Why It’s Worth Visiting Avignon: 11 Unmissable Reasons

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Is it worth visiting Avignon? Discover 11 compelling reasons why it’s a yes from us in this detailed guide. From its walkable medieval streets to its rich cultural tapestry, find out how Avignon offers a unique and enchanting travel experience that caters to history buffs, foodies, and wine lovers alike.

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Avignon is a city where history’s echoes meet the vibrant thrum of modern life.

Here, the grandeur of medieval architecture stands proudly beside the gentle flow of the Rhône, a testament to the city’s historical significance as the seat of popes and a canvas for the Renaissance in France.

For five weeks in the tender bloom of spring, I made Avignon my home while slow travelling through Europe.

It was a marvellous chapter, a period of time where each day allowed me to peel back another layer of this enchanting city bit by bit. In the embrace of Avignon’s old stone walls, I found a rhythm that was both tranquil and enlightening, a balance that only such a city could offer.

To the traveller pondering, “Is it worth visiting Avignon?” I offer a resounding yes.

This is not just a city to be visited, but to be savoured – a bit like the fine wines that grace this region. 

In this post, we will explore eleven compelling reasons as to why Avignon deserves a place on your travel itinerary. It will cover aspects like its history, culture and gastronomy, as well as its ideal location (amongst others), delving into the essence of what makes this city worthy of your time.

In Short: Is Avignon Worth Visiting?

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Avignon is absolutely worth visiting. Tucked in the heart of Provence, it’s a place where you can stroll along cobbled streets, step inside the grand Palais des Papes, and linger over a coffee in a sun-dappled square. Food lovers will relish its vibrant dining scene, while wine enthusiasts can sip their way through nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ideal for short breaks or longer stays, Avignon also makes a brilliant base for exploring Provence. Just be aware it’s quieter in winter, and summer crowds peak during the Festival d’Avignon.

11 reasons as to why it is worth visiting Avignon

1. Avignon is entirely walkable

Encircled by its venerable walls, Avignon is a city that is best discovered on foot. The intimacy of its medieval streets invites leisurely exploration and you can take in much on a wander within the city’s medieval walls.

The Palais des Papes stands as a sentinel to the past, a stone colossus of religious and architectural might. The Pont Saint-Bénézet, meanwhile, stretches its broken fingers towards the horizon, a monument to both human endeavour and the ravages of time.

During my own stay in Avignon, I would often embark on a circumnavigation of the historic city walls, a ritual that took less than an hour but was rich with the sights, sounds, and scents of Avignon.

This accessible and completely flat loop is a testament to the walled city’s walkable scale, where the grandeur of its ramparts is matched only by the charm of its warren-like streets. History comes alive through the cobblestones underfoot. Each time I walked this route, I discovered something new.

There’s a decided charm to Avignon’s narrow passageways and non-symmetrical squares, where you’ll regularly feel the pull of a café and want to sit down and watch the world go by. What better way to find them than by on foot – making Avignon thoroughly worth visiting for those who like to explore by ambling. 

2: Avignon is home to a rich history and cultural heritage

Woven into Avignon’s history are the threads of papal legacy, most prominently displayed in the grandeur of the Palais des Papes.

This imposing fortress and gothic palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s a testament to the city’s significance during the 14th century, when the seat of Christianity found its temporary home by the Rhône. The city’s architecture is a chronicle of this era, with each stone and spire telling tales of ecclesiastical power and cultural flourishing.

I loved meandering through Avignon’s cobblestone streets. If you keep your eyes peeled, the city’s narrative unfolds in the intricate carvings over ancient doorways and in the silent watch of gargoyles from high perches.

The city’s commitment to the arts is palpable, not just in its historical monuments but in its vibrant theatre scene (you’ll spot a countless number of these) and accessible art collections. The Collection Lambert, housed in two beautiful mansions, offers contemporary art exhibitions that are as thought-provoking as they are intimate.

I particularly enjoyed the Musée Angladon for its intimate and charming setting, allowing an up-close experience with masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Picasso, making it a truly memorable and highly recommended visit.

Strolling through Avignon, one can’t miss the charm of Rue des Teinturiers. This picturesque street, with its ancient water wheels, echoes the city’s past as a vibrant hub for the textile dyeing industry. It’s a beautiful reminder of how Avignon’s history is woven into even the most quaint corners

Avignon today is as much a hub for art and culture as it was a centre for religious power centuries ago. The city’s galleries, like the free to visit Musée du Petit Palais with its Renaissance paintings, are jewels tucked within the old stone walls, easy to visit and rewarding for art enthusiasts.

