Avignon

Travel Guide

Avignon showing a river or creek, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Palais des Papes which includes heritage architecture and a castle
Avignon featuring flowers
Avignon featuring heritage architecture and a city
Pont d\'Avignon featuring heritage architecture and a river or creek

Situated by the banks of the Rhône River in southern France rises a grand, medieval city that was once the gilded headquarters of 14th-century popes.

The ancient city of Avignon sits by the Rhône River, surrounded by a defensive wall fortified with towers and turrets. Within these ancient ramparts are galleries, museums, churches and one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world.

Avignon is also known as the City of the Popes as it was the center of the Christian world for most of the 14th century. In 1309, Pope Clement V relocated the Catholic papacy here away from the corruption and dangerous political infighting of Rome. The following six popes were also French and they too decided to stay in Avignon.

Most of Avignon’s main attractions are found within its fortifications. Enter the city through one of the Medieval gateways and head for the Palais des Papes. This immense Gothic palace that was built to honor God, house the popes and fend off attackers. After investigating its vast stone halls and rooms head next door to Avignon Cathedral. View religious artworks and the tombs of some of the popes who resided in Avignon. From here, take the stone steps or ramps that lead to the hilltop gardens of Rocher des Doms.

Explore Avignon’s warren of backstreets which lead to convents and richly decorated churches. Browse modern boutiques and stores that fill the city’s pedestrianized shopping district. Sample excellent regional food and wines at the scores of brasseries at the Place de l’Horloge, Avignon’s main square.

Wander down to the river and walk the remaining arches of the Pont D’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge that stretches over the Rhône River but stops in midstream.

The fortress town of Avignon is easy to navigate on foot and most attractions are within close proximity to Palais des Papes. Pick up a walking map from the central tourist office on the cours Jean Jaurès, and collect your free Avignon Passion pass that gives discounted admission to all museums and monuments.

Public transport options in Avignon include a regular public bus services and the municipal bicycle sharing scheme called Vélopop.

Where to stay in Avignon

Palais des Papes which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Avignon City Centre

4.5/5(173 area reviews)

River views, historic sites, and museums are some highlights of Avignon City Centre. Make a stop by Rue de la Republique or Place de l'Horloge while you're exploring.

Avignon City Centre
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Quartier Est

While Quartier Est might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rue des Teinturiers and Rocher des Doms.

Quartier Est
City Walls which includes a city, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Rocade Nord

While Rocade Nord might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rue des Teinturiers and Avignon Festival.

Rocade Nord
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Quartier Nord

Though Quartier Nord might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rue des Teinturiers and City Walls.

Quartier Nord
The train station at Avignon really is gorgeous from an architectural stand point. Well worth arriving a few minutes early for your train to wonder and explore. #sunlight #patterns #lifeatexpedia

Quartier Ouest

Quartier Ouest might not have many top sights, but Avignon Festival and Avignon Ferris Wheel are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quartier Ouest
Parc des Expositions showing a river or creek and a small town or village

Montfavet

Montfavet is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Parc des Expositions and Epicurium.

Montfavet
Avignon Grand Hotel
Avignon Grand Hotel
4 out of 5
34 Boulevard Saint Roch, Avignon, Vaucluse
$130 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$149 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Super helpful reception. Adel in the reception helped us as good as he could to change traintickets that was booked the wrong day…."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Avignon Grand Hotel
Hotel de l'Horloge
Hotel de l'Horloge
4 out of 5
1 Rue Felicien David, Place De I Horloge, Avignon, Vaucluse
$136 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$157 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Charming older hotel on the plaza within the walls of Avignon. Everything is nearby. Air conditioning was challenged by very hot weather. Bathtubs are very tricky for older guests. Staff was excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hotel de l'Horloge
B&B HOTEL Avignon Sud Parc des Expositions
B&B HOTEL Avignon Sud Parc des Expositions
60, Rue Du Bon Vent, Montfavet, Avignon, Vaucluse
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$72 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$87 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Palais des Papes and Epicurium ...
7.8/10 Good! (240 reviews)
"The place and rooms look nothing like the photos"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

B&B HOTEL Avignon Sud Parc des Expositions
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
6 Route de Lyon, Avignon, Vaucluse
Stay at this aparthotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,072 reviews)
"Good location aprox 10 min from most important attractions. Place clean and staff friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
City Résidence Avignon
City Résidence Avignon
5 Impasse de l'épi, Avignon
Stay at this residence in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Palais des Papes and City Walls are located nearby.
7.8/10 Good! (197 reviews)
"Aunque la atención del personal es muy buena, es lamentable que estos apartamentos no tengan aire acondicionado con los 30 grados en verano. No se puede tener las ventanas abiertas por el ruido que hacen los vecinos que viven permanentemente en el complejo y además fuman y el humo entra al apartamento. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024

City Résidence Avignon
Le Gîte du Festival Sud
Le Gîte du Festival Sud
115 Rue du Mourelet, Avignon, Vaucluse
Stay at this aparthotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Palais des Papes and Musée Louis Vouland are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
Good value for the price
"Our room was simple but clean and comfortable. The shower was small and a bit dark but clean. Staff was very pleasant and the pool was lovely and clean. There is a bus to the city center if you prefer not to drive and park. Overall nothing elegant but good value for the price."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2024

Le Gîte du Festival Sud
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Avignon

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
92
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
38
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A very walkable city with lots to see and enjoy.

4/5 - Good

Constance

A bit busy and hectic with too many touristy restaurants in the piazza. Excursions to Pont du Gard were too expensive for me with no budget options to get there. :-(

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The general atmosphere & mood of this region was just awesome & impressive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Best restaurant in Avignon La Vintage

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