Avignon was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, and its walled old town is built around the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe. Paired on a day trip with the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge about 25km away, the combination shows two very different eras of the region's history - papal-era Avignon and Roman Gaul. The two sites need a car or organised tour to combine in one day, since the Pont du Gard isn't on a direct train line from Avignon centre.
Combining Avignon and the Pont du Gard in a single day trip from Marseille or Nice is one of the most rewarding excursions in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Avignon is 80 kilometres north of Marseille, reachable in 35 minutes by TGV from Marseille Saint-Charles; from Nice the journey takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes on TGV services. Tickets from Marseille start at around €15.
Avignon's principal sight is the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe and residence of seven French popes during the 14th century. Guided tours run throughout the day; admission is around €12–€15 / approximately USD 13–16 for adults. The adjacent Place du Palais opens onto the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet — commonly called the Pont d'Avignon — of which only four original 12th-century arches remain; admission for the bridge and museum is around €5.50. The Rocher des Doms garden above the palace offers the best panoramic view over the Rhône and the broken bridge below.
Morning arrival in Avignon followed by two to three hours in the historic centre, then transit to the Pont du Gard for a late-afternoon visit, makes the most efficient itinerary. The Pont du Gard lies 25 kilometres south-west of Avignon, connected by the seasonal Edgard bus E11 from Avignon's bus station (€1.50) or by taxi in around 25 minutes.
The Pont du Gard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a remarkably preserved three-tiered Roman aqueduct built in the first century AD to carry water from the Eure spring near Uzès to Nîmes, 50 kilometres away. The site charges €10 per vehicle for parking, which includes access to the Musée du Pont du Gard. Swimming and kayaking on the Gardon river are available in season. Evening light on the golden limestone arches is exceptional.
Lunch in Avignon is well served by the market-hall Les Halles d'Avignon on the Place Pie (open mornings, closed Monday), which sells local Rhône valley wines, olives, and fresh cheese. Café terraces on the Place du Palais and the pedestrian Rue de la République provide outdoor dining within sight of the palace.
| Distance | 80km from Marseille; 250km from Nice |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35 min by TGV from Marseille; 2h40 by TGV from Paris |
| Getting there | TGV from Marseille to Avignon Centre (35 min; from €15 / approx USD 16); then car or taxi to Pont du Gard (25km from Avignon — Edgard bus E11 in summer €1.50 / approx USD 1.65) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France |
How to get there
- TGV Marseille to Avignon Centre (35 min; from €15 / approx USD 16)
- Bus: Marseille Gare Routière to Avignon (1h15; Flixbus from €9 / approx USD 10)
- Car: 80km via A7
Location
Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
43.9507, 4.8064 View on map
Highlights
- Palais des Papes — largest Gothic palace in Europe, heart of 14th-century papal Avignon
- Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon) — 12th-century bridge with four remaining arches over the Rhône
- Pont du Gard — first-century Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site with three tiers of limestone arches
- Rocher des Doms garden: panoramic views over the Rhône and the Pont d'Avignon
- Musée du Pont du Gard — interactive exhibits on Roman engineering and the aqueduct's 50km route to Nîmes
Tips for visiting
- Book Palais des Papes tickets online in advance to skip the queue, especially in July during the Festival d'Avignon
- Seasonal Edgard bus E11 runs from Avignon bus station to Pont du Gard for €1.50 — check summer timetables before the day of travel
- The Pont du Gard site charges €10 per car for parking; pedestrian entry to the bridge is free
- Allow 2–3 hours in Avignon and 2 hours at Pont du Gard for a comfortable day without rushing
- Les Halles d'Avignon market on Place Pie is open mornings (closed Monday) and is the best spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch
When to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions — mild temperatures, good light, and fewer crowds than high summer. July is vibrant during the Festival d'Avignon but very busy.
Accessibility
Avignon's historic centre has largely even paved streets and is accessible to wheelchair users; the Palais des Papes has an accessible route through much of the building. The Pont du Gard site has accessible paths along the river bank to the aqueduct, though some viewing areas involve steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit both Avignon and Pont du Gard in one day?
Yes. Arriving in Avignon by 9:00 AM, spending 2–3 hours in the city, then taking the Edgard bus or taxi to Pont du Gard for early afternoon allows a relaxed full-day itinerary with time to return by evening.
How far is the Pont du Gard from Avignon city centre?
25 kilometres. The seasonal Edgard bus E11 takes around 45 minutes from Avignon bus station; a taxi takes around 25 minutes and costs approximately €35–€45 / approx USD 38–49 one way.
Can visitors walk across the Pont du Gard?
The lower two tiers are accessible on foot from both banks; the top tier aqueduct channel is only open on special guided tours. The site's footbridges allow close-up views of all three tiers.
Is the Palais des Papes worth visiting inside?
Yes. The interior covers grand ceremonial halls, chapels with 14th-century frescoes, and private papal apartments. Audio guides are included and take around 90 minutes to complete.
When is the Avignon Festival, and how does it affect a visit?
The Festival d'Avignon runs for three weeks each July, transforming the city with theatre and street performance. It brings large crowds and higher accommodation prices; book well ahead or plan around it.