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The perfect festival-goer's guide

Festival instructions

On June 29, the Festival d’Avignon opens its doors, and for almost a month the city lives to the rhythm of the performing arts. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the event.

What's the difference between the Festival d'Avignon and the Festival OFF?

The two festivals coexist during the month of July

The Festival d’Avignon, also known as the “In” Festival, was created in 1947 by Jean Vilar. Programming is decided by artistic director Tiago Rodrigues and his team. Companies and artists are invited to present their work at the Festival, in emblematic heritage venues such as the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes.

The Festival Off was founded in 1966 by André Benedetto as an alternative artistic movement protesting against traditional theatrical representations. The Off has no artistic direction. Companies pay and rent open slots in theaters that make their halls available.

Did you know?

A grand parade takes place at the end of the day on the eve of the festival launch, with all the artists parading in costume and towing their shows. It’s an open-air party, so don’t miss it!

How to find your tickets for the Festival d'Avignon?

Most tickets are snapped up as soon as they go on sale. But it’s always possible to find tickets, sometimes on the very day of the show: some festival-goers resell their tickets at the last minute, usually in the Cloître Saint-Louis, where the box office is located! Here you’ll find a wall of classified ads with many tickets for sale. Alternatively, you can go to the venue playing the show of your choice an hour before it starts. Reserved seats must be collected at least 30 minutes before the start of the show, after which they are put back on sale, allowing a few lucky people to snatch the precious sesame.

How do I get tickets for the Festival OFF?

Some companies present their shows in the street, playing short scenes and offering festival-goers preferential rates or even free admission. Keep an eye out!

Tourism and festivals office

The Tourist Office becomes the “Office de tourisme et des festivals” for the duration of the festival! Come and meet our teams for advice and answers to your festival-related questions: practical information, information on festival venues, show locations, expert advice, travel solutions, young audiences, etc. 👉 And always a point of information and sale of Festival Off Avignon season tickets.

Good plan

Buy the public subscription card at the Tourist Office or at the Village du Off, and get a 30% discount on all shows in the program, access to evenings and concerts at the Village du Off, lower-cost visits to the Palais des Papes and many other advantages…

  • 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 shuttles to 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.Controlled access to the city center for a calmer city, open to all, favoring soft mobility.

  • Bustival

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

  • TER Nocturne

From June 29 to July 21, additional trains and buses will run until 11:30pm from Avignon center station to Arles, Cavaillon, Carpentras and Orange.

  • Find out more about our mobility plan

Eco-responsible festivals

From waste treatment and the development of eco-friendly travel to the conservation of natural resources and the management of human resources, organizations are moving towards an eco-responsible transition for festivals. Want to find out more?

Products for sale in our store

Want to take home a souvenir of the 2024 edition of your festivals? Visit the Tourist Office store, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste!

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