- From 1309 to 1377, the city served as the official residence of the Popes, a period known as the Avignon Papacy or the Babylonian Captivity.
- The city's famous bridge, the Pont d'Avignon, was originally built with 22 arches across the Rhône but currently features only four due to repeated flood damage and abandonment.
- Avignon hosts the world's largest theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, which transforms the entire city into a massive performance stage every July.
- The city walls, constructed by the Popes, are some of the few remaining complete medieval ramparts in France, surviving mostly intact to the present day.
About Avignon
Avignon is a historic city situated on the Rhône River, famously recognized as the seat of the Catholic Popes during the 14th century. The city is defined by its massive stone Remparts d'Avignon [149703], which enclose the medieval center and define its architectural character. Visitors often explore the religious heritage found at Notre Dame des Doms [39572] or browse the extensive art collections housed at Musée du Petit Palais [137269]. It remains a major hub for theater and performance art, supported by venues like L’Autre Scène du Grand Avignon [131649].
Highlights of Avignon
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk the perimeter of the medieval ramparts to see the defensive architecture that still encircles the historic center.
Temples
Visit this cathedral to see the iconic gilded statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city from its tower.
Museums
Explore one of the most significant collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures housed in an archbishop's former palace.
Places of interest
Cross the river to see this formidable 14th-century fortress built by the French crown to oversee the papal city.
Temples
Admire the ornate Gothic facade of this central basilica located near the bustling Place de l'Horloge.
Museums
View a curated private collection of 19th and 20th-century art, including works by Degas and Modigliani.
Venues
Attend a contemporary performance at this modern venue which serves as a major pillar of the local arts scene.
Top things to do in Avignon
The 183 highest-rated places in Avignon, ranked by travellers.
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The Alpilles Natural Regional Park encompasses a limestone mountain range rising abruptly from the surrounding plains in...
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Avignon on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Avignon
May to June or September, to enjoy pleasant temperatures while avoiding the peak heat and extreme crowds of the July theater festival.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic center, museums, and nearby fortifications.
The historic center is largely pedestrianized and highly walkable, while local bus services connect to outer districts.
Staying within the medieval walls (intra-muros) provides the best access to historical sites, while the area near the train station offers convenient transit links.
Mid-range; accommodation costs fluctuate significantly during the July theater festival.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 183 curated attractions in and around Avignon, ranked by traveller ratings.
Alpilles Natural Regional Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Avignon right now.
The largest category is venues, with 76 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
