Arriving — Frequent TGV trains depart from Paris’s Gare de Lyon. The ride takes 2 hr., 40 min. and arrives at Avignon’s modern TGV station 10 min. from town by shuttle bus. The one-way fare is around 80€ depending on the date and time, although it can also be as cheap as 25€ if booked well in advance. Regular trains arrive from Marseille (trip time: 60 min.; 32€ one-way) and Arles (trip time: 20 min.; 9l40€ one-way), arriving at either the TGV or Avignon’s central station. Hourly trains from Aix-en-Provence (trip time: 20 min.; 25€ one-way) shuttle exclusively between the two towns’ TGV stations. For rail information, visit www.sncf-connect.com

or call tel. 36-35. The regional bus routes (www.lepilote.fr; tel. 08-21-20-22-03) go from Avignon to Arles (trip time: 1 hr., 10 min.; 9.10€ one-way) and Aix-en Provence (trip time: 1 hr., 15 min.; 20€ one-way). The bus station at Avignon is the Gare Routière, 5 av. Monclar (tel. 04-90-82-07-35). If you’re driving from Paris, take A6 south to Lyon, and then A7 south to Avignon.

City Layout — Avignon’s picturesque Old Town is surrounded by 14th-century ramparts. Within the walls is a mix of winding roads, medieval townhouses, and pedestrianized streets. To the west of the city is the Rhône River, and beyond, Villeneuve les Avignon. Just south of the Old Town sits the Gare d’Avignon Centre train station.


Getting Around

On Foot — All of Avignon’s major sights—as well as its infinitely enchanting back streets—are easily accessible on foot. The helpful tourist office’s free maps are marked with four easy walking routes, ideal for getting a feel for the city.

By Bicycle & Motor Scooter — The Vélopop bicycle-sharing scheme (www.velopop.fr; from 1€ per day) lets registered riders borrow any of the city’s 200 bikes for up to 30 minutes at a time for free. To get out of town and explore the surrounding countryside, Provence Bike, 7 av. St-Ruf (www.provence-bike.com; tel. 04-90-27-92-61), rents different models for around 12€ to 40€ per day. It’s smart to reserve a bike online in advance, as they do occassionally sell out.

By Car — Traffic and a labyrinthine one-way system means it’s best to park once you’ve arrived in Avignon’s town center. Seven fee-paying parking lots and two free ones are dotted around the city. See the Avignon tourist office website for details.

By Taxi — Taxis Avignon (www.taxis-avignon.fr; tel. 04-90-82-20-20). Ride apps Bolt and Uber are cheaper and easier to use.

By Public Transport — Eco-friendly Baladine vehicles (www.tcra.fr; Mon–Sat 10am–12:30pm and 2–6pm; during July and Aug daily 10am–8pm) zip around within the city walls for 0.50€ per ride. 

Visitor Information — The Office de Tourisme is at 41 cours Jean-Jaurès (www.avignon-tourisme.com; tel. 04-32-74-32-74).

Special Events — The international Festival d’Avignon (www.festival-avignon.com; tel. 04-90-14-14-14), held for three weeks in July, focuses on avant-garde theater, dance, and music. Tickets are 25€ to 60€. Prices for rooms skyrocket during this period, so book yours well in advance. An edgier alternative festival, the Avignon OFF (www.avignonleoff.com; tel. 04-90-85-13-08), takes place almost simultaneously in July, with theater performances in various improbable venues.

International rose enthusiasts descend upon Avignon in late May every other year for Altera Rosa, sponsored by the Société Française des Roses. Expert gardeners from all over Europe deck the Palais des Papes' Benoît XII Cloister with thousands of rose bushes, including both traditional and new breeds.

For additional special events in the city, Avignon’s Office de Tourisme keeps a calendar of current and upcoming festivals, exhibits, and performances.

ATMs/Banks — Avignon’s town center is home to banks aplenty, including three along cours Jean-Jaurès.

Doctors & Hospitals — Hôpital Général Henri Duffaut, 305 rue Raoul Follereau (www.ch-avignon.fr; tel. 04-32-75-33-33).

Internet Access — Cyberphone, 16 rue Paul Pamard (tel. 04-90-25-65-50).

Mail & Postage — La Poste, 4 cours Président Kennedy (tel. 36-31).

Pharmacies — Pharmacie des Halles, 48 rue Bonneterie (tel. 04-90-82-54-27).

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.