Sight Seeing in Avignon
As the former capital of the medieval western world, Avignon has many stunning and intriguing sights to offer. As well as the natural beauty of the area the town is home to some fine examples of medieval palaces, cathedrals and museums. Book a cheap flight to Avignon with Jet2.com to experience it all.
The Palais des Papes is the star attraction and one of the main reasons to visit Avignon. The 14th century palace overlooks the River Rhône and its stunning gothic exterior complete with the beauty of the private Papal rooms makes for an interesting glance into Avignon's Papal history.
The 12th century Cathédrale Notre Dame-des-Doms is a 12th century Romanesque style Cathedral complete with a gilded Virgin Mary crowning the building and spectacular Gothic tombs inside. The Cathedral also leads through to the Rocher des Doms, relaxing gardens complete with a pond, statues, swans and resident peacocks. It is a peaceful place where the locals come to unwind.
The Le Pont Saint-Benézet is a famous medieval bridge that has been immortalised into song. Built in the 12th century, some of the original arches still exist and the bridge is a great place for views across the town and also to discover the legend surrounding the bridge's construction.
Avignon is also home to many museums including the Musée Calvet. This is a museum of the fine arts including paintings, sculpture, gold and silver; the museum is also housed in a stunning 18th century mansion, well worth a visit in itself.
Further a field is the ancient city of Glanum which is an entire Roman town in ruins. Built in the 7th century BC you can spend all day wandering around discovering how the Romans lived with stunning examples of arches, baths, monuments, fountains, shrines and temples to capture your imagination.
A natural wonder of Provence is Aven D'Orgnac, one of the most splendid dripstone caves in France. You can take a guided tour through the caves but with temperatures around 13ºC underground make sure you bring warm clothes as well as sturdy shoes!
Romantic Breaks in Avignon
Imagine staying in a beautiful chateau in one of the most attractive towns in Provence, popping out in the morning for fresh bread and pastries and spending your days wandering hand in hand along characteristic French streets. In Avignon you can do just that for your perfect romantic break.
Spend your days sightseeing and take in the natural beauty of the area or else you can venture out and go cheese and wine tasting for a perfect afternoon sampling the local delicacies. In the evening you could sit on your veranda overlooking the striking scenery or you could spend the warm summer nights sat outside at one of Avignon's many fine restaurants or cafés.
If you fancy giving your romantic break a more stylish and luxurious feel then head further a field to Cannes or St Tropez to take advantage of bars, restaurants, spas and other facilities fit for the most chic of celebrities.
Fun Seekers in Avignon
July is the perfect time of year to visit Avignon if you're a fun seeker, as it is during July that the annual Avignon Festival takes place. It is a world famous festival of dance, theatre and music with events taking place all over the town and jugglers and fire-eaters walking the streets; the festival attracts visitors from across the globe. The Festival ‘Off' also takes place in the summer in Avignon consists of a series of spontaneous shows by amateur and would-be actors with spectators filling the streets creating a truly unique atmosphere. So to catch some culture mixed with summer sun book a cheap flight to Avignon with Jet2.com now!
Opera is also popular in Avignon so visit Opéra d'Avignon for an amazing and cultural experience.
For those of you that like to be a little more physical, Avignon and the surrounding towns of Provence provide opportunities to try every kind of sport you can imagine. As well as squash, tennis, hiking and pony trekking among others, you can play golf at Grand Avignon Golf, canoeing in the River Ardèche and swimming in the River Cèze.
For shopping head to Rue de la République which is the main shopping street in Avignon. If you want chic boutiques and designer stores visit Rue Joseph-Vernet for a stylish shopping experience.
The nightlife in Avignon is mainly focused around the main square, Place du Palais, Place de l'Horloge, Rue Carnot and Place des Corps-Saints. The bars stay open late so there are plenty of places to choose from including trendy wine bars, arty cafes, and funky disco bars.
There are also many small clubs in Avignon to dance away the nights including Red Zone on Rue Carnot. Lots of bigger clubs can be found around a 10 minute drive away from Avignon including several live music bars.
Family Fun in Avignon
Avignon along with Les Baux is one of the most family friendly towns in Provence with plenty of sights and sounds to keep little ones interested and even restaurants that will cater for the fussiest of eaters. There is even a traditional merry-go-round in the main square Place du Palais.
For mini adventure seekers you can head to the gardens behind the Palais des Papes where you can hire mini bikes and go karts for kids who feel the need for speed.
Further a field in the surrounding towns of Provence there are also many great family attractions. Uzes is home to the Haribo Museum, Le Musée du Bonbon where the children can learn how their favourite sweets are made and even take part in workshops to try their hands at making sweets themselves. The museum is great fun for adults too, the old adverts are sure to send you down memory lane and of course the free samples are always a great reason to go.
The Le Train à Vapeur des Cevennes in Anduze is great fun for people of all ages. Hop into one of the coveted open topped carriages and feel the steam blow through your hair as you enjoy fantastic panoramic views and a truly exhilarating ride through Provence.
For families who want some wild fun head to the Zoo de la Barbe in Salon-de-Provence where you can enjoy a great family day out surrounded by animals of all varieties to thrill and excite you.
Events in Avignon
For the latest events in Avignon, visit our Avignon Destination Guide
Activities in Avignon
Top Tours in Avignon:
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Villages Painted by Van Gogh See some of the popular sites painted by legendary painter Van Gogh in Saint Remy and Arles... |
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Full Day Lavender Tour in Provence Visit the Lavender Museum in Coustellet and appreciate the beauty of the lavender fields of Sault... |
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Scenic Roman Provence - Private Tour See the home of the famous diviner Nostradamus and other landmarks of the Roman Provence... |
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Horse Riding Excursion in Provence Go horse riding in the countryside of Provence and explore some truly stunning landscapes... |
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Cooking and Wine Tasting in Provence Learn the art of cooking Mediterranean cuisine and taste fine wine at a cellar in Beaumes de Venise... |
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Top Tips for Avignon
For luxurious dining visit La Mirande which sets the standard for French haute cuisine in Avignon.
For more mid-range fining head to La Fourchette with reasonable prices, great French food and local wines.
For dinner on a budget visit Tapalocas: a great tapas place with a selection of tasty hot and cold food.
Visit the market at Les Halles d'Avignon for local and regional food and wine including specialities such as olive oil, sugared fruits, chocolate and melon jam as well as local produce including brightly printed fabrics, pottery and lavender.
KEY PHRASES
Yes - Oui
No - Non
Hello - Bonjour
Goodbye - Au revoir
Please - S'il vous plaît
Thank you - Merci
My name is … - Je m'appelle …
How are you? - Comment ça va?
I'm very well - Ça va bien
I feel ill - Je ne me sens pas bien
How much does it cost? - Combien est-ce que ça coûte?
Do you speak English? - Est-ce que vous parlez anglais?
I don't understand - Je ne comprends pas
Where is …? - Où est …?
Entrance - Entrée
Exit - Sortie
Danger - Danger
Open - Ouvert
Closed - Fermé
Toilets - Toilettes
Doctor - Médecin
Hotel - Hôtel
Restaurant - Restaurant
Beer - BièreWine - Vin
Cost of a pint of beer:
£1.40
Hotels & Apartments in Avignon
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La Magnaneraie - star rating 4 Located in a quiet residential area of the historical village of Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon, (Avignon city center is c. 20 minutes drive away) the charming la Magnaneraie is a 15th-century country house on a hectare of gardens, tastefully renovated and furnished with antiques. |
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