How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Avignon, France

A must-visit on any trip to the south of France, Avignon oozes history and culture. Set on the Rhône river, it’s best known for the enormous Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), which reflects its pinnacle as the seat of the Catholic papacy in the 14th century. However, the ever-enchanting city actually dates back to Roman times and also possesses plenty of other photogenic attractions such as Rocher des Doms and Pont Saint-Bénézet.

A delicious destination to say the least, it’s home to a storied Provençal market, as well as many superb restaurants, from haute French dining to neighborhood bistros. Character-rich accommodations also await travelers after sightseeing and savoring. With direct trains from Paris, many travelers use Avignon as a springboard to explore the rest of Provence. But it’s certainly worth spending a few days here.

To help you plan the perfect trip to Avignon, we tapped three travel experts who also happen to be full-blown Francophiles to get the inside scoop on the best things to do in the capital of the Vaucluse department.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Hôtel La Mirande

Located right next to the Palais des Papes, Hôtel La Mirande is a five-star respite with a lovely atmosphere and rooms decorated in classical French style. “I love the underground space for cooking classes and private dinners ... as well as the cozy fireside bar for afternoon tea in the winter,” says Florence Gaudin, product manager at French Side Travel and on-the-ground guide partner for Black Tomato.  

Auberge de Cassagne & Spa

For a refuge that’s just a short drive outside the city center, set your sights on Auberge de Cassagne & Spa. “A gorgeous Provençal house-turned-hotel with 35 impeccably decorated rooms, excellent spa facilities, a superb fine-dining restaurant, and beautiful gardens, it really feels like a luxury countryside retreat and is always a winner with our most discerning clients,” says Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Travel Company and leading France specialist. 

La Divine Comédie

“My go-to suggestion for travelers who want a boutique stay that’s right in the heart of Avignon, La Divine Comédie took nearly seven years to rebuild,” says Carter. “Gilles, a stylist from Paris, and his partner, Amaury, converted a derelict building into a beautiful five-key, homestay-style property.” Each bedroom is individually styled and full of character with dozens of hand-picked art pieces and decorative accents. 

Hotel d'Europe

One of the oldest hotels in France, Hotel d'Europe traces its roots back to the 16th century. Since then, it has been lovingly refurbished, but still retains a timelessness and enduring sense of regality. Travelers remark about the genuine hospitality and sophisticated decor. The shaded terrace is a lovely spot for a cocktail during the warmer months. And you can’t beat the location, just steps from the old city walls and Palais des Papes. 

Best Things to Do

Palais des Papes

Surrounded by medieval stone ramparts, the Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) is a fortress and palace that served as the papal residence for most of the 14th century. Whether you’re interested in the religious or historical aspects of the UNESCO-listed site, it’s worth visiting to see one of the most emblematic landmarks in all of France. 

Les Halles d'Avignon

A great place to get a taste of local life, Les Halles d'Avignon is a historic indoor market with many vendors selling traditional local products. Jason Susinski, director of product for Kensington Tours and Provence expert, encourages visitors to browse the selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and baked goods. It also has a lovely vertical garden and cafes to stop for a coffee break in between shopping. 

Musée du Petit Palais

While most of the tourist attention focuses squarely on the Palais des Papes, it’s far from the only cultural attraction worth checking out in Avignon. First opened in 1976, Musée du Petit Palais boasts an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings, from local papals to those brought by Italian clergy.

Rocher des Doms

Lace up your hiking boots (though sneakers will certainly suffice) and get outside to soak in the panoramic views from Rocher des Doms, a peaceful park with gardens, fountains, and a privileged vantage point overlooking the city, river, and famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

While there’s lots to do in Avignon itself, fans of old-world vin won’t want to miss the chance to sip and swirl the nectar of the gods on a day trip to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape (about 25 minutes away). One of the most well-known wine regions in all of France, it’s famous for producing top-quality reds and brims with many charming vineyards for tastings.

Best Restaurants

Hiély Lucullus

One of the best restaurants in Avignon, Hiély Lucullus blends the cuisines of Provence and Peru in a deliciously creative way. The flavors and soul of both places come to life through tasting menus. Because it’s popular and books out so far in advance, Carter recommends securing a reservation well ahead of your trip. 

Fou de Fafa

Looking for something a bit more laid-back that’s still guaranteed to be memorable and downright delicious? Fou de Fafa never disappoints. It’s casual and inviting, with homespun charm, elegant dishes, and a lovely terrace for an alfresco dinner. 

Avenio

Another resplendent option for lunch or dinner, and a favorite of Gaudin's, Avenio treats patrons to delectable plates like a goat cheese tart with smoked duck breast and an herb-crusted baked cod that channels the legacy of Provençal cuisine while bringing something new to the table. The setting is chic and modern yet relaxed. Not surprisingly, the tables book up fast. 

La Fourchette

La Fourchette is an elegant neighborhood bistro serving traditional recipes like smoked haddock salad, curry fried oysters, and ratatouille made with seasonal ingredients. Photographs, books, and wood inject the space with heaps of warmth and personality. 

Sevin

Foodies and history buffs both flock to Sevin in equal measure. Set in a medieval residence next door to the Palais des Papes, it’s a historic gem for contemporary eats. If the weather and availability allow, try to snag a table on the terrace. And don’t forget to peruse the wonderful wine list. 

Best Time to Visit

While many travelers pack Avignon into a summer Provence itinerary, Gaudin is partial to the months of May, June, September, and October because of the great weather (it’s less hot than peak summer). Plus, you still get the advantage of long, sunny days to roam and explore. March and April tend to be quiet — with the exception of the week leading up to Easter — so it’s a good option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save a few bucks. 

How to Get There

High-speed, direct trains run from Paris to Avignon throughout the day. The journey takes about two hours and 30 minutes and costs $62. You can easily pick up a rental car from Sixt at the Avignon TGV train station (Gare d'Avignon TGV) to explore beyond the city, too. International flights also land at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is about 90 minutes away. 

How to Get Around

It’s easy to navigate Avignon on foot. With so much to see and do in the surrounding countryside of Provence — from wineries and olive oil mills to lavender fields and medieval villages — Susinski recommends arranging a private guided tour to gain entry into some local experiences or renting a car to explore at your leisure.