Must-See Attractions in Avignon, France: A Complete Guide

Overview of Avignon

A landmark from across the lavender fields of Provence, the imposing Pope’s Palace stands at the north end of the walled city. Towering above the mighty Rhône, the fourth longest river in France, Avignon was the home of the papacy from 1309 to 1377. Seven French popes ruled the Catholic world at a time when Italy was too dangerous. Between 1334 and 1352, they built this wonderful, extraordinary, and rich structure. The largest Gothic palace in the world, it served both as a fortress and a palace, made up of two buildings: the Palais Vieux (Old Palace) to the north and the Palace Neuf (New Palace) to the south.

Plan to spend 4 hours wandering through the courtyards leading to a magnificent collection of small and large rooms. Their uses were diverse and essential for what was a mini city within a city: rooms to store arms and armor, the copious gold and silver that sustained the Papacy, banqueting halls adorned with tapestries for eating and drinking, chapels for prayer, bedchambers for rest, audience chambers to impress both secular and religious visitors, and terraces to admire the view from.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is well organized with audio guides in different languages, films, and multimedia points showcasing the life of the past.

Additionally, there’s a behind-the-scenes tour called the Secret Palace, which takes you to areas you might not see, featuring interpretation in both French and English.

During the summer, the palace walls come to life with Les Luminessences D’Avignon. This sound and light show transports you back to the past in a spectacular way and is well worth experiencing.

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The Petit Palace Museum

The Petit Palais was purchased by the pope in 1335 as a residence but was neglected before undergoing renovation in the 15^th century. Used as lodging for important visitors (notable figures such as Cesare Borgia in 1498, Francis I in 1533, and the Duke of Orleans in 1660), it now serves as the Musée du Petit Palais. This charming palace houses a museum filled with treasures: Romanesque and Gothic sculptures, as well as the Campana collection showcasing Italian paintings from the 13^th to the 16^th centuries.

As you walk through the exhibits, witness the evolution of perspective and realism from the Siennese School of the early period to the Renaissance. Paintings and sculptures from the Avignon School of the 15^th century can also be admired here.

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Walking Tours of the Old Town of Avignon

Old Avignon extends around the grand Palais des Papes. Acquire a map from the Tourist Office and begin your exploration of the narrow cobbled streets that fill the old town, which was originally protected by circular ramparts. This charming medieval and Renaissance town offers picturesque views. Don’t miss King René’s house located on rue Roi-René; the rue des Teinturiers, which runs alongside the river Sorgue, providing the needed waters for the calico cloth-dyers of the 18^th and 19^th centuries; the Quartier de la Balance that leads down to the Pont Bénézet; and the Place de l’Horloge, a vast square shaded by trees, featuring the theatre, town hall, and numerous cafes ideal for relaxing.

Stroll a little further to the 15^th-century Palace du Roure and explore the gateway and courtyard that are open for visitors. If you’re there on a Tuesday at 3pm, join the guided tour, which showcases the rooms filled with Provençal costumes, textiles, and historical photographs of the Camargue.

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The Famous Pont St-Bénézet, Bridge of Avignon

The iconic, instantly-recognizable Pont St-Bénézet was built in the 12^th century, inspired by legend that a young shepherd boy was commanded by an angel to construct it. Regardless of its origins, this bridge became the sole crossing point on the crucial Rhône River between Lyon and the Mediterranean. Although the arched bridge only survived until the 17^th century, it remains a symbol of the city’s charm. It’s also recognized through the children’s song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, even though it was never wide enough to dance across.

Nonetheless, it was an incredible feat of engineering, now showcased through museum displays, films, and interactive media representing how the bridge evolved over the centuries.

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Musé Calvet

Esprit Calvet (1728-1810) was a successful physician who bequeathed his extensive collections to a foundation that currently oversees various museums and institutions in Avignon.

Situated in a beautiful 18^th-century neoclassical palace, the Calvet Museum showcases artifacts starting from the ancient world, particularly 4^th-century BC stelae—upright stones intricately carved with faces. The museum features an impressive array of sculptures, silverware, and faience (tin-glazed ceramic ware), along with French, Italian, and Flemish paintings from the 16^th to the 19^th centuries.

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Rocher des Doms Park

Located north of the Palais des Papes, this lovely park provides an oasis of greenery. Ascend through the manicured lawns and soothing fountains to reach the hilltop, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and the river. Below, the gilded Madonna shines on the tower of the Cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Doms, directly in front of the Pope’s Palace. Consider grabbing provisions for a picnic at the Halles Market Place to enjoy a delightful meal of charcuterie, cheese, fresh bread, and pastes while overlooking the stunning stone city beneath.

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Markets and Special Shopping in Avignon

Avignon boasts a solid selection of shops, in addition to some exceptional markets in the south of France.

Markets

The modern covered market, Les Halles located in place Pie, is the destination for serious food shopping. It features 40 different stalls purveying the local delicacies of Provence from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 am to 1 pm.

Visit the Place des Carmes for the flower market on Saturday mornings, and the flea market on Sundays. From June to September, the 3^rd Monday of every month in the Allées de l’Oulle, a specialist food market showcases smaller producers in the city.

On weekends, numerous food markets abound at St-Michel and place Crillon.

Specialist Shopping

Start your shopping spree with chocolates from one of the best chocolatiers, Puyricard, with branches spread across the south of France. In Avignon, the shop is located at 33 rue Joseph Vernet, tel: 00 33 (0)4 90 85 96 33.

If you’re in Provence, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase those vibrant, classic textiles. Try Les Indiennes de Nîmes or Mistral at 9 rue des Fourbisseurs, tel: 00 (9) 81 44 90 24 for an excellent selection.

Antiques, including vintage pottery and Provençal furniture and kitchenware, are displayed at Herve Baume, 19 Rue de la Petite Fusterie, tel: 00 33 (0)4 90 86 37 66.

For everything lavender, the quintessential Provençal plant, navigate to Lavande & Co, 61 Rue Grande Fusterie, tel: 00 33 (0)4 90 14 70 05.

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Avignon Festival and Events

Among the lively events organized in this exceptional city, the Avignon Festival stands out as the most renowned, both nationally and internationally. This festival was initiated in 1947 by actor-director Jean Vilar, intending to bring theater to the masses, featuring renowned actors like Jean Negroni and Jeanne Moreau. Held annually in July, this three-week event occupies the main courtyard of the Pope’s Palace, accommodating up to 2000 spectators. It is a truly international affair showcasing over 40 different performances of theatre, dance, and music, alongside fine arts exhibitions throughout the city. Companies from around the globe perform works spanning from Euripides to Chekhov, Shakespeare to Mikhaïl Boulgakov.

Additionally, there is a fringe festival known as Avignon Public Off, which takes over 100 smaller venues, featuring free performances in the place de l’Horloge.

Other major events not to be missed include the Avignon Blues Festival in October, where musicians hail from New Orleans to London and Paris.

The annual Christmas Market transforms the central streets into a festive atmosphere adorned with craft stands, musical performances, folk dancers, and nativity scenes with figurines.