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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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

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.

See you in July 2027 for the 81st Avignon Festival!

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.

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 PassMake the most of the destination at an affordable price
Save up to €70.50 on the must-see attractions of the City of the Popes, and enjoy direct access to the museums and monuments of Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, discounts on guided tours and when booking certain activities, as well as on your 24-hour or 48-hour parking pass!

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