Hello, fellow travel lovers! I hope you have a warm cup of your drink because it is time to share some remarkable stories with you regarding my recent trip to Avignon, France.
Do you love tourism, and do you get pumped up anytime a travel trip has been planned for you? Because for me, my heart was racing when I exited the train and entered the astounding city.
Have you ever thought about the places to visit in Avignon? If yes, let me take you around its culture, landscape, its people, and unique and engaging atmosphere.
Avignon Overview and Short Video Insights
As the history goes, Avignon is known as the ‘City of Popes’ as it is rich in history. Its significance increased in the course of the fourteenth century, when it became the place of residence of the pope led to the building of this amazing structure called Palais des Papes which translates to Palace of the Popes.
This building and a sight is now regarded as a world heritage site which turns out is also among the largest Gothic palaces which were ever built and bears testimony to the city’s religious heritage.
However, Avignon is much more than a papal city. The city also strongly influenced the French Revolution and features a lovely picturesque old town full of narrow cobbled streets, busy marketplaces, and lively plazas.
Geographical Location
Avignon is situated in the southeastern part of France along the banks of the Rhone River, which puts it in the center of the Provence region.
It is quite easy to get to, a short train trip from colonisting-meet.com Marseille and Nîmes, thus making it convenient for tourists wanting to explore the beautiful scenery and picturesque towns in the area.
Personal Experiences in Avignon
Walking Around as if in a Time Machine
One of the highlights of my 1 day in Avignon was a visit to the Palais des Papes and getting lost in its spectacular rooms. And as I strolled through the many impressive chambers, I easily let my imagination recreate how life must have been there centuries before.
The beautiful building and its gorgeous paintings captivated me. I spent a whole lot of time there just resting and daydreaming about the popes who were once there.
When I finished my tour, I strolled through the beautiful streets of Avignon old town. I came across Les Halles d’Avignon, a vibrant market that was quite a treat! The bright fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses and pastries were so overwhelming that I felt lost in a food lovers’ heaven.
I conversed with a few local traders who were glad to provide me with their best recommendations for dining in Avignon.
A Memorable Encounter
While enjoying coffee at a charming café close to the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, I came across one of the locals, a nice chap named Claude, whom I was pleased to meet.
He discussed the history of Avignon and even took us to see a few interesting places around the city. It was very warming to observe the level of love and pride that he held for his birth city, and one could only respect the city even more.
The Places that Should be Visited
For those worried about accommodation placement in the city, there are several hotels in Avignon that will meet their demands. A few recommendations can be found below:
Options for the Almost Everybody
- Hotel de l’Horloge: This hotel is located almost in the center of the city. Its interiors are simply exquisite, as this small hotel serves its clients with impeccable French taste. Located a few steps from the gates of the Palais des Papes, this hotel is certainly advantageous.
Nice Amenities at Fairly Priced Rooms
- Hotel Bristol: This lovely hotel features a blend of new technology and simple old-style France. Guests who were staying on the top floor enjoyed the view of the city while sipping a cocktail at sunset on the roof terrace.
Luxury Stay
- La Mirande: For those looking to break a bank, La Mirande is a luxurious hotel with a Michelin star. Located in a fourteenth-century building, it features great interior design, lovely gardens, and an excellent restaurant.
Food and Dining in Avignon
Food is one of the best features of Avignon! Here are some of my favorite places to eat:
Must-try Restaurants
- La Table d’Uzès: This restaurant is particularly famous for its local cuisines and ensures strong focus towards seasonality and the best of Provence. You have to try the ratatouille because it is pure perfection!
- Le Cèdre: When looking for something different, this Lebanese restaurant is definitely a good option. Nice atmosphere and great mezze platter!
- Les Halles Avignon: When wanting to eat something but in a less formal way, the market located nearby is great for a light meal or even local nuoc lac. Restaurant-style, grab some baguette, cheese and a bottle of wine and enjoy a beautiful picnic by the river.
Practical Travel Information
Budget-friendliness
Visiting Avignon is not so expensive. Below is a record of what I spent.
- Accommodation: I managed to book a very good budget hotel for 80-150 euros for a night.
- Food: A more casual lunch costs about €10 euros, while dinner at a fancy restaurant can cost around €50 euros.
- Transportation: Walk and the public transport here is good. A bus ride cost approximately €1.50 euros for one ticket.
For the cheaper options head to Iso and the Palais des Papes, both costs quite low entry fees. Of the beautiful parks and most of the squares they are mostly free.
Getting Around
When in Avignon, getting around is easy. The buses can take you to places and they rely on a very robust public transport network. There is no need to hire a vehicle save for maybe going to the pretty rural Provence or making day trips from avignon.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
When to Go
Late spring is a nice time to go there with comfortable temperatures and flowers blooming. If you can, visit during July – there is the Avignon Theatre Festival then.
Tips for Your Visit
- Avoid Crowds: Try going to major sights during the early or late periods of the day to avoid congestion of people at the places.
