23 Beautiful Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Avignon

September 7, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1986 Views

Avignon is a prefecture in the Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur region of Southeastern France. The city sits on the banks of the river Rhone and is one of the historic cities in the country. The best things to do in Avignon revolve around exploring history, art, culture, and buildings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

The city is best known for the Avignon Papacy of the 14th century. Many of the best places to visit in Avignon were built during this period. The Pope fled Rome to escape the conspiracies and corruption.

Then seven consecutive Popes resided in the city, establishing the Avignon Papacy. Owing to this many of the top things to see in Avignon include religious buildings such as Papal residences, churches, chateaus, chapels, cathedrals, and so on.

Although the city had strategic importance for trade owing to rivers Rhone and Durance. Many of the historic Avignon tourist attractions can still be found close to the rivers. While Durance has mostly lost its glory, Rhone still flows strong. The boat tours through Rhone is one of the best experiences for Avignon sightseeing.

Owing to its history, the city has also attracted several artists over the ages. Many of the places to see in Avignon are adorned with paintings, sculptures, frescoes, carvings, and more. The city also has numerous art museums and galleries, which are Avignon attractions in their own right. These exhibit ancient, medieval, Renaissance, modern, and contemporary artworks.

The other aspect of Avignon travel revolves are local culture. This involves exploring markets for locally produced wines, cheeses, handicrafts, and food products. You should also try the local variants of dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and tarte tatin. of The city is also surrounded by vineyards. You will find numerous places to visit near Avignon to explore the regional wine-making process and sample a few fine creations.

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Table of Contents

Top 23 Tourist Places to Visit in Avignon, France

1. Pont St-Bénezet

This medieval bridge was built between 1177 and 1185. When built it had 22 arches. This bridge now lies in ruins with only 4 arches remaining. Still, it is among the top things to see in Avignon, France.

This is because of its fame and history. It has been the inspiration for the popular song Sur le Pont d’Avignon. You will need about 20 to 30 minutes to admire this historical site when you visit Avignon.

I suggest you should get your Ticket to Pont St-Bénezet in advance.

2. Musée du Petit-Palais

Held in a 14th-century building, this museum is dedicated to artworks from the Renaissance period. It is one of the best things to do in Avignon for art and history admirers.

You will see sculptures and paintings by some of the most renowned artists of the period such as Benozzo Gazzoli, Enguerrand Quarton, Vittore Carpaccio, Josse Lieferinxe, Sandro Botticelli, and many others.

All in all the museum has 325+ paintings and 600+ sculptures. It is also one of the best places to visit in Avignon to admire the architecture. The 14th-century palace is a wonderful structure by itself. You will need at least an hour to explore the palace and the museum.

3. Jardin du Rocher des Doms

This English-style garden is one of the most beautiful Avignon tourist attractions. The garden was built in the 19th century. It has ponds, fountains, statues, cultured gardens, and cafes. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes from Avignon travel exploring these gardens.

4. Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral

This imposing cathedral was built during the 12th century. The cathedral sits next to Palais de Papes and serves as the seat of the Archbishop. It is one of the most magnificent places to see in Avignon.

It primarily exhibits Romanesque-style architecture with Greek and Roman influences. Atop the cathedral’s bell tower is a gilded statue of St. Mary.

The interior exhibits artifacts from various religious and historical artifacts. You will see portraits of Avignon popes and the marble throne used by these popes. It takes an hour to tour this cathedral.

5. Pope’s Palace

Also known as the Palais des Papes and the Papal Palace, this 14th-century palace was the seat of the Avignon Popes. It is the largest Gothic palace in the world and among Avignon’s top attractions. The palace has also been the venue for many historical events.

It is a marvelous structure with magnificent architecture and is adorned with artistic masterpieces. The palace is definitely the highlight of Avignon sightseeing. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this palace.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Pope’s Palace and Garden in advance.

