Avignon 7 Day Itinerary

Avignon 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Arrival: Arrive at Avignon TGV train station and take a taxi or bus (line 11) to your accommodation.
  • Morning: Start your day at the famous Pont d’Avignon ( Saint-Benezet Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the Rhône River and enjoy the views of the city.
  • Lunch: Head to La Vieille Fontaine, a cozy restaurant serving Provençal cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the residence of the Pope in the 14th century. Explore its grand halls and chambers.
  • Evening: Wander through the charming streets of Avignon’s old town and enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Marché, a bistro serving local specialties.

Day 2: Villages and Vineyards

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the picturesque village of Gordes (30 minutes by car), known for its white limestone houses and stunning views.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Château La Croix des Pins, a vineyard producing Côtes du Rhône wines.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby village of Roussillon (20 minutes by car), famous for its ochre cliffs and artistic community.
  • Evening: Return to Avignon and dine at La Mirande, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Provençal cuisine.

Day 3: Isle sur la Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

  • Morning: Visit the charming town of Isle sur la Sorgue (20 minutes by car), known for its antique dealers, art galleries, and picturesque canals.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river or grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.
  • Afternoon: Head to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (30 minutes by car), a beautiful village with a stunning waterfall and medieval architecture.
  • Evening: Return to Avignon and enjoy dinner at Le Bistro des Augustins, a cozy restaurant serving classic French cuisine.

Day 4: Arles and the Camargue

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Arles (35 minutes by car), a charming town famous for its Roman ruins, Vincent van Gogh’s connections, and vibrant artistic community.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at La Maison du Tambourin, a restaurant serving Provençal specialties.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Camargue region (45 minutes by car), known for its wild horses, pink flamingos, and rugged landscapes. Take a guided horseback ride or a boat tour to discover this unique ecosystem.
  • Evening: Return to Avignon and dine at Le Grand Café, a historic cafe serving classic French cuisine.

Day 5: Nîmes and Uzès

  • Morning: Visit the ancient city of Nîmes (45 minutes by car), known for its Roman architecture, including the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Le Café de la Fontaine, a charming restaurant serving local specialties.
  • Afternoon: Head to Uzès (30 minutes by car), a picturesque town famous for its medieval architecture, charming streets, and beautiful gardens.
  • Evening: Return to Avignon and enjoy dinner at La Cuisine du Marché, a cozy restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.

Day 6: Luberon Region

  • Morning: Visit the charming village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (20 minutes by car), known for its beautiful canals, antique dealers, and art galleries.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Le Relais du Luberon, a restaurant serving Provençal cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the picturesque villages of the Luberon Region, such as Roussillon, Gordes, and Sault. Take in the stunning views of the countryside and enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards.
  • Evening: Return to Avignon and dine at Le 46, a modern restaurant serving creative cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights in Avignon.
  • Departure: Head back to Avignon TGV train station for your departure.

Accommodation

  • Hotel La Mirande: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Avignon’s old town, offering elegant rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • La Bastide de Gordes: A charming boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Gordes, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Transportation

  • Car Rental: Rent a car at Avignon TGV train station to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.
  • Bus: Use the public bus system (TCRA) to travel between towns and villages.
  • Bike Rental: Rent a bike in Avignon’s old town to explore the city and its surroundings.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: French is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Consider bringing a phrasebook or using a translation app.
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Weather: Avignon has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.
  • Safety: Avignon is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Things to Know

  • Market Days: Avignon’s market days are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering a wide range of local products and souvenirs.
  • Festivals: Avignon hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Avignon Festival (July) and the Jazz à l’Été festival (June).
  • History: Avignon has a rich history, having been an important center during the Roman Empire and later becoming the seat of the Catholic Church during the 14th century.