Top reasons to visit Avignon
- Historic Architecture: Avignon boasts stunning medieval architecture, including the iconic Palais des Papes, showcasing its rich history.
- Vibrant Cultural Scene: The city offers a lively theatre scene and numerous art museums, perfect for culture enthusiasts.
- Outdoor Adventures: With picturesque scenery, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities, ideal for nature lovers.
- Delightful Cuisine: Explore local restaurants serving exquisite Provenรงal dishes, offering a true taste of the region.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: Wander through quaint streets and experience the friendly atmosphere of Avignon's local communities.
Find great hotels in and around Avignon
Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Avignon, from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels like Hรดtel d'Europe. Perfect for families and pet-friendly travellers, the city's lodgings provide an adventure-filled experience with top-notch services. With numerous positive hotel reviews and a selection of agritourism properties, you're sure to find the ideal base for your explorations in this historic city.
- Avignon Grand Hotel: A 4-star establishment with a guest rating of 8.6, the Avignon Grand Hotel caters to both business travellers and those seeking a winery-themed getaway. This pet-friendly hotel allows pets onsite, offering amenities such as food and water bowls and a pet policy accommodating various sizes. Its prime location near an accessible vineyard adds to the experience, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts and those wishing to explore the local viticulture.
- Terre de Provence Hรดtel & Spa: Rated at 8.0, this 3-star hotel is located just 6km from Avignon and is ideal for those seeking a blend of business and pet-friendly accommodations. With a welcoming pet policy, guests can enjoy the company of their furry friends while taking advantage of amenities designed for comfort. The hotel combines functional business facilities with a relaxing atmosphere, making it a suitable retreat for both work and leisure.
- Hotel de l'Horloge: Standing out with a remarkable guest rating of 9.2, this 4-star hotel is perfect for romantic getaways and family holidays. Located in Avignon, it offers family-friendly amenities, including free cribs and safety features for children. Guests can indulge in romantic packages and enjoy spa services alongside a serene pool area. The hotel's focus on nature and wellness creates a tranquil setting, complemented by nearby winery tours for a truly immersive experience.
Where to stay near Avignon
Avignon, with its rich historical charm and stunning medieval architecture, offers a delightful escape for travellers. Explore the picturesque Provence region, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Discover fascinating destinations nearby, indulge in both budget and luxury experiences, and immerse yourself in the serene vibes of this enchanting area. Whether wandering through quaint neighbourhoods or enjoying outdoor adventures, Avignon promises an unforgettable blend of history and scenery.
- St.-Rรฉmy-de-Provence: Located approximately 18km from Avignon, St.-Rรฉmy-de-Provence is a charming city renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. The city sees a moderate flow of visitors year-round, with peak seasons from June to August and a quieter period in winter. It offers a plethora of activities such as golfing and exploring nearby mountains and national parks, perfect for nature enthusiasts. The picturesque streets are dotted with vibrant cafes and art galleries, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and cultural experiences.
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Situated around 21km from Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for its beautiful canals and vibrant market scene. This city experiences similar seasonal trends in tourism, with peaks in April and the summer months of July and August. Visitors flock here for its outdoor activities, including golf and river excursions. The local scenery, enriched by the presence of national parks and nature reserves, provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation or adventure. Donโt miss the antique shops and local art galleries that line the charming streets.
- Barthelasse Island: Just 3km from Avignon, Barthelasse Island is a serene retreat that captivates visitors with its natural beauty. With a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly from June to August, this island is ideal for those seeking eco-friendly adventures, including biking and sightseeing. The island features recreational areas that allow for leisurely exploration and appreciation of the surrounding nature reserves and national parks. Its proximity to Avignon makes it a convenient escape for those looking to unwind amidst tranquil landscapes.
Things to do in Avignon
Shopping
In Avignon, visit the lively Les Halles d'Avignon market for fresh local produce and unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Centre Commercial Avignon Nord, about 16km away, featuring a range of shops from fashion to home goods.
Recreation
In Avignon, the Spa La Perle offers rejuvenating treatments in a tranquil environment, featuring soothing massages and skincare rituals. For relaxation, the Les Thermes de Fontaine offers thermal baths and wellness therapies, allowing guests to unwind amidst serene surroundings and indulge in holistic experiences.
Adventure
In Avignon, explore the picturesque landscapes by cycling along the Rhรดne River or embark on a thrilling hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views. For those seeking excitement, try rock climbing in the nearby Calanques or experience a guided kayak tour through the scenic waterways.
Nightlife
In Avignon, Cafรฉ de l'Horloge buzzes with lively conversations and local wines, while Le Rouge et le Noir offers an intimate setting for cocktails and music. The vibrant atmosphere at La Fabrik draws in those seeking a late-night dance experience, creating an eclectic blend of nightlife options.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Avignon
Avignon presents numerous opportunities to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions such as Rue des Teinturiers and Frigolet Abbey. Opt for walking, biking, or using the bus for affordable transport. To cut costs on accommodation, consider visiting from January to February or November, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can yield further savings. Don't forget to check for AARP discounts for even more benefits.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing in Avignon is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay in Avignon are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Avignon about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Avignon is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Avignon is Sunday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expediaโs search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Avignon with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Avignon
Avignon is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and a range of adventure activities. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including art museums, theme parks, and historic churches. The diverse points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly outings, and vibrant city life, making it an ideal spot for a memorable holiday.
- Palais des Papes: This historic palace, once the seat of the papacy, boasts stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore grand halls, chapels, and the impressive courtyard while absorbing the cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Pont Saint-Bรฉnรฉzet: Known as the 'Pont d'Avignon', this iconic bridge features a charming story and scenic views of the Rhรดne River. Although only partially intact, it remains a symbol of medieval engineering and offers a picturesque spot for photographs and leisurely walks.
- Avignon Cathedral: This serene cathedral showcases exquisite Romanesque architecture and houses a remarkable collection of artwork. Its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance provide a reflective space for visitors to appreciate Avignon's ecclesiastical heritage.
Best time to go to Avignon
The best time to visit Avignon can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Avignon falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Avignon falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Avignon
Flying into Avignon is convenient with several nearby airports. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is 66km away, with notable hotels like the 5-star InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, located 19km from the airport, and the 4-star Holiday Inn Marseille Airport, just 966m away. Montpellier Airport (MPL) is 79km distant, with luxurious options including the 5-star Hรดtel Plage Palace, 5km from the airport, and Le Domaine de Verchant, also 5-star, 6km away. Bรฉziers Airport (BZR) is 137km from Avignon, featuring the 5-star Oz'Inn Hรดtel, located 14km away. Each airport offers various transportation services for easy access to these hotels.