Europe
Day 1: Avignon's Medieval Heart
Begin your first morning in Avignon by visiting the Palais des Papes, the world's largest Gothic palace. This historic site served as the residence of several popes and antipopes during the Middle Ages. Inside, you'll find stunning tapestries, secret passages, and beautiful gardens. Be sure to visit the chapel of Saint Martial, known for its frescoes, and the Grand Chapel.
After exploring the palace, head to the 13th-century Avignon Cathedral and then to the iconic Pont d'Avignon. This medieval bridge, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. The bridge features multimedia displays and an audio guide, and you can also visit the 13th-century Chapel of Saint Nicolas.
In the afternoon, venture out to the countryside to visit the charming towns of Gordes and Roussillon. If you're visiting in the summer, don't miss the beautiful lavender fields that dot the landscape.
Day 2: Contemporary Art and Wine Country
Start your second day with a visit to the Collection Lambert, a contemporary art museum that showcases works from the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. The collection includes pieces by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Robert Ryman.
Following your visit to the museum, grab lunch and then join a tour through the Rhône Valley wine country. Most tours head to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours. In the evening, return to Avignon and enjoy dinner and people-watching in the Place d’Horloge, the city’s main square.
Day 3: Exploring Provence and Van Gogh's Inspirations
Spend your last day exploring the areas of Provence that inspired Vincent Van Gogh. Start in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and visit the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, where Van Gogh stayed and painted his famous wheat field series. Then, head to Arles, where Van Gogh lived for over a year.
Alternatively, consider a tour that combines a visit to Arles with other historical sites such as the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence or the UNESCO-listed town of Orange. Orange is notable for its well-preserved Roman architecture, including a Roman amphitheater that hosts summer opera performances.
Additional Attractions and Experiences
Avignon offers a wealth of other attractions and experiences. Take a stroll along the Remparts d’Avignon, the city’s historic defensive stone walls, which offer phenomenal views of the city and the Rhône River. Visit the Musée du Petit Palais to see an impressive collection of art, and relax in the Parc Rocher des Doms, a delightful public park.
The village of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, just a short drive from Avignon, is also worth visiting. Here, you can explore the Fort Saint-André, the Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg, and the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction chapel, which houses the Gothic tomb of Pope Innocent VI.
Place de l’Horloge and Local Culture
The Place de l’Horloge, or Clock Square, is the heart of historic Avignon. This central square is flanked by beautiful buildings, including the Hotel de Ville d’Avignon and the Opéra Grand Avignon. The square is also home to a charming carrousel and numerous restaurants and cafés.
For a more authentic dining experience, venture off the beaten path to explore the local cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Provencal food and wine, and consider visiting the Les Halles market or stopping at a floating wine bar along Rue des Teinturiers.
Day Trips from Avignon
One of the best day trips from Avignon is to the Pont du Gard, a spectacular feat of Roman engineering. This aqueduct bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is impressively well-preserved and offers insights into Roman construction techniques and life in Roman times. You can explore the site on your own or take a guided tour.