Avignon Old Town

Step inside the mighty ramparts of Avignon Old Town and you're instantly transported to the 14th century, when this walled city was the seat of the papacy. A Unesco World Heritage site, the old town is a dense tangle of cobbled lanes, grand squares and medieval architecture, all dominated by the immense Palais des Papes. It's a place to wander aimlessly, duck into shaded courtyards, and linger over a pastis at a sidewalk café.

Highlights & What to See

• Palais des Papes – Europe's largest Gothic palace, this fortress-like papal residence is a breathtaking labyrinth of chapels, frescoed halls and papal chambers.
• Pont Saint-Bénézet – The famous 'Pont d'Avignon' that inspired the nursery rhyme; only four arches remain, but the views of the Rhône and the palace from the bridge's chapel are sublime.
• Place de l'Horloge – The lively main square, perfect for people-watching, with its 19th-century carousel, Hôtel de Ville and the bell tower that gives the square its name.
• Rue des Teinturiers – A picturesque street lined with plane trees, canals and waterwheels, once the heart of the city's textile-dyeing industry; it's now dotted with atmospheric bars and galleries.
• Musée du Petit Palais – A stunning collection of Italian and Provençal Renaissance paintings housed in a former cardinal's palace, with a peaceful garden overlooking the city.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give Avignon Old Town at least two full days to do it justice. Spend your first day exploring the Palais des Papes and the surrounding cathedral and gardens, then wander across the bridge and along the riverbanks. On day two, dive into the quieter neighbourhoods like Rue des Teinturiers, visit the Petit Palais museum, and soak up the café culture on Place de l'Horloge. If you're short on time, a full day will let you hit the main sights, but you'll wish you had longer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Villeneuve-lès-Avignon – Just across the Rhône, this hilltop town offers a superb medieval abbey and Fort Saint-André with panoramic views back over Avignon.
• Pont du Gard – A magnificent Roman aqueduct bridge, about 30 minutes east, perfect for a half-day trip with swimming in the river below.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape – The famous wine village, 20 minutes north, where you can tour vineyards and taste the world-renowned reds.
• Arles – A 25-minute drive south, this Unesco-listed city boasts Roman arenas, Van Gogh's inspiration and a vibrant market.
• Les Baux-de-Provence – A spectacular hilltop village with a ruined castle and stunning views, about 45 minutes southwest.
• Lavender Fields of the Luberon – In summer, a scenic drive east to the Luberon region reveals rolling purple fields and perched villages like Gordes and Roussillon.

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