10 Best Things to Do and See in Avignon
Exploring Avignon on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Avignon, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Avignon. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Palace of the Popes
In the heart of Avignon, the Palace of the Popes impresses with its monumental silhouette and fortress-like look. A visit reveals vast Gothic halls, chapels, courtyards, and decorated spaces that reflect its religious and political importance. The route also highlights the building's defensive architecture, thick walls, towers, and majestic volumes. From around the palace, views over the city and the Rhône make the visit even more rewarding.
2. Pont Saint-Bénezet (Avignon Bridge)
Saint-Bénézet Bridge, better known as the Avignon Bridge, is one of the city’s landmark sites. Walking along its partly preserved arches, visitors discover a bridge steeped in history, with beautiful views over the Rhône and Avignon’s ramparts. The visit offers a better understanding of the importance of this crossing, once essential between the two riverbanks, while enjoying a peaceful panorama of the river and the surrounding landscape. It is a place that is both historic and highly photogenic, closely tied to Avignon’s identity.
3. Avignon Market Halls
Avignon’s covered market, Les Halles d’Avignon, is the city center’s iconic indoor market, where you’ll find a wide selection of fresh produce and local specialties. Stalls offer fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, bread, pastries, flowers, and regional products in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot both for shopping and for experiencing the daily rhythm of Avignon and the Provençal way of life. Located near the main shopping streets, Les Halles attract both locals and visitors.
4. Jardin des Doms (Rocher des Doms)
Overlooking the Rhône from the Rocher des Doms, this iconic public garden in Avignon offers a pleasant shaded walk in the heart of the city. Visitors will find wide paths, lawns, ponds, statues and several lookout points with beautiful views over the river, the Pont d’Avignon and the landscapes of Provence. It is a peaceful place, popular for relaxing, admiring the panorama and enjoying a green setting just steps from the Palais des Papes and the historic center.
5. Fort Saint-André
Overlooking the Rhône opposite Avignon, Fort Saint-André is an imposing fortress perched on the heights of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. As you walk along its ramparts and curtain walls, you discover remarkable medieval military architecture, with its towers, fortified gates and sweeping views over the city, the river and the surrounding landscape. The site is also appealing for its peaceful atmosphere, blending ancient stone, gardens and scenic viewpoints, making it both a historic visit and a very enjoyable one.
6. Chico Mendes Park
Chico Mendes Park in Avignon offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a quiet walk away from the bustle of the city. Visitors will find a lush green setting, ideal for walking, resting, and enjoying outdoor activities with the family. Its paths and landscaped areas invite you to take a nature break, while its open setting makes it a pleasant place to recharge. It is a simple, welcoming stop, perfect for breathing in fresh air, observing the vegetation, and enjoying a moment of calm in the city.
7. Calvet Museum
Located in a beautiful private mansion in the heart of Avignon, the Calvet Museum features a rich collection spanning fine arts, archaeology and decorative arts. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, antiquities, ceramics and graphic works that trace several centuries of artistic creation. The variety of exhibits offers insight into both art history and local heritage, in an elegant setting that is ideal for visiting. It is a must-see cultural stop to better understand Avignon’s artistic richness.
8. Collection Lambert Avignon
Located in the heart of Avignon, the Collection Lambert is a contemporary art museum that brings together major works in an elegant, light-filled setting. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and conceptual works displayed in a private mansion and nearby exhibition spaces. The collection highlights leading names in modern and contemporary art, while also offering a varied program of temporary exhibitions. It is a popular visit for the quality of the works, the diversity of artistic forms and the peaceful atmosphere of the venue.
9. Philippe-le-Bel Tower
The Philippe-le-Bel Tower, in Avignon, is an impressive remnant that attracts visitors with its medieval silhouette and its position on the banks of the Rhône. As you explore it, you will discover an ancient defensive tower that offers a fine glimpse of the region’s fortified architecture. The site also provides panoramic views of the river, the Pont d’Avignon, and the surrounding landscape. It is an interesting stop for understanding the city’s history while enjoying a remarkable viewpoint over Avignon and its surroundings.
10. Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral of Avignon
Overlooking the Rocher des Doms in Avignon, Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral offers a memorable visit in the heart of the historic center. This religious landmark, recognizable by its sober silhouette and golden statue of the Virgin Mary, invites visitors to discover a peaceful interior with its chapels, high altar, and contemplative atmosphere. From the surrounding area, you can also enjoy beautiful views over the city and the Rhône River. It is an iconic site for understanding Avignon’s religious heritage and history.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
