©Kirill Serebrennikov's Le Moine Noir at the Festival d'Avignon in the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d'Avignon|Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d’Avignon

The Avignon Festival

The Festival d’Avignon was created in 1947 by Jean Vilar. The aim of this committed artist was to reach as many people as possible, and in particular young people, with high-quality programming of classical and foreign plays that were often little known in France, and to offer a different kind of theatre from that being performed in Paris at the time. He associated a troupe of actors with his creations: Gérard Philipe, Michel Bouquet, Maria Casarès, Philippe Noiret, Jeanne Moreau… Little by little he opened the Festival to dance, music and film. Jean Vilar directed the Festival d’Avignon until his death on 28 May 1971.

Practical information

The 80th edition will take place from 4 to 25 July 2026

4Jul25Jul

Avignon Festival - 80th edition

– Programme to come –

Getting around

Where to sleep

Find all our accommodation

The right restaurants

You can eat well in Avignon during the festival, as long as you choose the right table. We’ve selected the best restaurants for you, from gourmet eateries to bistros and convivial spots.

Restaurants

Discover

Useful

borne-de-recharge-electrique-au-parking-gare-centre.jpg — ©Electric Charging Point At Central Station Car Park|OTresson / Avignon Tourisme

Where can I park in Avignon?

Practical information

Conciergerie

Traffic in the city centre

Conditions in 2025(conditions in 2026 to come):

During the Festival, pedestrianisation will be a priority throughout the city centre, and access will be restricted from 12pm to 2am for vehicles with an access pass, thus encouraging environmentally-friendly travel. Pass applications reserved for local residents.

Access to the inner city is via :

Porte de la République
Porte Saint Michel
Porte Thiers
Porte Saint Dominique
Porte du Rocher

More information

Parking in Avignon

To make parking easier, there are a number of park-and-ride facilities with free shuttle buses to the city centre.

More than 4,400 free spaces are available in the 5 park-and-ride sites, with a guarded service from 10am to 2am.
Controlled access to the city centre for a calmer city, open to all, encouraging gentle travel.

Bustival

To help you get to and from the city late at night, a dozen bus routes are extending their timetables until around 1 a.m. to make it easier for you to get around.

Eco-responsible festival guide

Soft mobility, park-and-ride facilities, car-sharing, bike stations, waste management, sustainable food and freshness points… In this eco-responsible Festival Guide, you’ll find all the practical resources you need to enjoy the city during these not-to-be-missed events, but also to protect it. Let’s all be eco-responsible!

Download the guide

Good deals and free admission

Throughout the Festival, you’ll find all the tips you need to make the most of your experience in Avignon.

– More information to come –

Avignon, the beating heart of theatrical creation

Like a beauty preparing to receive her beau, Avignon in July is decked out to welcome actors, musicians, acrobats, circus performers, dancers… and spectators! Since 1947 and Jean Vilar’s first theatre week, Avignon has become a symbol of artistic creation.

Taking over the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes, the cloisters and the courtyards of secondary schools, the Festival d’Avignon is a beating heart for lovers of the performing arts and theatrical discoveries. For three weeks, Avignon locals and festival-goers alike will be talking about shows that are often quite demanding, as well as discussions and debates.

©The Festival In d'Avignon invites itself into the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon|Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

©Festival In d'Avignon - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon|Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

Did you know?

The Avignon Festival is 40 shows, 400 performances (approximately) each year and over 130,000 spectators.

Avignon City PassBenefit from the destination at the price

Earn more than 57€ on the tourist attractions of the City of Papes, direct access to museums and monuments of Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, discounts on your visiting guides and certain places. Activities, as well as your favorite station 24 or 48 hours!