Avignon in 48 hours

Experiment #1

Explore the historic centre

Start your exploration at the city’s most iconic site: the Palais des Papes. The 14th-century residence of the popes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest Gothic palace in the world!

Once you’ve finished your visit, take a stroll through the picturesque alleyways and stop off on Rue des Teinturiers to discover its hidden gems, or head up to the ‘ Pont d’Avignon ’ (to have a dance 🎶 if you feel like it!)

Expert advice

Pop into the Tourist Information Centre to pick up some useful tips and top recommendations!
We recommend gettingthe Avignon City Pass to make the most of the destination at an affordable price and enjoy as many experiences as possible!
While you’re there, be sure to ask for the ‘Leisure & Heritage’ guide – your essential guide to exploring the city! This brochure highlights heritage sites to visit in Avignon and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, as well as themed walking tours you can do on your own.

Fancy booking online?

Guided tourAvignon at a glance

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Good planAvignon City Pass

Enjoy this destination at an affordable price!

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Good planCombined ticket

Visit the Palais des Papes, the ‘ Pont d’Avignon ’ and the Papal Gardens, and enjoy a special rate!

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DiscoverThe must-haves

10 places you mustn’t miss!

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Experiment #2

Savour and enjoy

Are you a bon vivant and a lover of good food? Avignon is the ideal destination for food lovers and gourmets!
And if there’s one place you simply mustn’t miss, it’s the covered market, Les Halles – a real Avignon institution. In this large covered market, 40 traders welcome you, true ambassadors of flavour, quality and the freshness of our local produce.

Regarded as a place for socialising and good company, it’s an absolute must-visit!

Where can you eat local food?

Expert advice

Colours, smells, flavours… Tapenade, herbes de Provence, crunchy treats, candied fruit, fougasse… stock up on local specialities and head off to enjoy them at one of our picnic spots!
Not to be missed: Outside on the Place Pie side, the lovely living wall on the façade created by Patrick Blanc!

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Experiment #3

Take a stroll through the gardens

Fancy a refreshing break? Avignon’s parks and gardens are the perfect choice if you want to discover the city’s natural beauty! One of the most beautiful is undoubtedly the Jardin du Rocher des Doms (⚠️ under construction), situated right next to the Palais des Papes.

A bit of history 🧭 It was the city’s birthplace: archaeological studies show evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. The remains of this ancient settlement can now be admired at the Calvet Museum.

Expert advice

This English-style garden, set on the rock overlooking the Palais des Papes, rises 30 metres above the Rhône! We highly recommend it for its magnificent panoramic view of the old town, the monuments and the landscapes stretching from the Rhône plain all the way to Mont Ventoux.
Do you have children? This garden will be a paradise for them, with two play areas (slides, swings, etc.) and little wooden horses.
Good to know: the city is carrying out major renovation work on the garden. During this period, you can only access the viewing platform and enjoy the panoramic views. The garden will gradually reopen by the end of the works in June 2027.

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The Rocher des Doms from Barthelasse Island - Photo credit: France Olliver / Avignon Tourisme
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France Olliver / Avignon Tourisme

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The fountain in the Basin du Rocher des Doms - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson / Avignon Tourisme
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Olivier Tresson / Avignon Tourisme

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MoreParks and gardens

In parks and gardens open to everyone, happiness is just a short walk away!

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IdeaEvents in the gardens

Make the most of the many events and activities on offer for a break in the great outdoors!

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Not to be missedGardens of the Palais des Papes

A lush green oasis at the foot of the most majestic of palaces!

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Experiment #4

Discover Barthelasse Island

La Barthelasse is a countryside retreat on the doorstep of the historic centre and the largest river island in Europe! It offers 700 hectares of peace and greenery, just a few minutes from the historic centre.

What’s there to do? There areplenty of areas dedicated to leisure and relaxation, including a skate park, a football pitch, a swimming pool, a day camp and a youth hostel. The towpath, which is very peaceful and pleasant, offers breathtaking and exceptional views of the Avignon Bridge, the Rocher des Doms and thePalais des Papes. You can buy local produce at La Reboule farm, visit the Manguin distillery, or simply take a stroll through the orchards.

Fancy staying overnight on the island?

Expert advice

To get to Barthelasse, take the free river shuttle, known locally as the “Bac à traille”. Crossing the Rhône by boat is a quick and convenient way to reach the opposite bank, and it’s also a chance to enjoy a pleasant trip on the water!
We recommend cycling round the island, and there’s no better way to do it than by bike – it’s flat and there are plenty of cycle paths!

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Cyclists on the Barthelasse island facing the Pont d'Avignon - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm - Empreintes d'Ailleurs
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Frédéric Dahm - Empreintes d'Ailleurs

Any outdoor activities?

IdeaWalks and hikes

Avignon offers 1,001 ways to enjoy a break in the countryside and reconnect with what really matters

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OfferHire a bike

Fancy exploring Avignon on two wheels? Hire a bike!

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ExperienceBoat trip

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Experiment #5

Crossing the Rhône

Opposite the historic centre, on the other bank of the Rhône, lies the picturesque medieval village of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.
It’s very easy to get there: by bike via the ViaRhôna, by bus or even on foot.
Thanks to its history, the town boasts a rich heritage that is sure to delight you: the Philippe le Bel Tower, the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Fort Saint-André and its Italian-style gardens, which are listed as ‘remarkable’…

Discover the history of the popes

Expert advice

Pop into the Grand Avignon Tourist Office to make the most of your visit to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon and discoverwhat the area has to offer in terms of nature!
We recommend climbing right to the top of the Philippe le Bel Tower to enjoy a stunning panoramic view!
Like a local: every Thursday, from 7 am to 2 pm, head to Place Charles David to soak up the colours and learn all about the Provençal market!

What is there to do in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon?

WalkCruise on the Rhône

Cross the Rhône and head for the historic sites of Villzneuve-lez-Avignon!

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Good planAvignon City Pass

Enjoy the sights of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon at affordable prices!

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ExperienceDiscover micro-adventures

An outdoor adventure to make the most of your stay

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DiscoverThe must-haves

10 places you mustn’t miss!

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Good plans

Some lovely places to visit!

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!