Avignon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Palais des Papes featuring heritage architecture and château or palace
Situated by the banks of the Rhône River in southern France rises a grand, medieval city that was once the gilded headquarters of 14th-century popes.

The ancient city of Avignon sits by the Rhône River, surrounded by a defensive wall fortified with towers and turrets. Within these ancient ramparts are galleries, museums, churches and one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world.

Avignon is also known as the City of the Popes as it was the center of the Christian world for most of the 14th century. In 1309, Pope Clement V relocated the Catholic papacy here away from the corruption and dangerous political infighting of Rome. The following six popes were also French and they too decided to stay in Avignon.

Most of Avignon’s main attractions are found within its fortifications. Enter the city through one of the Medieval gateways and head for the Palais des Papes. This immense Gothic palace that was built to honor God, house the popes and fend off attackers. After investigating its vast stone halls and rooms head next door to Avignon Cathedral. View religious artworks and the tombs of some of the popes who resided in Avignon. From here, take the stone steps or ramps that lead to the hilltop gardens of Rocher des Doms.

Explore Avignon’s warren of backstreets which lead to convents and richly decorated churches. Browse modern boutiques and stores that fill the city’s pedestrianized shopping district. Sample excellent regional food and wines at the scores of brasseries at the Place de l’Horloge, Avignon’s main square.

Wander down to the river and walk the remaining arches of the Pont D’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge that stretches over the Rhône River but stops in midstream.

The fortress town of Avignon is easy to navigate on foot and most attractions are within close proximity to Palais des Papes. Pick up a walking map from the central tourist office on the cours Jean Jaurès, and collect your free Avignon Passion pass that gives discounted admission to all museums and monuments.

Public transport options in Avignon include a regular public bus services and the municipal bicycle sharing scheme called Vélopop.

Hotel de l'Horloge
Hotel de l'Horloge
4 out of 5
1 Rue Felicien David, Place De I Horloge, Avignon, Vaucluse
The price is AU$204 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$204
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Nice!"

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Hotel de l'Horloge
Hotel De Cambis
Hotel De Cambis
4 out of 5
89 Rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon
The price is AU$237 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$237
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"Great area. Easy walk to Old Town and the Chateau. One of the more spacious rooms I have had on my trip so far"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hotel De Cambis
Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
4 out of 5
1 Rue Jean Vilar, Avignon, Vaucluse
The price is AU$218 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$218
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Place de l'Horloge and Avignon City ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (558 reviews)
Great Location
"Quiet room located in the back of the hotel. Our window overlooked the Palais de Papes. Friendly staff. The hotel is located inside the Avignon city center and very convenient."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Access Avignon
Aparthotel Adagio Access Avignon
6 Avenue de la Gare, Avignon, Vaucluse
Stay at this aparthotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Avignon Festival and Collection Lambert are located nearby. ...
7.6/10 Good! (482 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable room"

Reviewed on 8 Nov. 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Avignon
Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
6 Route de Lyon, Avignon, Vaucluse
Stay at this aparthotel in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (922 reviews)
"It's very quiet and clean. There's a supermarket nearby, so it's very convenient. The best of all is the view. The staff is also very friendly."

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2024

Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe
City Résidence Avignon
City Résidence Avignon
5 Impasse de l'épi, Avignon
Stay at this residence in Avignon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions City Walls and Rue des Teinturiers are located nearby. Discover ...
7.8/10 Good! (161 reviews)
Do not book!
"The area does not feel safe. Although it is on hotels.com, it does not have a 24 hour front desk. The check-in time is 3pm - 7pm. The place does not provide an alternative check-in method unless arranged before hand. We were traveling during the day without connectivity and were not able to receive ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2023

City Résidence Avignon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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