6. Eglise Saint-Pierre

This small church was built during the 1300s, however, it was built on another 7th-century church. Although small, it is a beautifully designed church owing to its intricate Gothic architecture.

This Avignon tourist attraction is also adorned with images, carvings, paintings, and sculptures. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.

7. City Hall

This 14th-century building has served as the city hall since the 19th century. It is one of the most exceptionally designed buildings among things to see in Avignon.

The facade features beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a clock. Take a few minutes to admire the facade from the square before it.

8. Place de l’Horloge

This square is considered the historic heart of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Avignon for shopping, dining, and leisure. There are numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and street food joints.

It is also a great place for people-watching. You might also encounter street performers and musicians if you come here during weekends. The square is surrounded by many historic buildings, so it is an ideal spot to begin Avignon sightseeing. You can easily spend a few minutes at this square.

9. St-André Abbey & Gardens

St. Andre Abbey was built during the 10th century. However, the gardens of the abbey have gained more popularity as Avignon attractions than the structure itself.

These were built over several periods and show a blended flair of different horticulture styles. The gardens are designed in Provencal, Tuscan, and Mediterranean styles. It is among the most beautiful things to see in Avignon. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore these gardens

10. Musée Louis Vouland

This museum has a vast collection of artworks created during the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection once belonged to industrialist and art collector Louis Vouland.

The museum expanded upon the collection in the later years. It is among Avignon’s top attractions for art admirers. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, furniture, tapestries, jewelry, and so on. You will need about an hour to tour the museum.

11. Musée Calvet

This museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion, which is one of the most magnificent places to see in Avignon by itself. The collection includes a variety of artworks from different periods and cultures.

You will see Egyptian, Islamic, European, and Asian artworks. The collection also includes artifacts from pre-historic periods and primitive humans.

This is among the top things to do in Avignon if are interested in art or history. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this museum.

12. Collection Lambert

This museum exhibits the works of contemporary artworks collected by Yvon Lambert, a famous art dealer. The collection features more than 550 works of contemporary art created by renowned artists such as Alice Anderson, Jason Dodge, Mircea Cantor, Tsuyoshi Ozawa, and many others. You will need an hour to tour this museum when you visit Avignon.

13. Musée Lapidaire

This museum is part of the Jesuit College Chapel, a classical baroque-style structure. It is an archeological museum that exhibits findings from different periods, regions, and cultures.

You will see artifacts hailing from the pre-historic period, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Ancient Etruscan, and so on. You will need at least 2 hours from Avignon travel to tour this museum.

14. Musée Angladon

This museum exhibits the art collection of Jacques Doucet, the renowned art patron. It is held in Doucet’s house and also sheds light on his life. The collection includes works by renowned masters such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Daumier, Degas, and many others.

It is among the most impressive places to see in Avignon owing to this collection. You need about an hour to tour this museum.

15. Eglise Saint-Didier

This 12th-century church sits at the heart of the city. Despite its age, the structure still retains the original layout. This church is known among Avignon tourist attractions for its Gothic architecture and exquisitely designed interior.

You will see paintings of Simon de Chalons and the altar designed by Francesco Laurana. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Avignon sightseeing to explore this church.

16. Les Halles Market

Dating back to 1859, this market is the best place to visit in Avignon to experience various flavours of the city’s culture, metaphorically and literally.

The market sells handicraft items, fresh produce, food products, and street food. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the market.

17. Musée Requien

This natural history museum is one of the most fun things to do in Avignon for families. It covers various fields of natural sciences such as botany, zoology, geology, paleontology, entomology, and so on. You can easily spend an hour for learning and enjoying this museum.

18. Ile de la Barthelasse

This is the largest river island in Europe and is home to many Avignon attractions. However, it is better known for its leisure activities. This includes hiking, cycling, boating, and so on.

It is a place for outdoor things to do around Avignon and you also get to enjoy a boat tour on your way to the island. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the serenity of Ile de la Barthelasse.

