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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

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Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d’Avignon

The Avignon Festival

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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

The programme for the 80th edition is now available!

The City of Avignon is mobilising all its departments to help accommodate several hundred thousand visitors and festival-goers. Particular attention is being paid to traffic, parking and security to ensure that everyone enjoys a pleasant environment and that this major event runs smoothly.

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.

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.

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The Avignon Festival in the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes

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Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

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

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Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

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

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Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

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The audience in the Cour du cloître Saint-Louis during the Festival d'Avignon - Photo Credit: Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d'Avignon

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Christophe Raynaud de Lage / Festival d’Avignon

Did you know?

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

The positive footprint

The Avignon Festival is committed to making its events accessible to everyone. Specific information is available for people with disabilities to help them get the most out of the festival.

Avignon City PassBenefit from the destination at the price
Earn more than €68 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!

Discover also

Faire une pause pendant le festival
Take a break during the festival
The Festival-Goer’s Guide
The Avignon Off Festival
Avignon in July: concentrated theatre
Where to go out during the festival?
Summer festivals in Provence