The spirit of creativity that permeates Avignon’s air during the annual Festival d’Avignon continues throughout the year, with art and theatre being intrinsic to the city’s modern identity. 

READ NEXT | 23 Enchanting things to do in Avignon

3. You can visit Avignon for a short time, or a long time

Avignon has timeless allure that graciously accommodates the wanderlust of both the leisurely traveller and the swift passerby. Whether you have a single day or weeks to spare, this Provençal jewel ensures your time is well spent.

In a day, Avignon unveils its highlights with an almost theatrical flair.

The Palace of the Popes, standing as a sentinel of history, and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a famous bridge to the past, are within a stone’s throw of each other, allowing a full, albeit brisk, experience of the city’s grandeur. A day in Avignon is a bit like a teaser trailer to a classic film – it leaves you yearning for more.

For those who can linger a little longer, two to three days in Avignon is the sweet spot.

It allows for a deep dive into the city’s heart, from the cobbled streets that whisper secrets of the medieval era to the vibrant marketplaces bursting with Provençal flavours. I think that it provides enough time to savour the city without rush, to let its history and culture embrace you fully.

And yet, Avignon’s charm is such that even after five weeks, as I found, this walkable city continues to reveal layers of its personality.

My parents, who visited for a week, found a delightful balance between the city’s offerings and the allure of Provence’s countryside.

We took visited several nearby towns and places like the Pont du Gard during their stay. Both of them agreed that a week was definitely not too long to spend in Avignon, especially when using it as a base for day trips. 

4. Avignon is a fantastic base for exploring Provence

Avignon sits in the heart of Provence, and serves not just as a destination but as a gateway to the pastoral landscapes and sun-drenched villages that define the region’s attractiveness.

Its strategic position, in my opinion, makes it an unrivalled base for those eager to weave through the tapestry of Provence’s charms.

You may currently be tossing up whether you’ll stay in Avignon or Aix-en Provence for your Provençal adventure.

I stayed in Aix for a week and found it to be utterly charming and incredibly chic – it’s a city of refined boulevards, elegant fountains and upmarket shopping experiences. However, Avignon’s centrality cannot be overstated.

From Avignon, the undulating hills of the Luberon and the rugged beauty of the Alpilles are but a short journey away, each road leading to another quaint village or a vista of vineyards and olive groves.

Whether it’s the historic allure of Arles, the lavender fields of Valensole, or the charm of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Avignon places all within your reach with ease.

READ NEXT | 24 wonderful DAY TRIPS TO TAKE FROM AVIGNON

5. It’s an almost year-round city to visit

Avignon is a beautiful city that graciously hosts visitors nearly all year round. Each season drapes the city in a different cloak; from the vibrant hues of spring to the golden warmth of autumn, Avignon reveals its beauty in manifold ways.

Spring, particularly from March to April, is a period of awakening. I had the pleasure of witnessing Avignon unfurl into bloom during these months, the streets a little quieter, the air infused with the promise of summer. It’s a time when you can meander through the city at leisure, without the press of summer crowds.

The peak season of summer brings the Avignon Theatre Festival, an event that transforms the city into a bustling hub of artistic fervour. A local told me that that during this period, the streets are so thronged you’re shoulder to shoulder with fellow festival-goers – so you may want to avoid Avignon during July, unless you’re an avid theatre goer. 

The shoulder season of Autumn is another splendid time to visit, especially for those drawn to the romance of the grape harvest. The vineyards around Avignon are ripe with activity, and the air is crisp with the scent of fermenting grapes.

Personally, I’d probably choose not to visit Avignon in winter; the Mistral wind can be cutting enough in early spring and the city will probably be a little too quiet for most people’s liking. 

6. It’s a city with a unique appeal

Avignon is a quirky mix of history and modernity, a city where the medieval and the contemporary dance in harmonious synchrony. Its special allure lies in this blend; the ancient stones of the old town whisper tales of the past, while the vibrant energy of university life infuses the streets with a youthful spirit.

The old town, encircled by its storied city walls, is a treasure trove of history. Here, the legacy of the papacy is deeply etched into the very fabric of the city, from the grandeur of the Palais des Papes to the storied bridge of Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Yet, Avignon’s beauty is not just in its monumental landmarks; it’s in the quaint, cobblestoned alleys, the oddly-shaped squares that invite leisurely exploration, and the Provençal charm that seems to bloom as brightly as the cherry blossoms in spring.

Avignon’s cultural scene is as vibrant as its history is rich.

The city thrums with artistic energy, evident in the myriad of galleries and theatres that dot its landscape. From the avant-garde exhibitions at Collection Lambert to the intimate performances in the off-the-beaten-path venues during the festival season, culture is the city’s heartbeat.

