Avignon travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Avignon.
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1
Palais des Papes
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the main ticket queue, especially in July and August. · A combined Palais + Pont ticket costs about EUR 17 and is cheaper than buying both separately. · Arrive at opening or after 16:00 to avoid the busiest tour-group hours. · Rent the HistoPad or audio guide, as many rooms are largely empty of furniture. · Last entry is one hour before closing, so allow at least two hours. · Bring a light layer, as the stone halls stay cool even in summer.
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2
Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)
Tip: The combined Palais + Pont ticket is about EUR 17 and saves money over separate entries. · Photograph the bridge from the Rocher des Doms or Île de la Barthelasse rather than from on it. · Visit on a still day, as the mistral wind makes the open bridge cold and gusty. · Wear a hat in summer, as there is almost no shade on the bridge. · Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
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3
Rocher des Doms
Tip: Visit at sunset for the best light over the river and bridge. · Bring water and a picnic, as shops are not directly nearby. · Combine with the Palais des Papes and cathedral, which are steps away. · Avoid windy mistral days, when the viewpoints are exposed. · Check the gate closing time, as the garden closes at dusk.
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4
Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms
Tip: Entry is free, so combine it with the Palais des Papes and Petit Palais on the same square. · Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. · Check opening times, as the cathedral closes at midday and during services. · Start the climb to the Rocher des Doms from the cathedral side for sunset views. · Visit in the morning for the quietest interior.
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5
Musée du Petit Palais
Tip: First Sunday of the month often has free admission, so check the calendar. · The museum is closed on Tuesday. · Allow 1 to 1.5 hours, as the collection is compact. · Combine with the Palais des Papes ticket day as the museum is across the same square. · Visit at midday in summer for cool, quiet galleries.
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6
Collection Lambert
Tip: The museum is closed on Monday. · Check the current exhibition, as galleries are rotated regularly. · Reduced-rate tickets (about EUR 8) are available for eligible visitors. · Allow about 90 minutes for the full visit. · In July, hours extend to 10:00-19:00.
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7
Musée Calvet
Tip: The museum is closed on Tuesday and between 13:00 and 14:00. · Under-18s enter free. · Pair it with the nearby Musée Angladon for an afternoon of art. · Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. · A quiet visit is possible at almost any time outside July.
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8
Musée Angladon
Tip: The museum opens in the afternoon, typically from 13:00. · Winter months have reduced opening days, so check ahead. · Allow about one hour for the visit. · Pair it with the Musée Calvet nearby. · Ask about the temporary exhibition in the basement gallery.
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9
Les Halles d'Avignon
Tip: The market is closed on Mondays. · Arrive before 10:00 for the freshest produce and fewer crowds. · Bring a bag and some cash for small stalls. · Try a Saturday morning for the chef demonstrations. · Eat at the counters or buy picnic items for the Rocher des Doms.
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10
Place de l'Horloge
Tip: Terrace prices are higher than in side streets, so check menus first. · Visit early in the morning for photographs without crowds. · Expect lively crowds and street performances in July. · Use the square as a navigation point, as most sights are within 10 minutes' walk. · Keep an eye on belongings in busy periods.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmark
Park
Religious Site
Museum
Market
Square
Street
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums close one weekday (Monday or Tuesday); the Palais des Papes opens daily.
- Fees
- Palais des Papes about EUR 14.50 (~$17); combined Palais + Pont about EUR 17 (~$20). Prices are indicative; confirm on avignon-tourisme.com.
- Best Times
- April-June and September-October; July is crowded and hot because of the Festival d'Avignon.
- Passes
- Combined Palais + Pont d'Avignon ticket is sold at both sites and at avignon-tourisme.com.
- Getting Around
- The walled centre is flat and compact; most sights are within 15 minutes on foot. TER and TGV arrive at Avignon-Centre and Avignon TGV (shuttle train 5 min).
- Tourist Info
- Office de Tourisme d'Avignon, 41 Cours Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, +33 4 32 74 32 74, avignon-tourisme.com
- Closures Note
- Check the official sites before visiting; some museums close in winter and on public holidays.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Palais des Papes slots online in July.
Wear flat shoes: streets are cobbled.
Take a free shuttle to Île de la Barthelasse for the skyline view.
Visit the Palais at opening time or after 16:00 to avoid tour groups.
Frequently asked questions
How long to spend in Avignon?
Two days cover the Palais des Papes, the bridge, museums and the market; add a third for day trips.
Is the Pont d'Avignon complete?
No, only four of the original 22 arches survive after Rhône floods.