Best of Avignon

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Avignon
Perched along the left bank of the Rhône River, the walled city of Avignon is famed for its grand monuments from the 14th century. Thanks to Pope Clement V who fled Rome in 1309 and set up shop in the Provence, the city is home to the largest Gothic palace ever built. The astonishing Palais des Papes encompasses some 160,000 square feet (15,000 square meters), and is a must for visitors to the city. Papal intrigue aside, Avignon has some excellent museums, a renowned summer arts festival, and a very famous bridge — one that figures in a catchy nursery rhyme learned by every French child.  

Immersive tours illuminate the city’s tumultuous history while taking you to some of Avignon’s most scenic locales. From Avignon, you can head off to explore the stunning countryside of Provence. Ancient Roman sites in Nîmes, the magnificent Pond du Gard, and cinematic lavender fields all make for rewarding day tours. You can also follow in the steps of Van Gogh, visiting the picturesque settings that inspired one of the world’s great post-Impressionist painters.
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Avignon Essentials

Claude Monet's Gardens
Top Cultural Experiences in France

Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.

Charming streets of Aix
Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

Known as "mini Paris," Aix-en-Provence sits in the heart of the Provence region, known for its charm, lavender, wine, and unique signature cuisine. Spend time exploring these claims to fame with cooking classes, wine tastings, drives through lavender fields, and walking tours. Then head out into the countryside and discover more Provençal charm, such as in the city of Avignon, the scenic hilltop villages of Luberon, or the impressive Verdon Canyon.

The lavender fields of Provence
Best Things to Do in Provence

Provence's claim to fame might be its rolling lavender fields, but there's a lot more to enjoy in this region of France. It's a gastronomically rich area filled with vineyards, olive groves, and agricultural land, so tasting or preparing its Provençal cuisine is a must. You can also enjoy wine tastings and exploring historic villages like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and other hamlets dotting the hills.

Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Best Things to Do in Avignon

The historic town of Avignon sits on the left bank of the famous Rhône River, its claim to fame being the incredible Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built. Explore the city by walking or cycling among grand 14th-century monuments while surrounded by unique history. Then take advantage of Avignon's surrounding countryside and discover the heart of Provence, from lavender fields and vineyards to the region's signature cuisine.

Pont Saint Benezet Bridge and Rhone River
The Best Boutique Hotels in Avignon

Considered one of the gateways to the Provence region, Avignon is especially popular with travelers who don't have their own vehicle, thanks to the easy access to group tour pickups. These hotels in the historic center, ranging from quaint beds and breakfasts to former noble residences, will let you explore the city and its wider region from a comfortable and convenient home base with plenty to offer.

Avignon Itineraries

The american flag in Provence
Map of Visit Provence Like the Obama Family - 7 Days
Visit Provence Like the Obama Family - 7 Days

Barack Obama and his family recently visited Provence, choosing a village near Avignon as their base for exploring the region. Follow in their footsteps with this 7-day trip inspired by their itinerary—you'll dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant where the presidential family enjoyed a celebratory meal, shop in the same off-the-beaten-path village known as the "Provençal Venice" for its charming canals, visit the region's best vineyards, and more.

Spend a day in Cassis and Calanques National Park
Map of Paris & Provence Family Adventure - 7 Days
Paris & Provence Family Adventure - 7 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this weeklong itinerary kicks off in the French capital where you'll summit the Eiffel Tower, gain skip-the-line access at Le Louvre, and sample some of Paris's best bakeries and chocolatiers. Then, ride a high-speed train to Avignon—your base for exploring the Provence region with canoeing and biking tours as well as a trip to a national park along the Mediterranean to finish the adventure

Church of the Holy Ghost, Aix-en-Provence
Map of France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 8 Days
France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 8 Days

Provence was once the first Roman territory beyond the Alps, and while you won't be riding in as a conqueror, you'll see why they wanted it for their own after this eight-day self-drive trip. Craft your own soap, cruise around the coast of Marseille, cook with ingredients from local markets, and more as you explore the region.

Avignon's Saint-Benezet Bridge with Popes Palace
Map of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille: Best Itinerary Ideas
Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that seven to eight days are perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille. It's also possible to hit the highlights in six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Saint Rémy de Provence, Paris, or Cassis. Get inspired with the below Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille trip ideas.

 An aerial view of Paris' Arc de Triomphe
Map of Nice, Avignon & Paris: Best Itinerary Ideas
Nice, Avignon & Paris: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 9 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Nice, Avignon, and Paris. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in seven or eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Those with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, or Marseille. Get inspired with the below Nice, Avignon, and Paris trip ideas.

Watermill in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Map of Provence Cycling Tour - 8 Days
Provence Cycling Tour - 8 Days

Cover the highlights of Provence at your own pace on this eight-day cycling tour. You'll start and end in the medieval walled city of Avignon, wheeling your way through the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône, historic fortresses, charming villages, and mountain landscapes of the Provence region.

