Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Bingqian Li, Pexels
Avignon, a city steeped in history within the heart of Provence, offers a journey through time with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the imposing Palais des Papes and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet. Visitors are drawn to its rich medieval atmosphere, vibrant cultural scene, and the blend of art and gastronomy that makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region.
For those seeking to socialize, Avignon's central Place de l'Horloge buzzes with cafes and restaurants, serving as a lively hub for people-watching and public performances. The charming Rue des Teinturiers offers a bohemian ambiance with its canal-side cafes, galleries, and theaters. While general nightlife may be limited, areas around Place de l'Horloge and Place du Palais host several bars. During the annual Festival d'Avignon in July, the city transforms with a spirited energy, featuring street performers and a vibrant atmosphere that encourages interaction among visitors and locals alike.
Top 5 Things to do in Avignon
Visitors to Avignon can immerse themselves in historical sites, enjoy panoramic city views, explore local gastronomy, and experience the region's famous wine culture.
1. Explore the Palais des Papes
Stepping into the Palais des Papes, one is immediately transported to the 14th century, a time when this imposing Gothic structure served as the residence for popes. The sheer scale and architectural grandeur of the palace are remarkable, with vast halls and chapels to discover. A digital Histopad is included with admission, offering an augmented reality experience that vividly reconstructs how the rooms once appeared. This visit often includes access to the pontifical gardens, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the historical exploration.
Cost: Adult entry costs €12 for the Palace alone, or €14.50 including the pontifical gardens. A combined ticket with Pont Saint-Bénézet is €14.50. Reduced rates are available, and online booking is recommended. Residents of Avignon can enter free with proof of address.
Transport: The Palais des Papes is centrally located and easily accessible on foot, typically within a 20-minute walk from anywhere within the city walls. From Avignon-Centre Station, a bus ride to Hôtel de Ville takes approximately 3-7 minutes and costs around €2. A taxi ride from the station would be about 7 minutes, costing €8-€11.
2. Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet
Known as the Pont d'Avignon, this iconic medieval bridge famously stretches only halfway across the Rhône River. Walking along its remaining arches offers a unique perspective of the river and the city's skyline, including Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the distant Fort Saint-André. The experience includes access to a small museum that details the bridge's intriguing history and legends.
Cost: Entry to the Pont Saint-Bénézet is €5. A combined ticket with the Palais des Papes can offer savings. The bridge can be admired from outside for free.
Transport: The bridge is a short walk from the city center and the Palais des Papes. From Avignon-Centre Station, a bus to Racine takes about 4-10 minutes and costs €2. A taxi ride is approximately 2 minutes, costing €6-€9.
3. Stroll through the Jardin des Doms
Perched atop the Rocher des Doms, this beautifully landscaped English-style garden offers an ideal spot for relaxation and panoramic views. From various vantage points, one can see the meandering Rhône River, the partial span of Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Île de la Barthelasse, and even Mont Ventoux on a clear day. The garden features charming ponds with swans and ducks, classical statues, and a café for refreshments, making it a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle.
Cost: Entry to the Jardin des Doms is free.
Transport: The garden is easily accessible on foot from the Palais des Papes, via steps near the Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral or from the banks of the Rhône.
4. Experience Les Halles d'Avignon
Les Halles d'Avignon is a vibrant indoor market that stands as a true heart of Provençal gastronomy. Its distinctive green vegetal wall at the entrance hints at the fresh produce inside. Exploring the more than 40 stalls reveals an abundance of local specialties, from fresh fruits and vegetables to regional cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked goods. It is a sensory delight, offering a genuine taste of local life. On Saturday mornings, visitors can enjoy free cooking demonstrations by local chefs, providing insights into preparing Provencal dishes (except in August).
Cost: Entry to Les Halles is free. Costs apply for any purchases. Some food tours, which may include the market, can be around $179.
Transport: Located at Place Pie, Les Halles is within easy walking distance from any point in Avignon's historic center.
5. Indulge in a Wine Tasting Experience
Avignon is positioned at the crossroads of some of France's most prestigious wine regions, including the Southern Rhône Valley and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Many half-day or full-day tours depart from the city, providing an opportunity to visit local wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a variety of exquisite red and white wines. These tours often include scenic drives through picturesque vineyards and charming Provencal villages.
Cost: The average price for a cellar tour with wine tasting is around €37.00. Half-day guided tours typically range from €85 to €150 per person, while full-day tours can start from €95-€145. Private tours are also available at a higher cost.
Transport: Most wine tasting experiences are offered as guided tours, which include transportation from Avignon. Self-driving is an option but requires a rental car and navigation.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
