Getting to know Avignon
Avignon is a city located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of Southeastern France, and it is a very historically rich location. If you’re looking to visit Avignon, the Palais des Papes will definitely be on your list of spots to check out; this is the most important landmark in the city and it is the spot that draws the most tourists to this location. This palace is the world’s largest Gothic edifice, and it was built in the 14th century by the Popes that fled Rome, in an attempt to get away from the corruption there. Read more about this and other attractions that you can make your way towards right here!
What you can do for free in Avignon
- Breathe in some fresh air in Jardin des Doms
The Doms Garden is located in the heart of the city, atop of the Rocher des Doms, the rocky outcrop overlooking the countryside, the Rhone plains and Mont Ventoux. Climb up the hill and enter the leafy green Doms Garden, where you can find a pond, a café and enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings. - Admire the Walls of Avignon
“Les Remparts d’Avignon” are a series of walls surrounding the city center of Avignon, that were built as a defense measure in the 14th century. The walls took nearly 20 years to be completely built and they stretch for 4,3 km, currently featuring 15 vehicular entrances and 11 pedestrian entrances. - Stroll along Rue de la Republique
Rue de la Republique is the main street of the Avignon old town, and it is a very lively place, filled with shops, cafés and restaurants, and it is also a great connection between some of the beautiful tourist spots in the city. Keep it free and stick to window shopping, admiring the architecture and the vibrant movement around you, or get your wallet out and grab a coffee, some baked goods and a few souvenirs if you feel like it.
Top spots to visit
- Palais des Papes
As we’ve already mentioned, the Palais des Papes is the main landmark of Avignon. Admire the gothic architecture and the grandeur of the palace and step inside to view the studium (private study) of Clément VI, the Great Tinel (formerly used as a reception room), the chapels and the art exhibitions. - Pont d’Avignon
Also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, this was a medieval bridge across the Rhône river. It was built between 1177 and 1185, and it faced many challenges throughout the years. It was once destroyed during a crusade, then rebuilt with 22 arches but, unfortunately, the Rhône flooded regularly and the arches were collapsing because of it, and it was finally abandoned, as continuous restoration and maintenance was too expensive. Only 4 of the arches at the Avignon end of the bridge survive to this day, and the spot is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Ile De La Barthelasse
Barthelasse Island is located between Avignon and Villeneuve les Avignon, and it can be reached on foot by crossing the Édouard Daladier bridge, or by boat shuttle. Both alternatives take about 10 minutes to reach the island. The ferry might not be available in late winter and on days with high winds. Once you’re on the island, you can walk around and relax, go for a bike ride or even a jog, or simply enjoy the views and the peacefulness.
Hidden spots to visit
- Cloître des Carmes
Many convents were built in Avignon when the city became the residence of the Catholic Popes, and the Carmelite church was one of them. Out of all the convents built around the time, this is the largest that survived, and it still has an intact cloister. This enclosed garden and its walkways are a wonderful spot for tourists looking to visit something less popular, but with great historical significance. - Musée Louis Vouland
While the more popular Musée des Beaux-Arts is definitely worth a visit, some of the other, lesser known options are also interesting enough to be added to your Avignon itinerary. The Louis Vouland Museum is just one example; the permanent collections here feature Decorative Art dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. - Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon
Visiting this spot would take you away from the main Avignon tourist spots for a day, but it is a wonderful location to explore, especially if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, since Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon does not get as many visitors as the popular landmarks. Enjoy the views of Avignon and the surrounding countryside, check out the Fort Saint André fortification, the church and everything else that draws your attention.
Restaurants
Try out the local French cuisine, as well as other options such as European, Italian and Mediterranean; enjoy good food at Restaurant La Cour d’Honneur, La Cuisine du Dimanche, Le Bercail, Fou de Fafa, Arlequin, L’Essentiel. Look online for reviews before choosing where to eat, to make sure your experience will be the best it can.
Recommended time for visiting
Avignon experiences a Mediterranean climate, and while the summers tend to get pretty hot, it is not as unpleasant as other places as humidity tends to be low. Summer is, therefore, the best time to explore the city, while the Autumn season is not recommended. The period between October and November is the wettest and strolling around the city might prove to be a little challenging and uncomfortable.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. temp. (°C) | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 18 | 10 | 7 |
I’ve got a crush on the world // Veni, vidi, amavi
