Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
© Shutterstock
Are you traveling in the South of France and looking for a cozy little town where you can spend a peaceful stay? Let Ryo guide you to the northwest of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, more precisely in the Vaucluse department... There, you'll find Avignon, at least twice smaller than the city of Paris, but where a good part of French history was built. Nicknamed "the City of the Popes", from 1309 to 1423, a number of popes settled there and preserved states until the Revolution. Are you still unsure about making a stop there? Here are 10 good reasons to go to Avignon!
What to do in Avignon?
1. The Palace of the Popes
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: Located in the north of the city, it's impossible to miss this powerful edifice that stands proudly as part of UNESCO's world heritage. In the past, it was famous for having housed the Avignon papacy within these walls, which was none other than the residence of the Pope of Avignon, in 1418. If you're wondering why this place with such mystical and ancestral appearance became the worthy place where popes liked to reside, it was actually under the influence of the King of France, Philip the Fair, that Avignon became their main city of residence. But the Palace of the Popes also welcomed some members of French royalty, as well as papal legates, whose mission was to assist the legate in organizing the city of Avignon.
Good to know: It's one of the most visited monuments in France, it's open every day throughout the year, from 9am, until around 7pm. To avoid crowds, it's better to go early in the morning, to admire the first rays of a timid sun on the "city of the Alps".
2. The Petit Palais Museum
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: If you open a French history book, it's quite likely that an entire chapter is dedicated to the city of Avignon. It's a collection in terms of monuments, squares, and cultural places that have marked the history of our beautiful country. The Petit Palais Museum is no exception to the rule. To give you an idea before your visit, it's one of the largest medieval art museums in all of Europe. Through the mullioned windows, you might already glimpse some paintings from the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, as well as medieval sculptures dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. The different rooms to explore display a different style each time, which gives us an idea of the evolution of art over the centuries. No doubt, the Petit Palais Museum is a must-see!
Good to know: For about 1h30 of visit, the Petit Palais Museum lives up to its name: it's a true sanctuary of artworks carefully preserved.
3. The Avignon Bridge
Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual
Description: No, dear spectators, this is not a classic bridge! The Avignon Bridge has survived the region's wars, and extends over no less than 915 meters to the opposite bank of the river. Even though it has undergone several reconstructions over time, it's completely safe to enter today. Moreover, you may have already heard about it during your childhood, when your grandparents sang you the nursery rhyme "Sur le pont d'Avignon"? Well, now it's possible for you to recite it directly on it! With nearly 400,000 visitors per year, its history was eventful, but despite everything, "we dance there, we dance there"...
Legend has it that its construction is linked to a young shepherd named "Bénézet", sent by God. Many popes used to walk there and pray at Bénézet's chapel. In your turn, walk on the ramparts and admire the view.
Good to know: It's absolutely spectacular to be able to admire the sunset on the Avignon Bridge! It's therefore natural to visit it at the end of the day, when the river is most peaceful, and the sky tends to darken a little.
4. Strolling in the city center
Category: €€/Gastronomic/Cultural
Description: Place de l'horloge, rue Banasterie, Place des Corps Saints, rue des Teinturiers... you'll be pleasantly surprised by the jovial and charming atmosphere that reigns there. Moreover, the museums and theaters are well worth the detour!
When you plunge into the narrow streets of the city, adorned with flowers and stones, you have only one desire, that of continuing your journey. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during the month of July, when the great festival takes place: small stands of all kinds; artists; amateurs; professionals; typical regional foods; parades; songs and dances throughout the city... You'll surely have an excellent time having fun.
Good to know: If sounds and colors intoxicate you in the Avignon fever, it remains that you'll be won over by the adorable little shops and friendly terraces. We wish you a good and pleasant time!
5. The Saint-Pierre Basilica
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: Built during the 14th century, it underwent numerous modifications during the 16th century. In Gothic style, it was classified as a historical monument since 1840, and many visitors come to admire the different artworks preserved within these robust walls. Don't hesitate to photograph the cloister, the side chapels, the chevet, as well as the bell tower. Despite the centuries, these haven't aged a day! Inside, you can admire some of the paintings by Nicolas Mignard and Simon de Châlon. A feast for the eyes! A typical architecture of monuments from that era, where massive walnut doors prevented anyone from entering, unless they were invited.
Good to know: With free admission, it's possible to visit it whenever you want, however be careful there are no visits possible during services.