What to do in Avignon and around: top must-sees

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Our top must-sees in Avignon

What to do in Avignon? Visit the Palais des Papes

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Built in the 14th century, it symbolises the power of Christendom when Avignon became the religious capital. The visit takes you through monumental rooms such as the Grand Audience Hall or the Consistory Hall, lets you admire period frescoes and discover the secrets of papal life. An interactive tablet, the Histopad, makes the visit even more immersive.

During this visit, don't miss the Saint-Martial chapel with its 14th-century medieval frescoes.

Fort Saint-André, a magnificent medieval castle 

Located in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, just across the Rhône, Fort Saint-André dominates the plain with its majestic ramparts. Built in the 14th century, this medieval castle was intended to protect the kingdom of France against the papal power of Avignon. The visit takes you through its towers, curtain walls and the adjoining Benedictine abbey, all with a breathtaking view of Avignon, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. It's a perfect excursion for lovers of history and panoramas.

The famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, known as the Pont d'Avignon

Wondering what to see and do in Avignon? Immortalised by the popular song "sur le pont d'Avignon, on y danse, on y danse", the Pont d'Avignon is no longer complete, but its surviving arches offer a splendid view of the Rhône and the ramparts. Legend has it that the young shepherd Bénézet convinced the inhabitants to build this bridge in the 12th century. Walking onto this medieval relic remains a striking experience, especially at sunset.

The Place de l'Horloge

Located in the heart of the town, the Place de l'Horloge is the ideal place to feel the Avignon atmosphere. Animated by its terraces, cafés and street artists, it is dominated by the Town Hall and the Theatre. In summer, old-fashioned carousels are set up there, which particularly appeals to families. Go on a guided tour to discover Avignon, its history and legends (book your tour here)

The ramparts and the historic centre

Surrounding the old town for more than 4 km, the medieval ramparts are remarkably well preserved. Wandering the cobbled lanes lets you discover mansions, Gothic churches and small shaded squares. The whole is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Halles market 

What to do in Avignon? In the very heart of the town, the Halles d'Avignon market is a true institution for food lovers. It is part of our top best activities to do in Avignon. Recognisable by its green façade, this large covered market brings together about forty passionate local traders. You'll find emblematic products of Provence, such as olives, tapenades, fougasses, goat's cheeses, sun-ripened fruit, aromatic herbs and typical wines of the region. It's the ideal place to taste the local gastronomy, buy specialities or simply soak up the friendly atmosphere. On Saturday mornings, top Avignon chefs also give cooking demonstrations there, making the visit even livelier.

The iconic Avignon Festival

Every July, the town turns into the world capital of live performance. The Festival d'Avignon brings together international artists for hundreds of theatre performances, sometimes staged in unusual venues such as courtyards or cloisters. Even outside the official festival, the "off" takes over the streets of Avignon with an incomparable atmosphere.

The famous Luminescences d'Avignon

Every summer, the Palais des Papes lights up with the Luminescences d'Avignon show. This night-time show blends monumental projections, light effects and an immersive soundtrack retracing the history of the palace and the town. The façades, vaults and interior walls turn into a giant screen, immersing spectators in a unique visual and sound experience.

For nearly an hour, you relive the epic of the popes, the grandeur of the Middle Ages and the cultural importance of Avignon through spectacular images. Seated in the Court of Honour of the Palais des Papes, visitors enjoy a journey through time that enhances the monument's Gothic architecture.

It's a must-do experience to discover Avignon from a different angle, when night brings its heritage back to life in a magical and unforgettable way.

What to see around Avignon?

Avignon's appeal also lies in its central position in Provence, which makes it an ideal base for exploring the surroundings. So let's see together which villages to visit near Avignon?

The Pont du Gard (30 km away)

A masterpiece of Roman engineering, this monumental aqueduct dominates the Gardon. Besides the cultural visit, the site offers hiking trails, swimming beaches and an interactive museum suitable for children.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (15 km away)

Among our tips on what to do in Avignon and around, we couldn't forget Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Renowned worldwide for its powerful wines, this hilltop village is a must for wine lovers. You can visit cellars, admire the ruins of the papal castle and enjoy a panorama over vineyards as far as the eye can see.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

About 25 km from Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is nicknamed the "Provençal Venice" thanks to its many canals and its still-working water wheels. Renowned for its antique and flea-market dealers, the town hosts one of the largest antiques markets in Europe. Strolling along the Sorgue, lunching on a waterside terrace or discovering its art galleries are among the must-do pleasures. On Sunday mornings, its colourful market attracts travellers and locals for an authentic Provençal atmosphere.

