Place de l'Horloge. Credit: De Beaux Lents DemainsPlace de l'Horloge. Credit: De Beaux Lents Demains
©Place de l'Horloge. Credit: De Beaux Lents Demains|De Beaux Lents Demains

Avignon in 10 walks

Welcome to Avignon, where every step reveals a piece of its history and invites you to discover the jewels of its heritage. Discover Avignon’s inner city, classified as a “remarkable heritage site”, with walking tours highlighting the city’s prestigious UNESCO heritage. Stroll through its typical cobbled streets for a captivating dive into the city’s history, punctuated by the majesty of emblematic monuments, municipal museums and Avignon’s architectural treasures.

The ride

of the Popes

Pink line on the heritage map

Start your stroll from the Place du Palais des Papes, and head for the Jardins des Doms, offering a 360° panoramic view of Avignon and the surrounding area. Descend the rampart steps to the Pont Saint Bénezet, open all year round. Return to the gardens to reach the Cour de la Manutention via the Sainte Anne stairs, then admire the façade of the Hôtel Madon de Châteaublanc at no. 13 rue Banasterie. Continue to Place de l’Amirande, where you’ll find the 5* Hotel Mirande opposite the Tour Saint Laurent. Take rue Peyrolerie back to Place du Palais des Papes, where you’ll find theHôtel des Monnaies, the Palais des Papes, the Basilique Notre-Dame des Doms and the Petit Palais museum. Finish with a stroll through the charming quartier de la Balance, with its beautiful 15th-century facades.

Duration / difficulty

1 hour excluding visits to monuments Intermediate (climb to Rocher des Doms)

On your route

The route is lined with staircases: the rampart staircase, the St. Anne staircase with its many steps, etc.

Expert advice

You can extend your tour by taking the free river shuttle to Barthelasse Island, Avignon’s green lung, for a walk along the Chemin de Halage or a picnic at the Maison du Parc, with a breathtaking view of the Pont d’Avignon and the historic center. Return to the city center via the Pont Edouard Daladier, offering splendid views of the Rhône and Mont Ventoux on a clear day.


The ride

Museums and private mansions

Orange line on the heritage map

Explore the cultural essence of Avignon with our 2-hour walking tour departing from the Tourist Office. Discover treasures such as the Musée Lapidaire, the Musée Angladon, the Livrée Ceccano, and the church of St Didier. Continue your adventure by visiting iconic sites such as theHôtel Berthon de Crillon, the Maison Jean Vilar, and the Opéra Théâtre du Grand Avignon. Soak up history at theHôtel de Ville, Palais du Roure, Église St Agricol, and the charming Quartier des Antiquaires. Discover sights such as the Maison aux Ballons N°18, the Ancienne Comédie, the Chapelle de l’Oratoire, and the Musée Vouland. Explore the city’s artistic wealth with stops at the Musée Calvet, Musée Requien and Collection Lambert. Finish your stroll by admiring theAncien Cloître St Louis.

Duration / difficulty

2h excluding museum visits Easy

On your route

Numerous steps lead up to the collegiate church of Saint-Agricol

Expert advice

Stop for an aperitif in the shade of the plane trees in one of the magnificent squares on this walk: Place Saint-Didier, Place de l’Horloge or Place Crillon!


The ride

along the streets of yesteryear

Green line on the heritage map

Explore Avignon’s hidden charms with our Au Fil des Rues d’Antan walk. Departing from the Tourist Office, plunge into the past through gems such as the Jardin Agricol-Perdiguier, a green haven steeped in history. Stroll through Place des Corps Saints, the Church and Cloister of the Célestins, places imbued with spirituality and architectural beauty. Follow the Rue des Lices, then discover the Chapelle des Cordeliers and the Chapelle des Pénitents Gris, sanctuaries rich in history and sacred art. Continue your exploration with stops at Maison IV de Chiffre, Hôtel de Montaigu N°37 and picturesque Place Pignotte. Be captivated by the Augustins Convent Bell Tower and the Church of Saint Symphorien les Carmes, with their enchanting cloister. Don’t miss the Musée du Mont de Piété et de la Condition des Soies and the Archives Municipales. Discover St Pierre Church and the Synagogue, symbols of the city’s cultural diversity. Take a gourmet break at Les Halles, before marvelling at the Conservatoire du Grand Avignon. Stroll down Rue Collège de la Croix and discover Chapelle Sainte Claire, a hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Duration / difficulty

3h Easy

On your route

Passages over old calades: rue des Teinturiers, place des Trois Pilats, place Saint-Pierre

Expert advice

Take the kids to the Jardin des Carmes to enjoy the shade, water fountain and playground!


