Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Avignon in the South of France. It’s my favorite place to go when I am visiting Provence. There’s a lot to love about France’s Avignon, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit Avignon, France.
Love #1: Avignon History
There is so much history in Avignon that you can’t help but fall in love with the city. From the bridge and the four arches to the city walls, taking a self-guided walking tour is one of my favorite things to do in Avignon.
Hate #1: TGV Station in Avignon
If you are taking the train from Paris to Avignon, you will probably be on the TGV; it’s the fastest and most convenient way to get to Avignon. However, the train station where the TGV arrives in Avignon is not the central Avignon station; it’s located on the outskirts of town, so you have to take another train to arrive at the Avignon city center where most Avignon hotels are located. If you can book a ticket to Avignon Centre, it is much more convenient!
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Love #2: Avignon Art & Architecture
Because Avignon was home to seven Popes from 1309 to 1377, there is amazing art and architecture in the city. A lot of money flowed through Avignon at one time. The palaces and churches are beautiful and sometimes breathtaking. Make sure you visit the Papal Palace and some of the churches and smaller palaces; it’s very cool! There are some excellent museums in Avignon as well.
Hate #2: Summer Crowds
Avignon is a very popular travel destination in the summer, so it can get quite crowded. May through September is peak season in Provence, and the lavender blooms happen in June and July. It’s a busy time to visit Avignon, so you have to plan ahead and be prepared for crowds. You’ll pay more for Avignon hotels at this time as well.
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Love #3: Exploring a Walled City
Avignon is a walled city, which makes it pretty easy to explore. Unless you are venturing into greater Provence, all of the Avignon attractions are located within the city walls. You can walk on many parts of the wall and look down on the city and then explore within the walls. Having an enclosed space gives you more freedom to wander as it’s pretty hard to get lost within the walls. Rather, you should get lost, but you’ll never go too far from the city center. It really feels like a medieval city, with modern conveniences.
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Hate #3: Hidden Attractions in Avignon
If you want to see the “real Avignon” you’re going to have to go off the beaten path. Avignon is not necessarily straightforward when it comes to tourist attractions. It’s a walled city, so it’s hard to get lost, but you still need to venture down some hidden pathways and leave the main street with the shops and restaurants. You’ll find authentic restaurants, markets, churches, and squares.
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Love #4: Food in Avignon
Provence is known for fantastic cuisine, and you’ll find so many great places to eat in Avignon. The flavors and seasonings of Provence are world-famous, so make sure you take advantage of it and eat as many local dishes in Avignon as you can. Of course, the wine in the region is also spectacular. Wine tours, food tours, or cooking classes are some of the most popular things to do in Avignon.
Hate #4: Papal Palace Furnishings
Yes, Avignon was once home to the Pope, and you can still visit the Papal Palace and take a tour. However, most of the original furnishings are gone and the frescoes and artwork were destroyed. Some of the churches in town also seem to be empty, so it’s not exactly a Vatican-style experience. The Avignon Papacy ended in 1377 and things weren’t as well preserved as they are in modern times.
Love #5: Day Trips from Avignon
While Avignon is wonderful on its own, it’s also a great base for day trips throughout the region. Some of the best day trips from Avignon include:
- Arles (18 minutes from Avignon) where VanGogh painted Starry Night and also the home of a Roman Amphitheater
- Nimes (30 minutes from Avignon) also has a fantastic amphitheater and the “square house” as well as many crocodile statues, which are the symbol of the city
- Pont du Gard (30 minutes from Avignon) to see the famous aqueduct from the first century AD
- Marseilles (1 hour from Avignon) where you can view the Mediterranean Sea or even hop a ferry to Sardinia
Hate #5: Safety in Avignon
This isn’t to say that Avignon is not safe, but you do need to be a little more vigilant than in other areas. It’s not quite as bad as Nice or Marseilles, but safety is definitely something to keep in mind on your Avignon trip. I have had an attempted pickpocket not far from the train station, so it’s something to look out for. If you rent a car, make sure you don’t have any valuables showing in the car as it will encourage break-ins.
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With a central location in Provence, plus great food and interesting history and culture, Avignon is a place I love in Provence. It’s my favorite city in the region, not only for the history and the food but also for the easy access to other towns in Provence. When you are planning a trip to Provence, I highly recommend visiting Avignon. Interested in more France travel tips? Check out these blog posts!