Avignon tours

Things to do in Avignon

Avignon carries the weight of history in its stones and the ease of Provence in its light. Walled and walkable, the city invites you into cobbled alleys, grand papal halls, and café-lined squares—all set beside the slow curve of the Rhone River. Your tour in Avignon is designed around you. Led by a private, expert-vetted guide, it blends flexibility with depth, comfort with discovery. Whether you're drawn to medieval legacies or Provençal flavors, your journey unfolds with time and intention. Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Avignon These highlights are not just stops—they’re entry points into Avignon’s past and present. Your tour connects these places into a vivid, personal experience. Palais des Papes Massive Gothic towers rise from the heart of the old city. Inside, stone staircases, frescoed chapels, and echoing halls speak to Avignon’s time as the seat of the papacy. Pont Saint Benezet (Pont d’Avignon) Half-bridge, half-legend, this medieval structure reaches partway across the Rhone. Its broken arches frame the river in poetic silence. Place de l’Horloge The main square pulses with cafés, buskers, and shaded terraces. An elegant carousel spins near the city hall and clock tower. Avignon Cathedral (Notre Dame des Doms) A Romanesque cathedral perched beside the papal palace. Its golden statue overlooks the city, and its interior glows with quiet grandeur. Rue des Teinturiers Water wheels spin gently along this tree-lined street once home to Avignon’s dyers. Now, galleries and small theaters give it a creative edge. Rocher des Doms This peaceful hilltop park offers panoramic views over the city walls, river, and distant hills. Swans glide across a quiet pond nearby. Les Halles Market A covered food market rich with local color. Stalls overflow with olives, lavender honey, cheeses, and crusty bread—Provence in every bite. Petit Palais Museum Inside a former cardinal’s palace, you'll find medieval and Renaissance art, including Italian masterpieces and religious icons. City Walls Thick, fortress-style ramparts wrap around the old town. Walking alongside them, you feel the protective pulse of a city shaped by siege and sanctuary. Opera Grand Avignon An elegant 19th-century theater hosting opera, dance, and classical music. Its façade and frescoed ceilings evoke timeless sophistication. Explore Avignon Off-the-Beaten-Path Beyond the guidebook staples, your tour moves into quiet lanes, small museums, and places where locals linger. These experiences add intimacy to your time in Avignon. Rue Peyrollerie A narrow alley beside the Palais des Papes with shadowed arches and worn stone. Step away from the crowds into medieval silence. Cloitre Saint Louis A quiet former convent turned cultural space. Its stone cloisters and courtyard garden offer a calm pause just minutes from the city center. Place Pie Local cafés surround this lively square near Les Halles. Morning markets spill out onto the cobbles, and afternoon light warms its facades. Lapidary Museum A hidden trove of Roman and medieval sculpture set in a former Jesuit chapel. The stone figures feel close and unfiltered. Local Bookshops Tucked into side streets, these shops blend new titles with vintage finds. A favorite for literary travelers and curious flâneurs. Day Trip Ideas from Avignon Avignon is a gateway to some of southern France’s most stunning regions. With your private tour, you travel at your pace—into vineyards, hilltop villages, and lavender-swept landscapes. Gordes A hilltop village of dry-stone houses and panoramic views. Wander through narrow lanes and overlook the Luberon countryside. Pont du Gard An ancient Roman aqueduct spanning a crystal-clear river. Towering arches, pine forests, and riverside trails define the scene. Chateauneuf du Pape Vineyards stretch across rocky soil. Taste bold reds, visit historic cellars, and learn about one of France’s most storied wine regions. Arles Roman arenas, Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, and sun-baked plazas blend into this artistic, ancient town. Travel Tips for Your Visit These simple tips support a relaxed and rewarding visit. Your guide adds local nuance, but here’s how to arrive ready. Best Time to Visit April to October offers the best weather. July hosts the world-famous Avignon Theatre Festival—busy but magical. Getting Around Avignon is walkable. Short drives connect to regional villages and nature spots. What to Wear Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, light layers in summer, and a scarf or wrap for visiting churches. Local Etiquette Greet with a “bonjour,” slow down at meals, and respect quiet hours in religious or residential spaces. Explore Avignon Your Way Your tour in Avignon is private, personalized, and paced by curiosity—not crowds. Each stop is part of a broader story told in light, stone, and sound. With expert-vetted guides, flexible cancellation, and 5-star rated experiences, your journey blends history and hospitality—connecting you to the heart of Provence in ways that linger long after you leave.