19. Grottes de Thouzon

This underground cave system is quite fascinating. It has developed over millions of years creating interesting rock formations in a variety of colours.

The caves also have its own unique ecosystem of ponds, lakes, streams, insects, and small animals. It is among the best things to do near Avignon if you are looking for an exploratory adventure. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore these caves.

20. Brotte Wine Museum

This museum takes a deep dive into the various ways of making wines. This includes ancient, traditional, and modern. The museum especially focuses on the regional variants.

It is also among the best places to visit near Avignon for a wine-tasting session. You can try out several varieties at different stages of the process. You will need at least 2 hours for this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to Brotte Wine Museum in advance.

21. Luberon Village

This wonderful village is built atop a hill. The closer you get to the top of the hill, the further you go in the past. The village is considered one of the most beautiful ones in the country owing to its charming vibes, winding paths, historical structures, colorful buildings, and more. You need at least half a day from Avignon travel to make a trip to this village.

I suggest you should book a Half Day Tour to Luberon Village in advance.

22. Pont du Gard

This Roman aqueduct bridge dates back to the 1st century A.D. It still stands strong to this day as a testament to the genius of Roman architecture and engineering.

This tourist attraction is only 30 minutes away from the city. It is one of the most important historical places to visit near Avignon and is included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will need about an hour or more to make the trip to visit this attraction.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Pont du Gard in advance. And also you should book a Full Day Tour of Provence from Avignon to visit Pont du Gard.

23. Glanum Archeological Site

This site used to be a wealthy ancient city under the Greek and Roman Empires. The site dates back to 4th century BCE and parts of it are even older than that.

If you are interested in history, this is among the best things to do around Avignon. The oldest structures that still stand at this site date back to the 1st century BCE.

You will get to tour the archeological site to see how it was designed and how the people lived during that time. You will need to make a 2 to 3-hour trip to explore this place.

I suggest you should take your Entrance Ticket to the Glanum Archaeological Site in advance.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Avignon, check out the sections below. We have created a complete list of attractions and activities that you can explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Avignon, France

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Avignon, France

Palais des Papes
Puente de Avinon
Jardin des Doms
Avignon Cathedral
Collection Lambert
Museo Calvet
Musee du Petit Palais
Remparts d’Avignon
Musee Angladon
Musee Requien
Musee Lapidaire
Basilica de San Pedro de Avinon
Fort Saint Andre
Musee Louis Vouland
Palais du Roure
Philippe le Bel Tower
Church of Saint Agricol
Eglise Saint Didier
La Chartreuse
Synagogue d’Avignon
Chapelle Saint-Benezet
Chapel of the Black Penitents
St. Martial Temple
Chapelle de I’Oratoire
Quai de la Ligne
La Chapelle du Miracle
Galerie le Cube Vernet
Abbey St. Andrew
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Avignon
Archives Municipales et Musee du Mont de Piete
Chapelle des Penitents Blancs
Clocher des Augustins
Cloitre des Carmes
Bains Pommer
Parcours de I’Art
Eglise Collegiale Notre-Dame
Prison Saint Anne
Frigolet Abbey
La Chartreuse de Villeneuve
Chateau de Chateaurenard
Musee Pierre de Luxembourg
Chapelle des Penitents Gris
Castle of Chateauneuf du Pape
Brotte Wine Museum
Chateau de Brantes
Chapelle Saint Symphorien
Chateau de Thouzon
Maison des Chevaliers
Chateau de Font Segugne
Notre Dame du Lac Church
Chateau de Nalys
Chateau de Boulbon
Moulin Bonnet
Musee Auguste Chabaud
Musee du Patrimoine
Chateau de I’Hers
Colline de Thouzon
Chateau Barbentane

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Avignon, France

Ile de la Barthelasse
Ile de Piot
Ile des Papes
Lac du Pontet
Grottes de Thouzon
Randothem
Colline de Piecaud
La Roquette
Lac de la Lionne
P’tits Anes
Montagnette

