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Avignon City Breaks

France
Avignon accommodation
Map

Our Team Says,

"Avignon offers lots of opportunities for sightseeing, with attractive shops and Provencal-style cuisine. Palais des Papes is the pride of Avignon, as the palace has gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is truly remarkable. The ‘broken’ bridge, Pont Saint-Benezet is walkable and the Jardin du Rocher des Doms provides great views in a tranquil setting, and if you’re a wine-lover you will appreciate the garden’s very own vineyard and bar where you can sip on local wines."

Avignon at a glance

In the heart of Provence, this beautiful medieval city is rich in culture on the banks of the Rhone River.  It was awarded one of the European cities of culture in 2000. Encircled by 800 year old stone ramparts that rise from the banks of the Rhone, the UNESCO-listed centre boasts one of the most iconic skylines in France. The annual Avignon festival in July brings the enchanting streets of Avignon to life. During your visit a must is a stroll through the stunning Rochers Des Doms gardens taking in the breathtaking views of this Provençal paradise.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Historic attractions
  • Excellent restaurants
  • Art and culture

Getting around

The Avignon centre train station is very centrally located, just outside the ramparts of the city.  From here, you can catch trains to most local destinations in Provence including Marseille, Cassis, Lyon, Perpignan and Montpellier.  Most TGV trains stop at Avignon TGV station, which is roughly 2 km out of the city itself.  However, it’s really easy to catch another train into Avignon centre which only takes around 6 minutes.

The city’s buses are operated by TCRA and you can pre-purchase them or buy them on the bus for just over a Euro per journey.

The town centre is so small and compact, it’s probably best to explore this wonderful city on foot or by bicycle. These are cheap and easy to rest from the many bike stands located around the city.

Dining in Avignon

You are spoilt for choice with eateries and cafés in Avignon to suit all types of budgets.  Almost all of the bars and cafés can provide a 3-course menu at a modest price.  The Place de l’Horloge, is bursting with brasserie-style restaurants to enjoy the local specialities.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Pieds at Pacquets – a dish of tripe and trotters.
  • Foie de veau en persillade – veal liver in a parsley sauce.
  • Les Papalines d’Avignon – a mix of chocolate and liqueur.

Shopping in Avignon

This town is a great place to pick up presents! Running through the centre of the walled Old Town, the main street is Rue de la Republique offing lots of interesting shopping with fascinating, charming boutiques and tempting food shops as well as French chain stores. Venture down the side streets and you’ll fine chic boutiques and a designer outlet Donna at number 35. Local specialities include olive oil, lavender, sugared fruits and the mustard yellow and olive green Provençal pottery.

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Avignon designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice 
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Aavignon hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

 

Important information
Population 91,283
Languages French
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Distance from airports
Avignon – Provence Airport 8 km
Railway stations
Gare d'Avignon TGV

Things to do in Avignon

  • Palais de Papes (Palace of the Popes): This is a famous landmark that looms above Avignon.  The square in front is home to Avignon Festival.  Built for the Popes who decamped from Rome to Avignon in the 14th Century.
  • The Avignon Bridge: With its own charming song and interesting story this iconic landmark is worth a visit.
  • Musee Calvet (Calvet Museum): Housed in an impressive 18th Century mansion, displaying a varied collection of artworks from the 15th to the 20th century ranging from fine arts to decorative crafts.

Tours and Excursions

Pont du Gard, Roman Theatre and Wine Tasting

Explore two wonders of the ancient world: the famous aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Theatre in Orange before enjoying a wine tasting at the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape winery. This small-group tour departs in the afternoon and includes your guided tour, transport and wine tasting. Entrance to the two Roman sites must be paid on the day. 

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh 

Discover the world of Vincent Van Gogh with visits to Saint-Remy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence and Arles, where the artist lived and worked between 1888 and 1889. Many of Van Gogh’s most iconic works were produced during his time in Arles and on a walk through the city you will visit many of the places he painted. During the warmer months the tour will include entrance to the Carrieres de Lumiere (Quarry of Light), an open-air multimedia exhibition of famous paintings accompanied by music.

Provence Highlights

This full day tour combines historic sights and stunning scenery to bring you the best of Provence. Marvel at the Roman aqueduct in Pont du Gard and stroll the streets of the beautiful villages of Les Baux de Provence, Gordes and Roussillon. Enjoy beautiful views over the rolling lavender fields and stunning countryside whilst relaxing in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan on this small group tour.

 

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.