Free walking tours in Avignon and what to see

Must-sees

Avignon keeps its medieval walls beside the Rhône, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The big visit is the Palais des Papes, the vast Gothic residence occupied by the popes in the 14th century, with halls, chapels and terraces you can explore inside. Next to it are the cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms and, behind, the Rocher des Doms garden, a viewpoint over the river.

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge from the song, stops halfway across the river, and you can walk out to its last arch. On the palace square, the Petit Palais holds medieval and Renaissance painting. It is worth getting lost around Place de l’Horloge, the shopping streets and Les Halles covered market. Across the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon has Fort Saint-André and fine views of the walled city.

Free tours and guided visits

Avignon has no fixed free walking tour, but there are guided tours of the historic centre, some with entry to the Palais des Papes. The city is also a base for day trips: routes through the lavender fields of the Luberon or the Sault plateau in season, Provence tours with wine tasting and outings combining Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Pont du Gard and Les Baux-de-Provence.

How long to spend

In one day you can see the palace, the bridge and the centre at a relaxed pace. With two days you can cross to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, visit the Petit Palais and enjoy the terraces at sunset. If you want to see the surroundings, add one or two more days for the Pont du Gard, the Luberon villages or the lavender. In July, during the theatre festival, the city fills up and it is best to book early.

Where to stay

Ideally, stay inside the walls, where almost everything is within walking distance and there are hotels in old houses and small places to stay. If you are driving, hotels outside the walls make parking easier. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is a quiet alternative across the river, and the TGV station has practical options if you arrive by train.