Avignon: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

In the Provence in the sunny south of France lies the historic city of Avignon. The old town with its magnificent medieval buildings, surrounded by an impressive wall, is a feast not only for history enthusiasts. In the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of the popes and the capital of Christianity. A significant artistic and cultural center emerged.

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Avignon - Must-see attractions

Avignon - Must-see attractions

Palace of the Popes

In the late Middle Ages, the Papal Palace in Avignon was built in an imposing, Romanesque-inspired style and served as the seat of the Catholic popes for about 100 years. Today, visitors admire the quaint cloisters, magnificent halls, and the Chapel of St. Jean. Highlights of the complex include the splendid ceiling and vault fresco in the Chapel of St. Jean. It is worthwhile to view the exhibitions in the Papal Palace of Avignon, which include works by various painters from France.

Bridge of Avignon

The Pont d’Avignon became a ruin as early as 1660, after floods repeatedly tore away parts of it. Only four arches of the bridge dedicated to Saint Bénézet now span a branch of the Rhône. But one can dance wonderfully on it. The Pont Saint-Bénézet has been admired for centuries. Without its hymn, which generations sang as children, it would probably have remained just a ruin. But the second line: "On y danse, on y danse," gives it a lively cult status.

Rock of the Doms

The rocky outcrop Rocher de Doms is located on the left bank of the Rhône. In this place, also known as the cradle of Avignon, you will find an idyllic garden with historical statues. Among others, you will discover sculptures of Félix Gras, Jean Althen, and Paul Vayson. The garden and park cover about 2.8 hectares and are suitable for long walks. From here, you can see the old town of Avignon, the Papal Palace, and of course the Rhône. Locals enjoy their picnic here.

Petit Palais Museum

The Musée du Petit Palais ("Museum in the Small Palace") displays collections from the holdings of the Musée Calvet in Avignon and the Paris Louvre Museum. Particularly numerous are the works that belong to the so-called School of Avignon. The School of Avignon emerged between the years 1309 and 1411, when Avignon became the papal residence. At that time, it mainly attracted Italian artists to the southern French city. The museum also features paintings from the Renaissance.

France Avignon Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms

Cathedral of Avignon

The Cathedral of Avignon was already built in the 12th century and is strongly influenced by Romanesque features. Later, some Gothic elements were added under the popes. Together with the Papal Palace, the Cathedral of Avignon is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. During your visit to the Cathedral of Avignon, you should first take a look at the 4.5-ton golden statue on the bell tower. It is, along with the vault and the medieval altar, one of the highlights.

Market hall of Avignon

Every morning and even over lunchtime on Mondays, you can find fresh products from France at Les Halles d’Avignon on Place Pie. The vendors usually offer goods at their stalls that come from their own production. Even those who do not wish to buy anything at Les Halles d’Avignon will be delighted by the colorful stalls with tomatoes, smoked meats, seafood, and flowers. The Provençal market dates back to the 17th century and also fascinates with its small cafés.