The city’s unique character is also shaped by its status as a university town, which brings a contemporary edge to its historical charm.

This youthful vibrancy spills over into the culinary scene, with restaurants offering both Provençal classics and modern gastronomy, and into the shopping experiences at cool boutiques like Le Nid, where the city’s creative pulse is tangible.

7. Avignon is full of culinary delights

The culinary scene in Avignon is a delightful journey through the flavours of Provence and beyond.

The city is renowned for its gastronomy, where traditional French fare meets the rich, aromatic essence of the Mediterranean, and I happily tucked in while there. Avignon is highly worth visiting if you are foodie.

The covered market at Les Halles is a testament to the importance of food in Provençal culture.

Stalls brimming with fresh produce, from sun-ripened tomatoes to fragrant herbs, offer a glimpse into the ingredients that underpin the region’s dishes. I loved walking around the market, soaking in the sights and smells and listening to the buzz between market vendors and customers. 

Dining out in Avignon is an effortless affair, with a variety of options that cater to every palate. It’s not just about French cuisine; the city’s dining landscape is a mosaic of global flavours.

At La Canoa, for instance, I found the empanadas to be a perfect accompaniment to a lunchtime spent people-watching with a chilled glass of rosé in hand. Slightly outside of the historic centre (I’m talking 5 minutes), Vezzo offers a slice of Italy with its authentic pizzas.

For those seeking a more refined dining experience, L’Agape is a name that resonates with food connoisseurs and our meal there didn’t disappoint. Meanwhile, Vivotto and Maiianama offer contemporary takes on classic cuisines; gluten-free Italian food on the go and burgers, respectively. They were particular favourites of mine.

Whether it’s the casual street-side dining or the sophisticated ambiance of a gourmet restaurant, Avignon caters to pretty much everything.

8. Avignon is heaven for wine lovers

Avignon is a sanctuary for wine aficionados, nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, an area synonymous with viticulture and fine wines. The city’s location is a gateway to an oenophilic odyssey, with some of the most esteemed vineyards and wine regions within a stone’s throw.

The ease of arranging wine-tasting tours is part of Avignon’s charm. A mere 20-minute taxi ride can whisk you away to the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The lesser known, but equally good, area of Gigondas is only sightly further afield. It will take you around 40 minutes by car from Avignon.

My own experience, a night spent at the Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches, stands out as being particularly memorable.

The vineyard visits, the quaint exploration of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s village and castle, and the indulgence in the luxurious embrace of the château were complemented by a dining experience that was nothing short of brilliant.

Back within the ancient walls of Avignon, the wine bars are a treasure trove too, offering the chance to sample fine wines by the glass. It’s a delightful way to end an evening, sipping on a glass of wine that speaks to the region’s rich terroir.

I think, therefore, that it goes without saying that Avignon is highly worth visiting if you are a fan of wine tourism. 

RELATED READING | The Best Wine tours from avignon

9. It’s well connected to other cities in France

Avignon’s connectivity is a real strength, offering seamless transitions from the bustling cities of France to its own tranquil streets.

From Marseille to Avignon:

The journey from Marseille is a breeze, with frequent trains that whisk you through Provence’s heartland in under an hour. The proximity (about 100 kilometres) makes it a favourite for those seeking a day trip or weekend getaway, immersing themselves in Avignon’s medieval allure before returning to Marseille’s coastal vibrancy.

Nice to Avignon:

Travellers from Nice will find the journey just as convenient. A scenic train ride, spanning approximately 250 kilometres, offers a transition from the Riviera’s azure coast to the historical depth of Avignon. The trip is a beautiful prelude to the city’s charm, setting the stage for an unforgettable visit.

Lyon to Avignon:

Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, is less than an hour away by train. This proximity allows for a swift escape to the contrasting serenity of Avignon, making it an ideal complement to the urban energy of Lyon. It makes flying into Lyon and taking the train from the airport a complete breeze. 

Paris to Avignon:

Even from Paris, Avignon is easily accessible. The high-speed TGV train covers the almost 600-kilometre journey in about 2.5 hours, offering a fast track to the South of France’s delights. It’s a popular route for those looking to swap the capital’s rapid pace for the laid-back Provençal lifestyle, even if just for a weekend.

10. Avignon will appeal to different travellers

Avignon presents a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to the diverse tapestry of its visitors.

For families, Avignon unfolds as a historical canvas where the vibrant strokes of the past come alive.

The Palais des Papes stands as a majestic lesson in history, while the park of Rocher des Doms offer a tranquil retreat with picturesque garden views, perfect for a family picnic under the azure skies.