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 12 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 12 Days

Take a break from real life and immerse yourself in the city of love on this 12-day France honeymoon itinerary. You'll start in Paris—the perfect place for art museums, pastries, and a day trip to the resplendent Versailles. From here you'll head south to romantic Avignon and historic Lyon, ending in sunny Nice for plenty of beach time. 

Latin quarter in Paris
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris & the French Riviera - 9 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris & the French Riviera - 9 Days

Head to France for nine days in the city of love—the perfect place for a honeymoon. Paris practically begs you to plan a romantic getaway, which is exactly what you'll do, from art viewing in the Louvre to day trips to storybook châteaux. Make sure to stop by the historic city of Avignon before wiling away the time on the sunny white-sand beaches of the south. 

A lavender field in Provence
Map of Paris & Provence Road Trip - 9 Days
Paris & Provence Road Trip - 9 Days

This scenic itinerary starts with a self-guided road trip through exceptional villages, cities, and wine regions in the heart of Provence. Over the course of 9 days, you’ll explore Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, and the Rhone Valley with visits to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as hidden gems. Finish the adventure in Paris with a mix of private tours and free time to explore on your own.

Sit down for a meal at a traditional Lyonnaise "bouchon"
Map of Culinary Rhône Valley Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 8 Days
Culinary Rhône Valley Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 8 Days

This culinary tour winds its way from gastronomic Lyon (with a food scene rivaling that of Paris) through the colorful countryside of Provence. Taste famous wines, relax in olive country, and fall in love with the ancient cities and sweeping flower-filled fields that make this region famous.

Spend a day strolling through Aix-en-Provence
Map of Ultimate Provençal Road Trip - 5 Days
Ultimate Provençal Road Trip - 5 Days

Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this five-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon and a wine tasting in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Vineyards near Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Map of France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 9 Days
France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 9 Days

Twirl around to the catchy tune of Sur le Pont d'Avignon as you cross said bridge and more on this nine-day self-drive trip. In addition to crossing the celebrated bridge of Avignon, you'll stroll down the Mediterranean coast and through markets, vineyards, olive groves, and more to see all that Provence has to offer.

Bonnieux, a village in the Luberon
Food & Wine Tour of Provence: Avignon & Bonnieux - 5 Days

On this outdoorsy tour of Provence, you'll mix gourmet experiences with active pursuits. Start the trip in medieval Avignon, then take a tour of the Luberon on an electric bike before learning how to cook (and eat) like a local at a Provençal cooking class. You'll finish with a full-day tour of local wineries. Cheers!

Cap d’Antibes
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 13 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 13 Days

Thirteen days may be unlucky, but there's nothing unlucky about this thirteen-day honeymoon itinerary to France's main regions. Spend some time in Paris, where a day trip to the fairytale Chambord & Chenonceau chateaus whisks you away to a story. Stop in Lyon for some wine and Avignon for small villages, then end in Nice, where white-sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets await. 

 Inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon, France
Map of Nice, Avignon, Paris & Lyon: Best Itinerary Ideas
Nice, Avignon, Paris & Lyon: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days to two weeks is a great length for a trip to France, with stops in Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 9 or 10 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Aix-en-Provence, Dijon, or Amboise. Keep reading for more inspiring Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon itineraries.

Cityscape of Blois
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 17 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 17 Days

This seventeen-day honeymoon itinerary has something for every couple (or non-couples!) Stop by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza, experience the magic of Paris at night, and wonder at the splendor of the Versailles estate. Explore the storybook towns of the Loire Valley and go wine tasting in the Beaujolais wine region before spending time in Cannes and Monaco. 

Fountain of Nostradamus on a charming picturesque street of shops and cafés in the historic medieval village town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Map of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Marseille: Best Itinerary Ideas
Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Marseille: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 5 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Paris or Bonnieux. Get inspired with the following Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille trip ideas below.

Chateau of Sully-sur-Loire
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 18 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 18 Days

With eighteen full days in the country, you'll get to experience the full variety of French cultures on this honeymoon trip. Learn about Parisian history in the heart of the city, search through the Louvre for hidden treasures, and explore the storybook towns of the Loire Valley. Stroll through historic Lyon, France’s third-most populous city, before stopping by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza. 

Chenonceau castle and grounds
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon & the French Riviera - 14 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon & the French Riviera - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get away from it all, which is exactly what you'll do on this honeymoon itinerary. From Paris's busy streets to the quiet avenues of Aix-en-Provence, this itinerary has it all. Go wine tasting in the Beaujolais wine region, visit hilltop villages near Avignon, and immerse yourself in the luxurious atmosphere of Cannes and Monaco. 

