Visiting Avignon, the City of the Popes, means stepping into nine centuries of history at the heart of Provence. The Palais des Papes, the medieval ramparts, the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet and the energy of the Festival d'Avignon make it one of the richest destinations in the South of France. This practical guide will help you plan your visit, avoid the classic pitfalls and choose the best way to get there.

What to see in Avignon: the must-sees

The Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages. The seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1377, it towers over the city from the Rocher des Doms. Allow at least two hours to explore its rooms — the audio guide is included in the entrance fee and is well worth using.

A short walk away, the Pont Saint-Bénézet (the famous "Pont d'Avignon") stretches out over the Rhône before breaking off halfway across: no one dances on the bridge itself these days, but the view over the river and Provence beyond is breathtaking. The combined Palais + Pont ticket offers the best value.

Don't miss the Rocher des Doms and its gardens either: the panoramic terrace offers one of the finest views over the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and, on a clear day, the Alpilles. Admission is free.

Neighbourhoods to explore on foot

Avignon's historic centre is entirely enclosed by its 14th-century ramparts, among the best-preserved in Europe. The city is made for walking: the pedestrian streets around the Place de l'Horloge and the Rue de la République are packed with shops, restaurants and galleries. Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are beautiful but uneven.

  • Place de l'Horloge: the town hall, the opera house and café terraces
  • Rue des Teinturiers: the Auffre millstream and its paddle wheels, with a wonderfully preserved medieval atmosphere
  • Marché des Halles (Tuesday to Sunday, mornings): local produce, cheeses and truffles in season
  • The Balance quarter, at the foot of the Palais: art galleries and craft boutiques

The Festival d'Avignon: what you need to know

Every July, Avignon transforms into the world capital of theatre. The Festival IN (the official programme) and above all the Festival OFF (over 1,500 shows across the city) draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. It is a unique experience — and also a time when the city is at bursting point.

If you are visiting during the festival, book your shows and accommodation several months in advance. Plan your transport early too: taxis become scarce and car-hire prices soar. A private transfer booked ahead, with a guaranteed fixed price and a dedicated driver, removes all that stress at both ends of your journey.

Day trips from Avignon

Avignon is ideally placed to explore all of Provence. Within barely an hour's drive you can reach some of the most photographed landscapes and villages in France.

  • Les Baux-de-Provence: a hilltop village and the Carrières de Lumières (around 35 km)
  • L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: the "Provençal Venice" and its antique markets (around 25 km)
  • The Luberon: Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque Abbey (40 to 60 km)
  • Orange and its UNESCO-listed Roman theatre (around 30 km north)
  • Pont du Gard: a remarkable Roman aqueduct (around 25 km east)

These excursions are difficult without a vehicle. A private driver on hourly hire solves everything: he takes you from site to site, waits while you explore, and brings you back to Avignon at whatever time you choose — with no parking headaches or country roads to navigate.

How to reach Avignon from Marseille or the airport

Avignon is served by two stations: Avignon-Centre (slower TGV and regional trains, in the heart of the city) and Avignon TGV, located about 4 km outside the historic centre. If your high-speed train stops at Avignon TGV, you will need to arrange onward transport to the centre — shuttles exist but run infrequently.

From Marseille, Avignon is roughly 100 km via the A7 motorway, or about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 by road depending on traffic. From Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS), journey times are similar.

  • From Marseille city centre: approximately 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 (indicative, depending on traffic)
  • From MRS Airport: approximately 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 direct
  • From Aix-en-Provence: approximately 45 min to 1 h

With NeoShuttle, your driver collects you from the address of your choice — airport, station or hotel — and drops you directly at your accommodation in Avignon. The price is fixed and confirmed at booking, luggage assistance is included, and the service runs 24 hours a day. If you arrive by train, your driver meets you on the platform or in the concourse; if you arrive by plane, he tracks your flight in real time and adjusts to any delay.

Practical tips before you go

  • Buy your Palais des Papes tickets online to skip the queues, especially in July and August
  • Most sites close on Monday or Tuesday: check before you plan your itinerary
  • In summer, visit the Palais in the morning — the heat inside is stifling in the afternoon
  • If you are coming during the Festival, plan at least one overnight stay so you can make the most of the evening shows
  • Parking within the ramparts is very limited and paid: avoid bringing your own car into the old town

Want to know more about transfers to and from Avignon? Our destination page sets out the options and indicative fares from your starting point. And if your itinerary takes you further into Provence — towards Aix-en-Provence or the Luberon — NeoShuttle covers the whole journey with the same level of comfort and a price confirmed at booking.

Ready to plan your visit? Book your transfer to Avignon in two minutes: choose your date, enter your pick-up address, and your price appears instantly — no surprises.