The 14 best things to do in Avignon, France - Lonely Planet
Avignon, city, capital of Vaucluse département, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région, southeastern France. It lies at a point on the east bank of the Rhône River where the narrow valley opens into a broad delta plain, northwest of Nîmes. It was the capital of the papacy from 1309 to 1377.
Avignon, the papal city in the heart of Provence, is one of the most beautiful destinations in the south of France. Its historic center, encircled by medieval ramparts, is home to some remarkable monuments: the Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d’Avignon, museums, gardens and a cathedral overlooking the Rhône.
Avignon is commemorated by the French song ' Sur le Pont d'Avignon ' ('On the bridge of Avignon'), which describes folk dancing. The song dates from the mid-19th century when Adolphe Adam included it in the Opéra comique Le Sourd ou l'Auberge Pleine, which was first performed in Paris in 1853.
Set beside the Rhône, Avignon is famed for its medieval architecture, papal history and annual arts festival. Here are the top things to do in Avignon.
Plan your stay in Avignon! Find out what you can’t miss, what to do, where to stay, tips and advice from the tourist office.
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Avignon. From quick jaunts to full-day outings. These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location. 1. Palais des Papes.
Discover Avignon and take advantage of our advice on places to visit, what to do and where to stay in Avignon with Avignon et Provence