Avignon, the famous City of the Popes, is full of historical and cultural treasures to discover. In this guide, we invite you to explore the must-see sites of Avignon in 2022, iconic places that testify to its rich past. Whether you are a lover of architecture, art, or gastronomy, Avignon will charm you at every turn.
Getting to Avignon
Avignon is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from several major French cities. For those who prefer the road, numerous parking options are available near the main sites. Once onsite, stroll by foot to fully enjoy the architectural wonders that await you.
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Pont Saint-Bénézet
The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, is another must-see. Originally built with 22 arches, today only four elements remain standing. It offers spectacular views of the Rhône, and the Saint-Nicolas chapel built above the second arch adds a mystical touch to this classified site.
Place du Palais
Stroll through the Place du Palais, a large open space that highlights the magnificence of the Palais des Papes. This spacious, tree-lined area, resulting from the demolition of narrow streets, provides a unique perspective on the surrounding architectural gems, including the Romanesque cathedral of Avignon and the Hôtel des Monnaies. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a coffee.
La Collection Lambert
Art enthusiasts should not miss visiting the Collection Lambert, one of the newest museums in Avignon. Founded in 2000, this contemporary art museum displays remarkable works in 18th-century private mansions. With a collection that is regularly expanding, it is a place of discovery and wonder.
Place de l’Horloge
The Place de l’Horloge is the vibrant heart of Avignon. It’s the ideal place to enjoy the local atmosphere: restaurants, cafés, and street performances animate this iconic space. In summer, the place is filled with terraces where you can taste traditional dishes, while in winter, it is adorned with Christmas lights.
Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon
The Basilique Saint-Pierre is an architectural masterpiece built under Pope Innocent IV’s papacy. Take time to admire its richly decorated interior, where Renaissance and Baroque art blend with the relics of Saint Peter. This worship site promises a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Île de Barthelasse
For a nature getaway, head to the Île de Barthelasse, Europe’s largest river island. With its 700 hectares of orchards, it’s the ideal place to recharge. Rent a bike and explore its peaceful trails, or enjoy a picnic by the water.
Rue des Teinturiers
The Rue des Teinturiers, lined with water mills, bears witness to a vibrant past in the silk industry. It’s a fascinating place where Avignon’s history is revealed through its historic buildings and charming narrow streets. Don’t miss the Maison du IV de Chiffre, one of the oldest private mansions in the city.
Le Pont du Gard
Nearby is the Pont du Gard, a Roman marvel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 50 km aqueduct remains impressive for its harmonious construction and fascinating history. The site includes a museum where visitors of all ages can learn more about this ancient engineering feat.
Avignon, the magnificent city of the popes, is a true treasure in the heart of Provence. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, it attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you are passionate about history or art, this city is full of must-see sites to explore, from the famous Palais des Papes to the charming alleys of the city. This article will immerse you in the wonders of Avignon, guiding you through its landmark sites not to be missed in 2022.
Palais des Papes
No visit to Avignon is complete without a tour of the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe. Built in the 14th century, it is a symbol of the city’s papal history. Explore its 24 rooms decorated with frescoes and uncover the secrets of the former popes. Don’t forget to pick up an audio guide to enrich your visit with fascinating anecdotes.
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Just a few steps from the Palais, the Pont Saint-Bénézet invites you to step into the past. This iconic bridge, known as the Pont d’Avignon, now has only four arches remaining from the original twenty-two. Walk along its ruins, visit the historic guardhouse, and enjoy the splendid view of the Rhône.
Place du Palais
Do not miss the Place du Palais, a majestic green space that unfolds in front of the palace. It is here that architectural beauty is fully revealed. The square offers an breathtaking view of the palace, the Romanesque cathedral of Avignon, and the Hôtel des Monnaies. A perfect place to rest, enjoy a coffee, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
La Collection Lambert
Contemporary art lovers will surely appreciate the Collection Lambert, a museum that showcases a remarkable collection of modern works. Located in two 18th-century private mansions, this museum has donated over 560 pieces to the French government, making this a major center of artistic creation.
Place de l’Horloge
The Place de l’Horloge is Avignon’s main square. It’s where you’ll find the town hall and the opera. The place owes its name to the Gothic clock tower of Avignon, which is hard to spot today amid the surrounding buildings.
What to do in Avignon at the Place de l’Horloge? During summer, nearly half of the square is occupied by restaurant terraces that extend along its length. There’s a carousel for children and theatrical performances for adults. In winter, the square transforms into a charming Christmas market.
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La Collection Lambert
This is one of Avignon’s most recent art museums. The Collection Lambert was founded in 2000 by art dealer Yvon Lambert to display the works he had donated to the French government. The galleries are spread across two stunning 18th-century mansions.
The museum has grown significantly since Lambert donated more than 560 pieces. It represents the largest art donation to France since Picasso in 1970.
The works exhibited are contemporary: photographs, videos, paintings, sculptures from the 1980s. Temporary exhibitions are organized at the Hôtel de Caumont, while the Hôtel de Montfaucon hosts the permanent collection.
Place de l’Horloge
The Place de l’Horloge is the main square of Avignon. It is where you will find the town hall and the opera. The square owes its name to the Gothic clock tower of Avignon, which is barely visible today among the surrounding buildings.
What to do in Avignon at the Place de l’Horloge? In summer, nearly half of the square is occupied by restaurant terraces that run along its length. There is a carousel for children and theatrical performances for adults. In winter, the square transforms for Christmas festivities.
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Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon
The Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon was built in the 1300s under Pope Innocent IV’s papacy. Before entering, take a moment to appreciate the monumental wooden towers, carved from walnut in 1551 by Antoine Volard.
The interior also abounds with works of art, including Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and notably the relics of Saint Peter of Luxembourg from the 15th century, with his robes and cardinal’s hat.
Île de Barthelasse
With its 700 hectares, the Île de Barthelasse is one of Europe’s largest river islands. It belongs to Avignon and is connected to the city by the Pont Daladier.
The island mainly consists of peaceful orchards and some houses. The highest point on the island is only 18 meters, making it vulnerable to flooding.
What to do in Avignon on the Île de Barthelasse? This place is delightful to explore by bike: rent a bicycle in summer and bring a picnic to spend a few hours on the Rhône’s banks.
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Rue des Teinturiers
This historic street runs alongside the Vaucluse canal. It was the center of the silk spinning and dyeing industry in Avignon from the 1300s to the 1800s. Even today, four water mills hang from the dam at the water’s edge, referencing that era.
You will notice the Maison du IV de Chiffre, one of the oldest private mansions in Avignon, as well as the house of Jean-Henri Fabre, a revered entomologist of the 19th century.
Le Pont du Gard
The unique historical feature of this bridge is that it is only a fragment of a system that once extended over 50 km and descended only 17 meters along its course from Uzès to Nîmes. Moreover, it was built in just five years.
It would be a shame to miss it if you’re wondering what to do in Avignon. During your visit, you will find a small Roman history museum with kid-friendly exhibits, and a video explaining how this ancient engineering work was undertaken.
