10 Enchanting Year-Round Things to Do in Avignon France

Key Takeaways:

• Avignon is a beautifully preserved medieval city filled with historical landmarks, art, and theatrical energy year-round.

• From the Palais des Papes to Rhône river cruises, the city offers rich cultural and scenic experiences in every season.

• Visitors love Avignon for its walkability, Provençal charm, and dynamic festivals that bring the city to life.

Avignon, nestled in the heart of Provence, is one of France’s most captivating destinations. Known as the “City of Popes,” it served as the seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and much of its stunning medieval architecture still stands proudly today. Encircled by stone ramparts and framed by the Rhône River, Avignon blends religious grandeur, theatrical passion, and Provençal warmth like no other. With its cobbled streets, bustling plazas, and historic sites, it’s a place that delights art lovers, history buffs, and curious wanderers all year long. Whether you come for the world-famous Avignon Festival in July or the golden light of fall, this city rewards slow exploration and cultural curiosity.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Magnificent Palais des Papes

2. Walk the Famous Pont d’Avignon

3. Stroll Through the Rocher des Doms Gardens

4. Visit the Musée Calvet Fine Arts Museum

5. Cruise Along the Rhône River at Sunset

6. Attend the Avignon Festival in July

7. Discover Les Halles de Avignon Food Market

8. Take a Day Trip to the Lavender Fields or Châteauneuf-du-Pape

9. Enjoy a Local Wine Tasting in Town

10. Watch Street Performances Year-Round in Place de l’Horloge

1. Explore the Magnificent Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is Avignon’s crown jewel—an awe-inspiring Gothic fortress that once housed the most powerful figures in the Catholic Church. Visitors can wander through grand ceremonial halls, private chapels, and high towers that offer sweeping views of the city. Digital displays and immersive exhibits help bring the 14th-century structure to life, blending history with modern storytelling.

It’s open year-round and offers guided tours or self-paced visits via audio headsets. Climbing the stairs to the rooftop terrace is a must-do, especially for panoramic photos. The palace dominates the skyline and gives a vivid sense of Avignon’s historical importance. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, the sheer scale and atmosphere of this site are unforgettable.

2. Walk the Famous Pont d’Avignon

Officially called Pont Saint-Bénézet, this half-bridge stretching into the Rhône is one of Avignon’s most iconic sights. Built in the 12th century and partially destroyed by floods, the bridge is famous from the French nursery rhyme “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.” Visitors can walk along its surviving arches and enjoy views of the river and surrounding hills.

Interactive exhibits and audio guides recount the legends surrounding its construction, including stories of divine visions and miracles. From the bridge, you’ll also see the city’s medieval ramparts and the silhouette of the Palais des Papes. Whether in the morning mist or at sunset, the Pont d’Avignon makes a picturesque and poetic stop.

3. Stroll Through the Rocher des Doms Gardens

Just behind the Palais des Papes, you’ll find the Rocher des Doms, a beautifully landscaped public park perched atop a rocky bluff. With shaded paths, sculptures, a duck pond, and sweeping views of the Rhône Valley, it’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Families gather here, couples picnic, and solo travelers find space to read or reflect.

There are several scenic viewpoints offering photo-worthy perspectives of the Pont d’Avignon and distant vineyards. The gardens are especially charming in spring and autumn when flowers bloom or the leaves change colors. Grab a snack from a local bakery and unwind among nature and history blended seamlessly.

4. Visit the Musée Calvet Fine Arts Museum

Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, the Musée Calvet is one of Avignon’s most enriching cultural stops. Its diverse collection spans from antiquities and Renaissance art to modern works, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative objects. Notable artists like Corot, Courbet, and Manet are represented, alongside lesser-known Provencal masters.

Admission is free, and the museum offers a calm, uncrowded experience that feels like a well-kept secret. It’s a great way to escape midday heat or rainy weather while absorbing centuries of artistic evolution. If you appreciate quiet elegance and fine art, Musée Calvet is a rewarding visit.

5. Cruise Along the Rhône River at Sunset

A gentle cruise along the Rhône offers a new perspective on Avignon’s timeless beauty. Various operators run hour-long boat tours that glide past landmarks like the Pont d’Avignon and the historic city walls, with onboard commentary available in multiple languages. Evening cruises are especially magical, as the setting sun casts golden hues over the river and architecture.

Some boats offer drinks or small bites, making it a romantic or relaxing end to the day. You’ll drift past the Île de la Barthelasse, one of Europe’s largest river islands, known for its natural tranquility. Whether you’re solo, with family, or on a date, this slow-moving journey is the perfect way to soak in the ambiance of Provence.

