Avignon (to be pronounced ah-veen-yohn)

 

How to get to Avignon in Provence?

Avignon is the beating heart of Provence - and is very easy to access.

  • From Paris downtown, there are many direct TGV trains a day that will take you to Avignon in about 2hrs40.
  • From Paris CDG Airport, there are direct TGV trains to Avignon (3hrs10).
  • If you plan to remain in the South of France, we warmly recommend to fly into Marseille or Nice International Airports. This way you will save time and tiredness traveling via Paris. 

Avignon's history is fascinating and still alive

  • Known for its medieval architecture and monuments such as the Palace of the Popes, Avignon is built on the side of the Rhône and the Durance Rivers. Avignon was the residence of the Popes for over a century until 1403. The presence of the Papal seat contributed to the wealth of Avignon and its regional and European importance at that time.
Palais des Papes in Avignon, Provence
The Popes' Palace
©

Kirk F CC0

  • The impressive medieval ramparts envelop a city which has become today an energetic and urban place up-to-date, appreciated for the nice weather and it flourishing culture. We will advise you to tour the city by foot.
  • In July, during the famous theater festival called le festival d’Avignon, the city becomes overcrowded with artists and spectators transforming the entire city into a stage.
  • The Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge also called St Bénézet Bridge) became famous thanks to a nursery-rhyme, it was used to connect the Papal seat to the rest of France. At that time, it was the only bridge crossing the Rhône River.

Pont d'Avignon

Pont d'Avignon ©JL. Zimmermman

 

Where to stay in Avignon ?

For those who love being in the heart of the city, we selected few B&B accommodations in the very center of Avignon, for the others who prefer tranquility and space, we warmly recommend Bed & Breakfast lodging in the countryside within a 5 minute drive, in charming houses surrounded by vast gardens or parks with swimming pools and spacious rooms.

b&b in avignon

If you want to avoid the hordes of tourists, we recommend the visit of Avignon’s twin town, with an impressive heritage, an excellent restaurant and an unobstructed view of the medieval city of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. 

 

Avignon as a base camp to explore Provence

Avignon is the perfect base camp to tour Provence region. If you only have few days to spend in Provence, you should definitly plan to stay in Avignon. From the City of the Popes, the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards or the Camargue areas are less than 1 hour drive. 

For those who will spend more time in Provence, then we recommend to split their journey between the wilder North of Provence (Mont Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail, Orange Roman ruins) and the bustling Southern Provence (Aix-en- Provence, The Alpilles, Marseille and Cassis creeks).

 

We can craft your Provence itinerary based on your wishes, you just need to let us know the type of trip you are looking for

 

Sample Itineraries including Avignon

Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7880
Region
in Provence, Basque Country, Dordogne, Loire Valley & Paris

This itinerary will take you from South to North, following some of the most typical and beautiful scenic roads in France. We recommend flying into Marseille airport.

Heritage & History
Towns & Villages
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7560
Region
in Burgundy, Dordogne, Bordeaux, Loire Valley & Normandy

This itinerary is for independent travelers who may already know the southern coast of France and who are looking for discovering the “inside” of the country. Five regions that are totally different from each other, showing you the diversity of France.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Jenifer
When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more …
Debbi
We worked with Emilie to craft a 10 day trip that customized one of the trips on their website and were wonderfully pleased with our whole experience. The b&b hosts and various guided events we participated in all treated us wonderfully and were clear that Emilie had visited & vetted each property (and even rooms!) The personal tour book we …
Deirdre
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Stuart
from Australia
Who stumbled upon Alice Cooper rock star in Galeries Lafayette in Paris
Jim
From Australia
At the top of the Rhune mount in the Basque Country
Shirley & Bob
from the US
After a concert in Paris
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
Bruce from Australia
Cooking outdoor in Provence, bon appétit !
Beth & Joe
From the US
Enjoying breakfast at the B&B in Southern Provence
Shirley & Brad
from Canada
On a honeymoon in Dordogne
Mona, Yvette, Vernon, David
from the US
in Mont Saint Michel Bay in Normandy
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Susan & Gary
From the US
At the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux in Provence (famous as a mythical step of the Tour de France)
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Cynthia & Roger
from the US
Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley