Palais des Papes from the Palais des Papes gardens. Credit: Olivier TressonPalais des Papes from the Palais des Papes gardens. Credit: Olivier Tresson
©Palais des Papes from the Palais des Papes gardens. Credit: Olivier Tresson|Olivier Tresson

Nature in Avignon

  1. Home
  2. Prepare your stay
  3. To explore the outdoors

The countryside in the city. In the parks and gardens open to all, in the towns and cities of the region, and of course, on the paths of our “green lung”, the Barthelasse island, a little corner of green paradise just a stone’s throw from the ramparts.

Nature and well-being
A must in Avignon

Barthelasse Island

The countryside at the gateway to the historic center and Europe’s largest river island!

Located between Avignon and Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, between the two arms of the Rhône – the grand Rhône on the Villeneuve side, the petit Rhône on the Avignon side – it offers 700 hectares of calm and greenery, just a few minutes from the historic center.

Expert advice 🗣 If you want to tour the island, there’s nothing better than the bike, it’s flat and there are plenty of cycle paths!

Pont d'Avignon from La BarthelassePont d'Avignon from La Barthelasse
©Pont d'Avignon from La Barthelasse|Olivier Tresson
View of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'AilleursView of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs
©View of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs|Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs
Two sportswomen race on the BarthelasseTwo sportswomen race on the Barthelasse
©Two sportswomen race on the Barthelasse|Olivier Tresson
Bikes on the BarthelasseBikes on the Barthelasse
©Bikes on the Barthelasse|Olivier Tresson

    Garden break

    Visit the gardens of Saint André Abbey

    Hop across the Rhône to the heights of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon to discover the romantic Jardins de l’Abbaye, hidden within the walls of Fort Saint-André.

    To be tested

    Walks and hikes

    Do you need to breathe, exercise or simply discover new landscapes? Discover our selection of nature walks and hikes, and fill up on memories!

    Cycling on the Viarhona route in Châteauneuf du Pape - Photo credit: Alain Hocquel / Vaucluse Provence ActivitéCycling on the Viarhona route in Châteauneuf du Pape - Photo credit: Alain Hocquel / Vaucluse Provence Activité
    ©Cycling on the Viarhona route in Châteauneuf du Pape - Photo credit: Alain Hocquel / Vaucluse Provence Activité
    Nature excursions

    Full of ideas

    Discover a region to your heart’s content: wine tourism, the lavender trail, Rhône river cruises or hilltop villages.

    Luberon TourLuberon Tour
    ©Luberon Tour
    Chemin Des CaneauxChemin Des Caneaux
    ©Chemin Des Caneaux
    Gift Voucher 22rendez Vous Gourmand22Gift Voucher 22rendez Vous Gourmand22
    ©Gift Voucher 22rendez Vous Gourmand22
    French Wine Tours ! ProvenceFrench Wine Tours ! Provence
    ©French Wine Tours ! Provence
      Avignon CitypassBenefit from the destination at the price
      Earn more than 50€ 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

      Intrigue treasure hunt in the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson / Avignon TourismeIntrigue Au Palais©otresson
      ©Intrigue treasure hunt in the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson / Avignon Tourisme|Olivier Tresson / Avignon Tourisme
      Avignon with family
      A relaxing break with friends at the Vouland museumA relaxing break with friends at the Vouland museum
      ©A relaxing break with friends at the Vouland museum|Alain Hoquel VPA
      With friends
      Hotel De Cambis Rooms Suites 138505 3840 2160 AutoHotel De Cambis Rooms Suites 138505 3840 2160 Auto
      ©Hotel De Cambis Rooms Suites 138505 3840 2160 Auto
      Lodgings
      Romantic view of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'AilleursRomantic view of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs
      ©Romantic view of the Pont Saint-Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs|Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs
      As a couple
      Festival In d'Avignon - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'AvignonFestival In d'Avignon - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon
      ©Festival In d'Avignon - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon|Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon
      For the culture & heritage
      Close