6. Attend the Avignon Festival in July

Every summer, Avignon transforms into a theatrical playground during the world-renowned Festival d’Avignon. Held in July, this performing arts festival features hundreds of plays, dance performances, and experimental shows across indoor and outdoor venues—including the awe-inspiring Cour d’Honneur at the Palais des Papes. The city overflows with artists, audiences, and pop-up stages, turning every square into a stage and every alley into a performance space.

There’s also the Off Festival, a grassroots fringe counterpart that showcases emerging and independent talent. Even if you don’t catch a show, the buzzing atmosphere, street parades, and art exhibitions are an experience in themselves. The festival is a magnet for creatives and art lovers, offering an unforgettable, immersive cultural adventure that puts Avignon on the global stage.

7. Discover Les Halles de Avignon Food Market

Les Halles is Avignon’s indoor covered market and a foodie paradise packed with local produce, cheeses, meats, olives, wines, and fresh-baked breads. Open every morning except Mondays, it’s the perfect place to experience the flavors of Provence firsthand. From truffle oil and tapenade to lavender honey and rosé wine, each stall offers a sensory journey.

The market’s vertical garden façade adds a splash of green to the cityscape, and its lively atmosphere makes for a great breakfast stop or picnic supply run. Locals shop here daily, and chefs from nearby restaurants often source their ingredients fresh from Les Halles. Whether you’re cooking, snacking, or just exploring, the market is a delicious deep dive into Avignon’s culinary heart.

8. Take a Day Trip to the Lavender Fields or Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Just outside Avignon lie some of Provence’s most iconic landscapes. In the summer months, day trips to the lavender fields of Sault or Valensole offer postcard-worthy scenery with rows of purple stretching into the horizon. You can stop at local distilleries, shop for lavender soaps, or simply breathe in the fragrant air.

For wine lovers, a short drive north leads to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, home to one of France’s most prestigious wine appellations. Many vineyards offer tastings and tours where you can sample robust reds and learn about the region’s winemaking history. Both destinations offer a perfect countryside escape and a sensory contrast to Avignon’s urban charm.

9. Enjoy a Local Wine Tasting in Town

You don’t need to leave Avignon to enjoy an authentic Provençal wine experience. Numerous wine bars and tasting rooms in the city center offer curated tastings of local vintages, including wines from the Rhône Valley, Côtes du Rhône, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape regions. Friendly sommeliers are happy to guide you through flavor profiles and pairings.

Places like Le Vin Devant Soi or La Cave du Bouffart serve as welcoming, educational stops even for wine newcomers. You can also book guided tasting sessions or join a walking wine tour that includes stops at historical sites. With every sip, you gain more appreciation for the rich wine culture that surrounds the city.

10. Watch Street Performances Year-Round in Place de l’Horloge

Place de l’Horloge is Avignon’s lively central square, surrounded by cafés, the city hall, and the opera house. It’s a year-round hub for street performers—especially during weekends and holidays—featuring everything from musicians and mimes to living statues and fire dancers. The vibe is festive and welcoming, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scene.

In warmer months, outdoor dining patios fill with both locals and tourists, creating a lively backdrop to the performances. The nearby carousel adds charm for families, while the square’s elegant architecture offers a picture-perfect setting. Whether you’re grabbing an espresso or staying for the show, Place de l’Horloge brings Avignon’s joyful energy to life.

What to do if you have kids?

Avignon is surprisingly child-friendly with plenty to keep young travelers engaged. The Rocher des Doms gardens have ducks, playgrounds, and ice cream vendors, while the Pont d’Avignon and boat rides along the Rhône spark imagination and adventure. Museums like the Petit Palais offer shorter visits with visual appeal, and street performers often delight kids of all ages. Many restaurants are casual and kid-friendly, and day trips to lavender fields or small farms can make for fun family outings.

Where can I find free events in Avignon France taking place this weekend?

To discover free events in Avignon—like open-air concerts, exhibitions, artisan markets, and cultural pop-ups—use https://planmyweekend.ai. The platform highlights real-time happenings based on your location and interests, helping you find hidden gems throughout the city. Whether you’re into art, music, food, or festivals, Plan My Weekend makes it easy to experience Avignon like a local—without spending a euro.

Final thoughts

Avignon is a city where history, creativity, and Provençal charm converge in magical ways. From medieval palaces and bridges to lavender-scented markets and street art, it’s a place that invites curiosity and rewards wandering. Every season brings new light, flavors, and rhythms, making it ideal for both spontaneous weekends and well-planned escapes. Whether you’re savoring a glass of red in a cobbled square or catching a play under the stars, Avignon promises timeless moments and cultural richness you won’t soon forget.