©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 bring high quality programming to the widest possible audience, and in particular to young people, by presenting both classic authors and foreign playwrights who were often little-known in France, and by offering a different kind of theater from that practiced 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 cinema. Jean Vilar was director of the Festival d’Avignon until his death on May 28, 1971.

Practical information

The 79th edition will take place from July 5 to 26, 2025

The festival
The 2025 program
Organize with peace of mind
Parking and traffic

5Jul26Jul

Avignon Festival - 79th edition

Vélopop' - self-service bicycles

Loc'Two Scoot Avignon

South Spirit Bike + e-bike Rental

Where to sleep

Hotels

Gites and furnished accommodation

Campsites

©Bastide de Bellegarde. Credit: France Olliver|France Olliver

Sleeping in the countryside

Sleeping on Barthelasse Island

©The Divine Comedy Outdoor House 6 Scaled 1

Bed & Breakfast

Find all accommodations

Fine dining

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

Discover

Useful

Where to park in avignon

Practical information

Conciergerie

Downtown traffic

From June 29 to July 21, traffic in the city center will be restricted from 12pm to 2am for motorized vehicles, including two-wheelers.

Parking in Avignon

To make parking easier, there are a number of park-and-ride facilities with free shuttle buses to take you into the city center. More than 4,400 free spaces are available in the 5 park-and-ride facilities, with guarded parking from 10am to 2am.

More information

Bustival

To ensure your late-night journeys, a dozen bus lines are extending their timetables until around 1 a.m. to make your journey easier.

More information

TER Nocturne ZOU offered by Région Sud

From July 5 to 26, from Arles, Cavaillon, Carpentras or Orange, take the regional train directly to the heart of the City of the Popes. For the return journey, buses or trains to Arles or Carpentras are available until 11.30pm.

Find all the essential information on our mobility plan

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Bon plan: TER nocturne ZOU

The Southern Region has set up bus and train services to make it easy for you to get to the Avignon Festival.

Communes served :

Courthézon, Bédarrides, Sorgues-Châteauneuf-du-pape, Montfavet, Morières les Avignon, St Saturnin d’Avignon, Gadagne, Le Thor & L’Isle Fontaine de Vaucluse, Cavaillon, Monteux, Entraigues, Carpentras

NIGHT TIMETABLE
For the return journey, last train departure to Arles or Carpentras (by bus), every evening during the festival: 11:30pm. Last departure to Cavaillon: 23:26 (except Sundays, when departures are at 23:29 or 23:40 depending on the day) and to Orange: 23:29.

Agents will be present on board trains and in stations to ensure a smooth return.

The Southern Region is also setting up bus and train services for easy travel to the Chorégies d’Orange or the Rencontres d’Arles: getting to these not-to-be-missed events by bus or train has never been easier!

Good deals and free admission

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

5Jul26Jul

Rencontres et lectures au Festival d'Avignon

9Jul19Jul

Le souffle d'Avignon

3Jul31Aug

L'Arrière-pays, Arab territories in an archipelago

6Jul25Jul

Mahabharata – Bar du Festival

Find out more about all the proposals with free admission

Avignon, the beating heart of theatrical creation

Like a belle 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 theater week, Avignon has become a symbol of artistic creation. Taking over the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes, the cloisters and high-school courtyards, the Festival d’Avignon is a beating heart for lovers of the performing arts and theatrical discoveries. For three weeks, the often-demanding shows, discussions and debates are the talk of Avignonnais and festival-goers alike.

©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 (approx.) every year and over 130,000 spectators.

Avignon CitypassBenefit 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!