Our tour of Avignon, the City of Popes

Enjoy our ideal plan for a weekend in Avignon:

• The Palais des Papes, papal fortress at the heart of Avignon
• Saint-Pierre Basilica, the most beautiful church in the city
• The Pont d'Avignon, the local celebrity
• Take a stroll through the city
• Avignon's speciality, a treat fit for the Pope
• Avignon festival, an event not to be missed
• Avignon's museums, a cultural outing

Of all the monuments to visit in Avignon, the Palais des Papes is the one that stands out above all the others. Its majestic walls enclose a rich history and the impressive stone vaulted ceilings are witness to a mysterious past that is waiting to be explored by visitors. The pride of Avignon, this ancient home of the Popes is full of treasures for you to discover!

Dating back to the 14th century, this church is rightly considered by many to be the most beautiful in Avignon. Its Gothic style and carved stone façades, weathered by the passage of time, give it a unique character. Entering the church is like visiting a museum: its art works, preserved since the Middle Ages, are well worth a look.

The Pont Saint-Bénezet is Avignon's most iconic monument. Although today only a part of the bridge is left intact, it was once an obligatory waypoint between the Kingdom of France and the Papal State. Visitors passing over the Pont d'Avignon can take in the view of the Rhone as well as the Saint-Bénezet and Saint-Nicolas chapels, both built directly on the bridge. 

Enjoy a walk in the city centre, starting at the Place de l'Horloge, which is located near the Palais des Papes. The town hall takes centre stage in the ancient Place d'Avignon, which acquired its first public clock in the 15th century. Lose yourself on rue Peyrollerie, where you can see the Rocher des Doms close up, the stone on which the City of Popes was built.

Next, enter the Jardin des Doms and relax in this magnificent garden overlooking the Pont d'Avignon. Enjoy the view and evocative fragrances coming in on the winds of Provence! Now, descend to the headland, cross the Rhone and make a visit to the Île de la Barthelasse, where the people of Avignon enjoy the fresh air and a stroll in the sunshine.

In addition to olives and other typical Provençal produce, the most remarkable speciality of Avignon is called 'la papaline'. This sugar-coated ball of chocolate has the appearance of a pink chestnut and is filled with a local liqueur called 'origan du comtat'. Mouth watering!

Since 1947, Avignon festival has been considered one of the most important events in the world of theatre. Every year, more than 30 venues take part in this week-long event. Troupes and comedians showcase their talents and the beauty of their art to the public. The festival takes place every July, book now!

A visit to Avignon would be incomplete without a visit to the Musée du Petit Palais; this building situated next to the Palais des Papes bears its name well. The spiked façade gives it a charming Medieval allure. Inside, the permanent collection features Italian paintings, local sculptures and work from artists of the École d’Avignon.