Major city · France
Avignon
Give Avignon 2 nights: one full day for the Palais des Papes, the bridge and the Rocher des Doms, then use it as a base for the Luberon and the Rhône villages.
Avignon is a walled Provençal city on the Rhône, small enough to cross on foot in 20 minutes and big enough to hold a UNESCO-listed centre, the world's largest Gothic palace and a July theatre festival that triples the population. Most travellers use it as a base for the region rather than a destination in itself, which is why two nights works better than one.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul (festival crowds and heat), Aug (heat and peak prices)
- Airports
- AVN · MRS · NCE
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Avignon112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Avignon, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyAvignon is a normal mid-size French city; the real risks are pickpockets around the station and festival crowds, summer heat…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAVN Avignon-Caumont (No scheduled passenger flights; check before booking anything routed here.).
- Getting aroundThe old town is flat and walkable; you rarely need transport inside the walls.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a counter€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person€25–40 (≈ US$30–50)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or a slice of pizza€5–9 (≈ US$6–11)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Avignon TGV to the centrecheck€20–30 (≈ US$25–35)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 2-star or budget chain, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, 2-star or budget chain, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AVN Avignon-Caumont (No scheduled passenger flights; check before booking anything routed here.) · MRS Marseille Provence (About 1 h by train or road; the practical airport for Avignon.) · NCE Nice Côte d'Azur (About 3 h by train; useful if combining with the Riviera.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best*
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Oct (7 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Avignon: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old town is flat and walkable; you rarely need transport inside the walls. Vélopop bike share needs a smartcard. A shuttle train links Avignon TGV to Avignon Centre. Regional buses (TransVaucluse) and trains reach Arles, Orange, Nîmes and the Luberon.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Orange
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Avignon Centre, about 20 min
Roman theatre and arch; half a day is enough.
Vaison-la-Romaine
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or car, about 1 h
Roman ruins and a medieval upper town; easier with a car.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train or bus, about 30–40 min
Sunday antiques market is the reason to time the visit.
Carpentras
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus from Avignon, about 45 min
Friday market and a quiet old town; combine with Mont Ventoux views.
Apt
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus, about 1 h 15 min
Market town gateway to the Luberon; better as a stop than a full day.
Cavaillon
skipDoor to door: About 45 min
Train, about 25 min
Melon country and a Roman arch; little else for a visitor.
Lourmarin
goDoor to door: About 1.25 h
Car, about 1 h
One of the Luberon's best-looking villages; hard without a car.
Arles
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Train from Avignon Centre, about 20 min
Roman arena and amphitheatre; a full day if you add the Camargue edge.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Intra-muros (inside the walls)
Everything walkable; book early for July. Rue de la République and around Place de l'Horloge are the busiest and priciest.
Around Avignon Centre station
Cheaper, 5–10 min walk to the walls; convenient for regional trains.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Across the river, quieter and cheaper; bus or a 20-min walk over the bridge.
Avignon TGV area
Only for a late arrival or an early departure; it is 2 km (1.2 mi) out with a shuttle train to the centre.Only for a late arrival or an early departure; it is 1.2 mi (2 km) out with a shuttle train to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 2-star or budget chain1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Palais des Papes entry2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Pont Saint-Bénézet entry2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €79 |
| Trip total≈ €218 per person per day, bed included | €871≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Avignon excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a counter | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Sandwich or a slice of pizza | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Menu du jour at lunch | €15–22 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | €25–40 (≈ US$30–50) |
| Glass of Côtes du Rhône | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Taxi, Avignon TGV to the centrecheck | €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- July festival: accommodation sells out months ahead and prices spike.
- Pickpockets work the station, the shuttle and the crowded squares in season.
- Restaurants on Place de l'Horloge and beside the Palais des Papes charge tourist prices; walk two streets for better value.
- Summer heat: 35 °C (95 °F)+ afternoons; do the palace and the Rocher des Doms in the morning.Summer heat: 95 °F (35 °C)+ afternoons; do the palace and the Rocher des Doms in the morning.
- The mistral wind can be strong and cold even in spring.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
AvignonAvignon
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No embassy in Avignon; the US consulate-general is in Marseille, the UK consulate in Marseille and the embassy in Paris. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Avignon TGV → Avignon Centre, shuttle train: about 5 min, frequent (check)
- Avignon → Arles, regional train: about 20 min (check)
- Avignon → Paris, TGV: about 2 h 40 min (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-lay voo ahn-GLEH)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Avignon. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul (festival crowds and heat), Aug (heat and peak prices) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MRS and the TGV shuttle: last trains field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Palais des Papes and the Rocher des Doms, Place de l'Horloge and Rue de la République, Les Halles and Place Pie, the bridge and Villeneuve.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, Collection Lambert, Musée du Petit Palais) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival-week fixtures so July arrivals can go green or be redirected.
Sources
- officialAvignon Tourist Office
- officialPalais des Papes
- officialVille d'Avignon
- officialFestival d'Avignon
- officialSNCF Connect (timetables and fares)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Avignon, revision 5326154 (CC BY-SA 4.0)