The ride

Villeneuve lez Avignon

Blue line on the heritage map

Explore the history of Villeneuve lez Avignon on our one-hour walking tour, starting at the majestic Tour Philippe Le Bel. Stroll through narrow streets steeped in history, discover architectural treasures and immerse yourself in the charm of this multi-faceted city. A historical walk revealing the treasures of Villeneuve lez Avignon’s heritage.

Duration / difficulty

1h Difficult

On your route

Several climbs, some of them very steep

Expert advice

For gourmets, on Thursdays the town offers a large, typically Provencal market. For bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts, Saturday mornings are devoted to brocante!

Walk

The comfort course

Lavender line on the heritage map

A stroll accessible to people with reduced mobility, accompanied or equipped with an electric wheelchair, as well as strollers, from the tourist office to the Palais des Papes.

Duration / difficulty

1h

On your route

The Palais des Papes is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Expert advice

For gourmets, on Thursdays the town offers a large, typically Provencal market. For bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts, Saturday mornings are devoted to brocante!


The ride

Ramparts tower

Dark blue line on the heritage plan

Another way to discover Avignon’s heritage on foot or by bike! Walk along the 14th-century ramparts, part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved in France, and discover the city from a whole new angle.

Duration / difficulty

4.5km Very easy, flat

On your route

Please note: this is a walk at the foot of the ramparts; the top of the ramparts is inaccessible.

Expert advice

From April to October, a Bienvenue à la ferme farmers’ market is held in the Carré d’honneur on the Allées de l’Oulle, on Mondays at the end of the day.


The ride

du chemin des canaux

Azure blue line on the heritage map

A fun, family-friendly walk from the city center to the Parc Chico Mendes, linking the inner city to Montfavet, along the banks of the Canal de Vaucluse.

Duration / difficulty

8km (return) approx. Very easy

On your route

Wide cycle path along the ramparts, greenway following the provisional ViaRhôna route from Chemin de l’Épi.

Expert advice

Parc Chico Mendes has a cani’parc. It is forbidden to 1st category dogs. 2nd category dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash.


The ride

of the Barthelasse island

Green water line on the heritage map

A 100% relaxing walk in a green setting close to the historic center on Europe’s largest river island along country lanes.

Duration / difficulty

Approx. 13km Easy. Flat.

On your route

A large part of the route is on shared country roads.

Expert advice

Take a gourmet break at Maison Manguin and taste the pear-based liqueur produced on the island. Free guided tours are offered every Saturday at 11am (except public holidays).


The ride

urban in Saint-Ruf

Purple line on the heritage map

An urban journey through an environment that has evolved considerably over the centuries. A heritage that has crossed all the major currents in the history of architecture from the 11th century to the present day.

Duration / difficulty

4.3km Easy

On your route

Look up, you’ll be impressed by the architecture!

Expert advice

Stop off at the Jardin de l’Abbaye: the first park to be created outside the town center at the foot of the remains of the majestic 11th-century Abbaye Saint Ruf, this is a great place to stroll and relax with family or friends. Children will be delighted by the many games available.


The ride

canal Puy

Light blue line on the heritage plan

4 itineraries punctuated by attractive panels, evoking this hydraulic structure, its components and the agricultural tradition around this Avignon green belt, accompanied by an exhibition on the history of its agriculture in the Notre-Dame mill.

Duration / difficulty

4 routes from 2.8 to 6.3km Easy

On your route

Be on the lookout, each itinerary is punctuated by attractive signs

Expert advice

Along the way, discover remarkable buildings such as the Notre-Dame mill and the Saint-Gabriel chapel.

Close