In just under four hours on a fast train from the centre of Paris you can find yourself in a completely different fairy tale, of the Medieval type. Just a few moments outside of the city the scenery shifts from the urban to one dominated by fields and crops growing in the countryside. However, it is a particular harvest that draws thousands to the south of France every year; the picturesque Provence lavender fields. I made the journey south to witness the harvest in all its glory and uncovered many other amazing things to do in Avignon during a Provence weekend away.

On the way up to the Pope’s Palace in Avignon. | © Pat Bailey

Paris to Provence

Contents

It is wise to plot your trip based on what to see in Provence and what you personally want to experience because there are many beautiful little Provence villages to explore.

Because my trip was limited to a long weekend, and the lavender had already been harvested in other parts of the region (very important to check before you arrive).

I decided to stay in Avignon and journey beyond this town for the few days that I had to explore.

Provence is made special in part by its location: located in southeastern France it is lovingly held by the left bank of the Rhone River to the west and the Italian border to the east, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and all of France to the North.

Because of its placement, it boasts diverse landscapes that include the Southern Alps and Campargue plains to rolling vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and the coveted Provence lavender fields beloved around the world.

The southernmost part of this region is where the “French Riviera” can be found; it is the Côte d’Azur where Nice, Saint Tropez and Cannes line the coast.

The Pope’s Palace in Avignon. | © Pat Bailey

Things to do in Avignon

Like other Medieval villages in the south of France, Avignon has a fairytale story and this story is part of its charm. There are so many things to do in Avignon; many are shaped by the rich history of the area.

Between the years 1309 and 1377, Catholic popes from Rome fled to Avignon and made it their home and in 1791 Avignon became part of France. When Italian popes flee to a village this leaves an impression on the village.

This legacy is the number one iconic stop in Avignon: the massive Palais des Papes or “Pope’s Palace” is a must-see when you visit.

Palais des Pape

The Palais des Papes is one of the largest and oldest Gothic buildings in all of Europe and one of the top things to do in Avignon. To give you an idea of its size, you can fit four Gothic cathedrals in this palace. Even if you only exploring Avignon in one day, visiting the Pope’s Palace is a must.

In the 14^th century this 25-room fortress and palace was the seat of Western Christianity, it is now an official UNESCO site. You can visit the palace every day from 10 am until 6 pm and tickets are between ten and twelve euros.

On this tour, you will learn about the nine popes that made the palace their home, including two during The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) who reigned from Avignon while the church was split in two.

“If the walls could talk…” I’m certain they would tell grand tales of the things that were discussed and experienced here. You can feel the holiness and majesty when you visit. Be sure to make time for the rooftop garden, where you can take a beautiful panoramic photo of the area.

Pont Saint Bénézet

A close second to the palace is the world-famous Pont Saint Bénézet or “Pont d’ Avignon” as it is commonly called, with an equally romantic story.

It was built of wood originally between 1177 and 1185 by its namesake and he claimed that he was told by God to build the bridge that spanned the Rhône between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon at the time.

The bridge has a long history of being destroyed and rebuilt, what stands now are four of the twenty-two original arches and an unfinished bridge that is the subject of much love in France; it is poetry.

Every child in France learns the famed song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” written about this bridge.

The picturesque Pont Saint Bénézet, Avignon. Featuring its quaint chapel. | © Pat Bailey

Stroll the Avignon Streets

Before travelling beyond Avignon spend some time wandering within the walls of this village. Like most towns, you can find a variety of experiences depending on which rue you take.

Be sure to take a stroll down Rue des Teinturiers. This Instagrammable street contains the charming remnants of Avignon’s silk spinning and dying industry.

This includes four water-wheel mills, beautiful stone houses, cobblestone streets, and little bridges leading to shaded terraces which are perfect for an afternoon snack.

The Church of Saint-Agricol, Avignon. | © Pat Bailey

Avignon Museums

There are several notable museums in Avignon. These are your must-see museums:

Musée Calvet, a private collection turned public and open for 200 years contains a wide variety of art and artifacts including a sarcophagus.

Musée du Petit Palais which is the museum attached to the Palais des Papes and contains 327 paintings and 600 sculptures by Italian and French artists from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

The Musée Angladon which houses the private collection of Jacques Doucet, a Parisian tailor who is regarded as one of the pioneers of fashion design during the turn of the century.

The collection includes Picasso’s Demoiselles d’Avignon and works by Degas, Sisley, Cézanne, Manet, Derain, and Modigliani, as well as the only Van Gogh painting hanging in Provence.

Character-filled old town Avignon. | © Pat Bailey

History surrounds you in old town Avignon.| © Pat Bailey

Go Shopping in Avignon Les Halles

If you have an itch to do some antique shopping you can visit Avignon Les Halles where you will find forty merchants’ stalls every morning from Tuesday to Sunday. If you find yourself in Avignon on a Saturday you can visit Les Halles to watch demonstrations by local chefs, and if you are lucky you can taste one of their dishes.

Get a Tarot Reading

One unexpected and unique experience I found in Avignon was a stop into the little Tarot Creatif shop where you can meet owner Franck Battig who is passionate about Tarot.

He does personal readings and hosts weekly ‘apero’ events for visitors to learn more about his passion and this mystical world.

Stay Active in Avignon

The typical outdoor activities are available in Avignon: city hiking, cycling, local yoga, and even Qigong by the Rhône which I happened upon during my morning walk and castle-gazing.

Because of the river, there are many water sports available to visitors as well. However, one of the more unusual things to do in Avignon is to take out a SUP o to the river.

I spotted a couple on stand-up paddleboards and a small group in canoes venturing around Pont d’Avignon during a morning stroll. I cannot think of a more magical morning in Avignon than this.

Related: Things to do in Ghent, Belgium

Where to Stay in Avignon

There are only a few luxury Avignon hotels. Search some of those luxe stays on offer here.

Where to Eat in Avignon

Because of the number of visitors to the city, the range of Avignon restaurants is varied. The town has been catering to the tourists for years and this has resulted in options beyond the traditional French café and bistro.

Hygge

I was happy to discover Hygge during my visit, this cozy morning or lunch spot is “Une cantine bio” serving fresh vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options along with other healthy dishes.

It is located in the centre of Avignon, easy to find, and the perfect place to start your day or break for lunch while exploring.

Au Jardin des Carmes

If “Top Chef” dining is what you are looking for, make your way to Au Jardin des Carmes, a charming and delicious spot for a garden terrace dinner. This Michelin Star restaurant serves delicious, gastro-forward dishes that are made with healthy, fresh, and local ingredients.

The tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad that I had was pure summer in a dish and the ambiance is really romantic, be sure to make a reservation and ask for the secret garden in the back of the restaurant.

The menu, created by Justine Imbert daily is innovative, try the “tacos” her way if you find them on the menu when you visit.

Fou de Fafa

Fou de Fafa is another popular and delicious choice, this cozy restaurant is the passion project of a British couple Antonia Pyemont-Coughlan and Russell Coughlan.

It has a simple and delicious menu in a relaxed environment just around the corner from Musée Angladon.

Only open for dinner and a hard table to get in Avignon during high season, a reservation is strongly suggested or plan on being there for the first seating at 6:30 pm. The set menu consists of French dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Related: A Loire Valley Cruise