An adventure awaits at Île de la Barthelasse, where families can cycle through the lush pathways, a delightful way to bond and bask in the natural beauty of Avignon’s surroundings. This was one of my favourite days spent in Avignon, exploring the quiet lanes of the island by bike. 

Couples will find in Avignon’s old-world allure the perfect setting for romance. Strolling through the cobbled lanes, uncovering secluded nooks, or indulging in a cosy meal at a tucked-away bistro, the city serenades love stories at every turn.

The solo traveller will never find themselves alone amidst the city’s vibrant café culture and the communal festivities of the Festival d’Avignon. Safe and welcoming, Avignon is a place where solo adventurers will feel safe. I never felt uncomfortable while out and about on my own.  

For the history buff (it probably goes without saying at this point) – Avignon is a complete treasure trove. Its rich history, from the ancient ramparts to the storied Pont Saint-Bénézet, as well as its smaller museums and galleries – even the streets themselves – offers a tangible connection to the eras that have sculpted our civilisation.

11. Avignon combines perfectly with the French Riviera

With its storied streets and echoes of ecclesiastical power, Avignon offers a starkly different experience from the glitzy French Riviera. It’s not about the proximity to the sea or the shimmering nightlife; it’s about the immersion into a profound historical narrative that Avignon provides.

During my time in Provence, I was captivated by Avignon’s ability to transport me to another era, one of papal grandeur and medieval intrigue. This contrasted vividly with my stay in Antibes, where the rhythm of the waves and the casual coastal life provided a different kind of solace.

Connecting the cultural heartbeat of Avignon with the laid-back luxury of the Riviera creates a travel experience rich in diversity. From my own journeys, I can say that the transition from the Riviera’s sun-kissed beaches to Avignon’s leafy squares and cobbled lanes is like stepping through a portal between two worlds.

For those plotting their adventure, I recommend dedicating time to both areas.

The Riviera offers relaxation by the sea and a taste of modern French glamour, while Avignon invites you to wander through history, with every alley and facade telling a story. Together, they encapsulate the multifaceted charm of the South of France.

Conclusion: should you visit Avignon? 

To wrap up, I hope that I’ve demonstrated how Avignon is more than a mere stopover; it’s a destination that merits its place on any traveller’s itinerary and is entirely worth visiting.

With its walkable medieval streets, rich tapestry of history, and proximity to the vine-clad hills of Provence, Avignon is a city that promises and delivers an experience steeped in enchantment.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to trace the steps of past popes, a culture seeker looking to immerse in the vibrant arts scene, or a gastronome in pursuit of Provençal flavours, Avignon extends a timeless invitation. 

Should you decide to heed Avignon’s call, the journey need not end at the city’s ancient walls.

On this blog, you’ll find further inspiration and information, where you can weave the threads of your own Provence adventure.

Delve into our ‘Things to Do in Avignon post’, craft your perfect 5-day Provence itinerary, or venture beyond to discover day trips from Avignon that reveal the region’s heart. And for those with a palate for the finer sips in life, a guide to Châteauneuf-du-Pape awaits to lead you through vineyard-laden landscapes.

Related reading for the South of France

Interior Provence

• Arles | Best Things to Do in Arles: From Van Gogh’s Legacy to Ancient Roman Ruins
• Avignon | 23 Fabulous Things To Do in Avignon, France
• Avignon Day Trips | Best Day Trips from Avignon for Curious Travellers
• Avignon Wine Tours | 10 Wonderful Avignon Wine Tours Worth Taking
• Is Avignon worth visiting? | Why It’s Worth Visiting Avignon: 11 Unmissable Reasons
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape accommodation | Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches – A Luxury Provençal Retreat
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Visiting Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A Journey Through a Historic Wine Region
• Saint Rémy | A Guide to Saint Remy de Provence: a Provençal Paradise
• Where to stay in Provence | Where To Stay in Provence: 10 Best Places + Accommodation Picks

French Riviera

• Antibes | Things to Do in Antibes: 23 Must-Visit Attractions & Memorable Experiences
• Is Antibes worth visiting? | Is Antibes Worth Visiting? Discover Why This Riviera Gem Is a Must-Visit
• Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk | coming soon
• Sentier du Littoral Wall | Walking the Sentier du Littoral of Antibes – Essential Guide
• A day in Cannes | coming soon
• Cannes wine tours | coming soon
• 1 day in Nice | coming soon
• Nice wine tours | 10 Fantastic Nice Wine Tours Worth Taking
• 4 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• 5 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• 7 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• Where to stay on the french riviera | Where to Stay on the French Riviera: 11 Best Locations (& Hotels)