- Hidden Gems: Finally, take the time to visit the Rocher des Doms where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rhone river, and the city.
- Best Places for Photography: It is essential to photograph Pont Saint-Bénézet at the sunset! It is so beautiful!
FAQs:
Before you book your plane tickets to Avignon, you may have some queries that you would like to be answered. To assist you, I have prepared a list of the most commonly asked questions such as when is the best time to visit, and what sites should not be missed. Let’s take the plunge!
1. Should I visit Avignon?
Surely! Avignon is a place full of history, culture and good food. Its gorgeous sights, including the Palais des Papes and colorful local food markets, such as Les Halles Avignon, there is something for all.
For history lovers, gourmands or just random wanderers looking for a beautiful city, Avignon has it all.
2. What are the best things to do in Avignon?
As for places to visit and things to do in Avignon, I would say no to the following:
Palais des Papes: A historical edifice listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered to be one of the biggest fortress castles in Europe.
Pont Saint-Bénézet: This bridge, made famous by the popular song, only spans over a portion of the Rhone River.
Rocher des Doms: This pleasant park offers stunning views of the river and the town.
Les Halles d’Avignon: Larger than expected, this market is also quite an active and exciting area with the gastronomic highlights of the region.
3. How much time should I allocate to the visit to Avignon?
Although viewing the main attractions in 1 day in Avignon is quite possible, I still think that on your first visit, you should spend at least a couple of days in the city and its nearby areas.
It allows you to take things a little slower and appreciate the local food and culture.
4. In your view, when is the most ideal time to tour Avignon?
The best period to go to Avignon is during the spring [April to June] and fall [September to October]. The climate is normally moderate and enjoyable which makes it a good time for tours.
If however, you go in July, you will not miss out much as you will witness the outstanding Avignon Theatre Festival, a gorgeous affair of performing arts.
5. Which means of transport are available in Avignon?
Avignon is quite pedestrian-friendly, particularly the old city. In addition, the city’s public transport is good, with bus services available in different regions of the town.
The price of a single bus ticket is about €1.50. If however, you want to visit places around the Provence region, you may get a rental car for easier movement, especially for day trips from Avignon.
6. Is it possible to find cheap things to do in Avignon?
Absolutely! Many of the tourist areas within Avignon are economical or even complimentary. Below are some suggestions:
Wander in Old Town: There is no charge to walk – having a look at the peculiar streets and architecture is an experience in itself.
Go to the parks: These include conditions on Rocher des Doms and several other parks, which provide magnificent views and charge no entrance fees.
Go visit the markets: It is also free to walk around Les Halles Avignon, so there is no need to buy anything.
Discovering cities on foot while getting the history for free.: Search for free guided tours where you only pay what you feel the service provided is worth.
7. What are some of the foods and dishes I cannot leave Avignon without trying?
In Avignon, one can enjoy some of the local dishes such as:
Ratatouille: A mixed vegetable dish that hails from Provence.
Pistou soup: A tomato soup based on with olive oil, garlic, and basil.
Tapenade: A spread that is made from olives, capers and anchovies, and is the good choice for fresh bread.
Local wines: Likewise the wines of the unmissable Côtes du Rhône region should also be to be experienced.
8. Is Avignon suitable for families?
Of course, Avignon is a very good place to visit with children because the city has many parks and open areas, children will love the Palais des Papes and the river walk.
In addition, a large number of restaurants are oriented with families at sea, and local markets provide an interesting experience for children.
9. Can you return to Avignon after excursions?
Yes yes yes! Avignon is a good circumference for these excursions. Some of the popular day trips from Avignon are
Arles: The town is famous for its Roman ruins and association with Vincent van Gogh.
Les Baux-de-Provence: A beautiful hill top village with spectacular views.
Gordes: A lovely village, built on a hill, famous for its stone houses and lavender fields.
10. Where to stay in Avignon?
Avignon is quite affordable as it has an array of hotels for every budget. Few of them are quite famed and highly recommended such as:-
Hotel de l’Horloge: A charming, thoroughly middle-class, compact hotel right off the pulse.
Hotel Bristol: An average motel that would be equipped with ample facilities that are modernized with a terrace.
La Mirande: Michelin star dining accompanied with lavish decoration.
Conclusion: What makes Avignon famous
As far as I am concerned, the city of Avignon is one that I managed to fall in love with at the end of the day. There is a very strong combination of the history of the land, with the cultures as well as the foods.
All of these elements are quite appealing and will leave you fascinated. It does not matter whether you are strolling the old streets, sampling the light cuisines, enjoying the breathtaking scenes, there is something for everyone in Avignon.
Therefore, if you are thinking of planning the next holiday abroad, do not forget to take Avignon into consideration. You will not regret it!
And, try to remember that there is no short-cut to knowing how to get the best out of the trip. Book your bags and get ready to get blown away by the beauty of this city.