Lavender fields on the Lavensole Plateau
Map of Self-Drive France: Provence & the French Riviera  - 10 Days
Self-Drive France: Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days

Explore the iconic landscapes that inspired the French Impressionists on this scenic 10-day road trip through the South of France. Starting in Nice, you'll journey west past glittering coastlines, hilltop villages, and rolling countryside to reach Aix-en-Provence. Along the way, unforgettable Provençal experiences await: create your own perfume in Grasse, tour the wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, see the lavender fields of Lavensole, and discover the villages of the Luberon by E-Bike.

Chambord castle
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 19 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 19 Days

Leave your worries behind on this romantic 19-day honeymoon getaway to France. Experience the magic of Paris at night, bargain with vendors for regional specialties at farmer’s markets, and tour the fairytale Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau. Explore Roman ruins in Avignon and see the hilltop villages of the Luberon, before ending the trip in Cannes and Monaco. 

Aerial view of Amboise
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 15 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 15 Days

Fifteen days is enough time to dive deep into several of France's most popular regions (and understand why they're a favorite!) Start in Paris, where mornings of fresh-baked pastries and hot espressos meld seamlessly into evenings of red wine and charcuteries. See the Chateau Chambord, immerse yourself in Avignon's history, and end your trip on a sunny note—along the warm beaches of the French Riviera. 

Chenonceau at sunset
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 20 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 20 Days

With twenty full days to experience everything France has to offer, you're bound to come away with a bit more romance in your heart. On this honeymoon itinerary, you'll do everything from exploring Paris through pastries to bargaining with vendors for regional specialties at farmer’s markets. Stroll through historic Lyon, France’s third-most populous city, visit the hilltop villages of the Luberon, and stop by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza.

Sunset over Lyon
Culinary Road Trip: Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Provence & the Riviera - 21 Days

French cuisine and countryside are the star attractions on this three-week, self-drive itinerary. Setting out from Paris, you'll embark on a gastronomic odyssey as you wind your way south towards the Riviera. Take a culinary walking tour of Lyon, stroll the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Beaujolais, cycle to the hilltop villages of the Luberon, and learn to cook Provençal favorites in Aix-en-Provence. After some downtime on the beaches of Saint-Tropez, your journey ends in Nice, where you'll explore its bustling markets and take a day trip to nearby Monaco.

Colorful French macarons
Map of Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 11 Days
Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 11 Days

Leave it all behind and enjoy eleven magical days in France for your honeymoon (or any other special occasion!) Start in Paris, where romantic dinners at streetside cafes blend perfectly with relaxed strolls through the Louvre and a night at the Eiffel Tower. Wrap up your trip in Avignon and Nice, where history, nature, and wine await you and your sweetie.

Lavender fields
Upper Provence Bike Tour - 6 Days

Explore the heart of Provence at your own pace on this 6-day, self-guided bike tour. Begin in Bédoin or Mazan and end in Roussillon or Gargas, enjoying short daily rides to fully experience Provence. Visit some of Provence’s most acclaimed wine-making towns, climb legendary Mont Ventoux, or snake through the Gorges de la Nesque. In between, lodge in medieval villages and enjoy local cuisine.

Hilltop village of Gordes
Map of France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 15 Days
France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 15 Days

As one of France's first wine regions, Provence has been making wine for more than 2,000 years. Taste the fruits of all that historic expertise and more on this 15-day road trip. You'll stay in six different cities in the region, exploring everything from soapmaking to Sauternes, and modern museums to Roman ruins, as you take in all that Provence has to offer.

Roman amphitheater in Arles Old Town
Map of France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 13 Days
France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 13 Days

Provence gets roughly 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, so you'll have plenty of time to bask in this 13-day road trip through the South of France. You'll make your way from coastal Marseilles inland to experience French farm cooking, hilltop villages, established wine estates and olive oil groves, and even ancient Roman ruins under the southern French sun.

Take the train to Lyon, France's 3rd largest city
Map of Paris, Lyon, Nice & Provence - 14 Days
Paris, Lyon, Nice & Provence - 14 Days

Ideal for food, wine, and culture enthusiasts, this trip travels at a relaxed pace from Paris to Nice over the span of two weeks. Start off with several days in the 'City of Lights' and the French culinary mecca of Lyon. Then pick up a car in Avignon to experience Provence's vineyards and lavender fields at your own speed. Finish the adventure indulging on Mediterranean views and fresh seafood in the French Riviera.

Charming street in Aix en Provence
Map of Pure Provence Road Trip: Marseille, Avignon, Verdon Gorge & More  - 12 Days
Pure Provence Road Trip: Marseille, Avignon, Verdon Gorge & More - 12 Days

France is known the world over for its romance, but there might be no other region that encompasses its quintessential beauty—the cities, villages, hills, and beaches—quite like Provence. This is where the countryside meets the coast, where the Alps meet lavender fields, and where the French Riveria runs from Marseilles to the Italian border. Experience it all on this luxurious 12-day driving tour. 

Avignon's Pont Saint-Bénézet in the Southern Rhône valley, gateway to Provence
Map of Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days
Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days

This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.