Avignon City Guide

Avignon serves as a stunning testament to medieval grandeur, most famously anchored by the Palais des Papes. This fortress-like Gothic palace was once the center of the Western Christian world and remains one of Europe's most significant historical sites. Exploring its cavernous halls and frescoed chapels offers a profound look into the 14th-century papacy that shaped the city's destiny.

Just a short walk away, the iconic Pont d'Avignon stretches partially across the Rhône, providing a picturesque link to the past. Visitors can stroll along the top of the remarkably preserved 14th-century ramparts that still encircle the historic center, offering unique vantage points of the narrow, winding streets below. The nearby Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral and the verdant Rocher des Doms park provide quiet escapes with sweeping views of the river valley.

The heart of local life beats in the Place de l'Horloge, where plane trees shade lively café terraces and a charming carousel. During the summer, the city transforms into a global stage for the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's most prestigious performing arts events. Even outside festival season, the vibrant Les Halles market offers a sensory feast of Provençal flavors, from fresh olives to local truffles.

While the Palais des Papes is a magnificent feat of history, the true soul of Avignon thrives in the quieter corners where the Rhône breeze meets medieval stone. For a local perspective, bypass the standard souvenir shops and seek out the spots where residents spend their slow afternoons.

Take the Bac du Rocher des Doms, a free electric ferry that shuttles passengers across the river to the Île de la Barthelasse. While tourists walk the famous bridge, locals use this crossing to reach the island’s sprawling green paths for cycling through fruit orchards or enjoying a sunset picnic with a panoramic, unobstructed view of the city’s ramparts.

At the foot of the Palais, the Utopia Cinema in La Manutention offers a cultural refuge. Housed in a former salt granary, this arthouse cinema is the city’s intellectual heartbeat. Its vaulted cafe is the perfect spot for organic wine and conversation away from the main tourist squares. Finally, wander the Rue des Teinturiers. Known as the street of the dyers, it is lined with ancient, moss-covered waterwheels and cobblestones. It is best explored by ducking into the hidden courtyards and tiny independent galleries that keep the spirit of the Avignon Festival alive year-round.

Avignon is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travelers, though it is wise to remain mindful of petty crime in busy tourist areas. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded spots such as the Place de l'Horloge or near the Palais des Papes, especially during the lively Festival d'Avignon in July. Keeping valuables secure and staying aware of surroundings in these high-traffic locations will help ensure a trouble-free visit.

While the historic center within the ancient city walls is largely secure at all hours, visitors should exercise extra caution after dark near the Avignon Centre train station or in less-frequented neighborhoods outside the ramparts. Sticking to well-lit main thoroughfares and using reputable taxi services for late-night travel provides peace of mind. By following these standard urban safety practices, travelers can focus on enjoying the city’s rich history and vibrant Provençal culture.

Avignon is a city best explored on foot, especially within the historic walls where cobblestone streets lead to hidden plazas and the Palais des Papes. For longer distances, the Orizo network provides efficient bus and tram services. The "Cityzen" shuttles are particularly useful for navigating the narrow streets of the city center. A single ticket costs approximately €1.40 and is valid for one hour of travel across the network.

Connectivity between the two main train stations is seamless; the "Virgule" shuttle train links Avignon TGV with Avignon Centre in about six minutes for roughly €1.60. For those preferring two wheels, the Vélopop bike-sharing scheme offers an affordable way to cruise along the Rhône. Uber operates in the city, providing a convenient alternative to traditional taxis for late-night travel or direct transfers.

Reaching the city from Avignon-Provence Airport is most straightforward via taxi, typically costing between €25 and €35 depending on the time of day. Within the city limits, a short taxi ride between major points of interest usually ranges from €10 to €15. While the city is small, these services ensure easy access to the surrounding Vaucluse region and beyond.

Avignon offers a delightful shopping experience that blends Provençal charm with modern French style. For those seeking high-end luxury, Rue Joseph Vernet is the place to go, hosting upscale fashion houses and elegant boutiques set against a backdrop of stunning 18th-century architecture. Meanwhile, the bustling Rue de la République serves as the city’s commercial heart, where popular international brands and familiar high-street names cater to a wider variety of tastes and budgets.

For a more authentic taste of the region, the vibrant Les Halles d'Avignon is a must-visit. This covered market is the best spot to find world-famous Provençal products like dried lavender, artisanal soaps, olive oil, and regional wines. Exploring the winding Rue des Marchands and its surrounding pedestrian lanes reveals hidden gems selling traditional pottery and bright, sun-drenched textiles that have become synonymous with Southern France.

Thrifty shoppers and treasure hunters should keep an eye out for local flea markets or explore the smaller artisanal shops tucked into the historic side streets. Whether you are looking for a couture dress or a simple bag of herbes de Provence, Avignon provides a sophisticated yet accessible retail landscape that rewards those who take the time to wander.

In Avignon, tipping is viewed as a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. Service charges are legally included in your bill, known as service compris, so there is no need to calculate a high percentage. For a casual coffee or a quick lunch at a bistro in the Place de l'Horloge, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is a perfectly appropriate way to show gratitude.

When dining at more formal establishments or receiving exceptional service, a tip of 5 to 10 percent is generous and warmly received. It is best to leave this in cash, as adding a tip to a credit card machine is less common in France. The local currency is the Euro, which currently trades at a rough exchange rate of 1.10 USD to 1 Euro. For hotel porters or taxi drivers, a couple of euros for their assistance is a standard and friendly practice.

The ideal time to experience Avignon is during the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September), when the Provencal sun is warm but the intense summer heat and peak crowds are manageable. During these shoulder seasons, accommodation prices are more reasonable, and the historic streets and iconic Palais des Papes are pleasantly accessible without the frantic pace of high season.

July is the city's most vibrant month, hosting the world-famous Festival d’Avignon, which transforms the entire center into a lively open-air theater. While the energy is unmatched, visitors should prepare for scorching temperatures, packed squares, and premium pricing. For a peaceful, budget-friendly escape, winter offers a quiet charm and crisp air, though the biting Mistral wind and shorter attraction hours are important trade-offs to consider.