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Avignon, France

Gardens at the Pope’s Palace
Parc Chico Mendes
Sports Park
Parc du Clos de Massilargues
Carmes Garden
Chemin des Canaux
Urban Wake Park
Parc du Clos de la Murette
Parc de I’Arbousiere
Caves Clement Winery
Parc Bardi
Les Confines
Chateau la Nerthe Winery
Les Caves Saint Charles Winery
Bambous en Provence
Cave du Chateau de Fontsegugne
Parc Muncipal
Jardin Romain
Le Nez des Papes
Cave du Verger des Papes

Shopping in Avignon, France

Les Halles d’Avignon
Rue de la Republique
Rue St. Agricol
Rue Joseph Vernet
Place des Carmes

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Avignon, France

Hiking
Boating
Waterboarding
Cave Exploration

Sightseeing in Avignon, France

Place de I’Horloge
Rue des Teinturiers

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Avignon, France

Sevin
Le Bercail
La Mirande
Le Barrio
Centr’Halles
L’Ubu
Au Jardin des Carmes
Le Coin Cache
L’Agape
Maison Ripert
Fou de Fafa
Naka
Pollen
La Vieille Fontaine
Le Gout du Jour
Civette
L’Essentiel
L’Isle Sonnante
Numero 75
Hygge
Italie la-bas
L’Epicerie de Ginette
Avenio
EAT
Bar a Vin Le 46
La Mirande
Le Vintage
La Fourchette
L’Epicerie de Ginette

Where to Stay in Avignon?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Avignon. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Avignon.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Avignon

How to Reach Avignon, France?

By Air

You can get direct flights to visit Avignon Provence airport from several cities in Europe. The airport has direct flights connecting to Toulouse, Nice, Paris, Lille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Brussels, Bordeaux, Geneva, Luxembourg, Marseille, and several others. You can get buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Avignon from several cities in France. The city falls on the TGV line that connects it to cities like Paris, Marseille, Champagne, Lyon, and so on. You can also get connecting trains directly from other destinations in France as well as a few international cities like London, Dortmund, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Liege, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, and more.

The bus network to get to Avignon is also quite versatile. You will get a direct bus for Avignon travel from several cities and towns in France. However, if you are traveling internationally or from afar, trains are a much better option.

If you are planning to reach Avignon by road, you should head for route A7. Then break off to N7, D225, or D901.

By Water

There are no water routes to get to Avignon.

Image Reference

Pont St-Bénezet – Siggy Nowak / PixaBay
Musée du Petit-Palais – Fred Romero / Flickr
Jardin du Rocher des Doms – jean-louis Zimmermann / Flickr
Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral – Patrick / Flickr
Pope’s Palace (Palais des Papes) – Hans / PixaBay
Eglise Saint-Pierre – Patrick / Flickr
City Hall – falco / PixaBay
Place de l’Horloge – Véronique PAGNIER / Wikimedia Commons
St-André Abbey & Gardens – Patrick / Flickr
Musée Louis Vouland – Finoskov / Wikimedia Commons
Musée Calvet – Alessandro Gallione / Flickr
Collection Lambert – Pierre Doyen / Flickr
Musée Lapidaire – Fred Romero / Flickr
Musée Angladon – Jacklee / Wikimedia Commons
Eglise Saint-Didier – Patrick / Flickr
Les Halles Market – Stephen Colebourne / Flickr
Musée Requien – Marianne Casamance / Wikimedia Commons
Ile de la Barthelasse – Bernard Blanc / Flickr
Grottes de Thouzon – GK Sens-Yonne / Flickr
Brotte Wine Museum – jean-louis Zimmermann / Flickr
Luberon Village – Vincent Brassinne / Flickr
Pont du Gard – Neil Gibbons / PixaBay
Glanum Archeological Site – Patrick / Flickr