Avignon City Guide

Avignon — The City of Popes

Avignon is one of the most dramatically sited cities in France — encircled by remarkably intact 14th-century ramparts, dominated by the colossal , and guarded by the famous broken bridge that every French child knows from the song . For most of the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic papacy — a rival to Rome itself — and the papal legacy saturates every stone.

Today, Avignon is best known for its summer theatre festival — the largest in the world — which transforms the city into an open-air stage every July.

Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)

The medieval bridge, originally spanning 900 metres across the Rhône, now ends abruptly after four arches — broken by floods and never rebuilt. The chapel of Saint-Bénézet perches on one of the remaining piers.

Les Halles d'Avignon

The covered market in the city centre — 40 food stalls, Saturday morning cooking demonstrations, and a stunning vertical garden on the exterior.

Food & Drink

• Avignon sits at the gateway to the Rhône wine country — is just 18 km north
• Provençal markets dominate: olives, honey, lavender, goat cheese
• — the city's sweet specialty

When to Visit

• July: Festival d'Avignon — the world's largest theatre festival, with 1,500+ shows. Book far ahead. The is even larger than the official programme.
• Spring and autumn: Perfect Provençal weather, without festival crowds