue.

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35 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Avignon, France