Avignon thrives as a center of theater festivals—in July, the city fills with street performers and musicians of all kinds! Visits at any time are fascinating, given the city’s fairytale-like atmosphere that is slightly sinister. Massive Gothic masterpieces make one forget the present, filling our minds with images of a Medieval World.

Day 1
Over cobblestones and river Rhone

Discover the town inside ancient walls. As you stroll along one of Avignon’s medieval streets, such as Rue des Teinturiers, the effect is as if we are transported back in time. Most sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other and the town has several cobblestoned squares and lovely cafes to relax in after a tiring walk or biking. Must sees include the massive Palais des Papes, legendary St Benézet Bridge, 14th-century Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral, Petit Palais, and various museums and gothic churches. Take a short drive to the Ile de la Barthelasse for a typical Provencal meal. Choose a restaurant from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the ramparts of Avignon. Later, if you’re in the mood for a magical night, get on board a restaurant boat for a dinner cruise along the river Rhone.


Popes' Palace and the Val de Benediction cloister

Day 2
Provencal Tour

Avignon is also a good base to start exploring the fertile countryside and various towns of Provence. But you need wheels for this. First, head for Villeneuve-lés-Avignon, the charming little town across Avignon, which holds one of the world’s largest Carthusian monastery. As soon as you’ve absorbed as much of the ambience as you could, go to a site that’s even older, a well preserved Roman aqueduct in Pont du Gard. Highlights of your Provencal tour include olive groves, vineyards, the medieval village in the Alpilles mountains, the Roman monuments in St Remy de Provence, and the towns of Luberon and Provence.


All Provence in One Day