The most beautiful villages of the Luberon

Less than an hour away by road, villages ranked among the most beautiful in France charm travellers: Gordes with its castle and stone houses, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse chasm,  Roussillon and its ochre cliffs in blazing colours, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Lourmarin and its artistic atmosphere.

Arles and the Alpilles (40 km away) 

Arles, an ancient city, preserves a Roman amphitheatre still used for shows. In the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence offers an immersion in a spectacular medieval village, with the Carrières de Lumières, an artistic site projecting immersive exhibitions in former quarries just 44 minutes from Avignon. A magnificent show not to be missed that will delight young and old alike!

The magnificent Nîmes (45 km)

With its amphitheatre, its Maison Carrée and its Jardins de la Fontaine, Nîmes is often nicknamed the "French Rome". An ideal complement to a visit to Avignon for lovers of ancient heritage. 

What are the most beautiful museums in Avignon?

Wondering what to do in Avignon and around? The medieval city is not limited to its historical and religious heritage, it also houses several remarkable museums that appeal to art lovers and the curious alike.

• The Musée du Petit Palais: housed in a former 14th-century episcopal palace, it brings together a rich collection of Italian and Provençal paintings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with works by Botticelli and Carpaccio.
  
  
• The Musée Calvet: a fine arts and archaeology museum located in an 18th-century mansion, it displays paintings, sculptures, decorative art objects as well as Egyptian and Greco-Roman collections.
  
  
• The Musée Angladon: more intimate, this museum housed in a mansion presents an exceptional private collection, with works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso, Degas and Modigliani.
  
  
• The Collection Lambert: Avignon's contemporary reference, it showcases modern and contemporary artists such as Sol LeWitt, Cy Twombly and Jean-Michel Basquiat, all in two superb renovated mansions.
  
  
• The Musée Louis Vouland: a refined venue devoted to the decorative arts of the 17th and 18th centuries, perfect for discovering the French art of living.

What to do in Avignon without a car?

Wondering how to visit Avignon on foot? Don't panic, the town is compact, so it's perfectly suited to travellers without a vehicle who want to visit inside the ramparts.

• The walking tour of the historic centre: each monument is a few minutes from the next, which makes it easy to build a pleasant itinerary.
  
  
• The Halles d'Avignon: the emblematic covered market where you can taste Provençal olives, fougasses, goat's cheeses and local wines. Ideal for a gourmet immersion.
  
  
• A cruise on the Rhône: departing from the Quai de la Ligne, small cruises let you see Avignon from the water, with a spectacular view of the bridge and the palace. Learn more here.
  
  
• Go to the Île de la Barthelasse: accessible by free river shuttle, this island in the middle of the Rhône is a green haven perfect for a walk or a picnic.

What to do in Avignon with children?

Avignon has many fun activities for families. Don't miss 

• Visiting the Palais des Papes in interactive mode: thanks to the Histopad tablets, children can explore the palace as an augmented reality game.
• Going to Parc Spirou: an amusement park only 30 minutes by car from Avignon (get your tickets here)
  
  
• Exploring the cathedral and the Rocher des Doms: this large hilltop garden offers a unique panorama of the Rhône, the bridge and Mont Ventoux. Children will enjoy its ponds with swans and its playgrounds.
  
  
• Hopping on Avignon's little tourist train: perfect for discovering the town effortlessly, with audio commentary suited to younger visitors.
  
  
• Seeing workshops and shows: many museums and theatres offer educational activities during the Festival or school holidays.
  

FAQ: What to do in Avignon and around 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What are the unusual places around Avignon?

Around Avignon, several lesser-known sites hold surprising discoveries. Among them, we recommend the Pont du Diable in Bonnieux, the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence, the troglodyte village of Barry (near Bollène). There are also the Thouzon caves (in Le Thor, 15 km), the troglodyte abbey of Saint-Roman and of course our Provençal Colorado with its red and orange ochre cliffs, recalling the legendary landscapes of the American West.

What are the best activities to do in Avignon?

At the start of the article, find a summary of the best activities and visits not to miss if you come to Avignon. A selection of experiences to enjoy, particularly appreciated by travellers. 

And that's where our article "What to do in Avignon and around" ends. Visiting Avignon means diving into a living medieval city where culture, history and Provençal gentleness blend. Whether you travel without a car, with the family with children, we hope all these tips will help you explore the wonders of Provence. We wish you a stay in France rich in discoveries, in this magnificent region that is Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.