2-Day Avignon Escape: Medieval Magic & Charm

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May 8, 2024 ·

Avignon 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Avignon, a city steeped in history and beauty. Begin your adventure at the iconic Pont Saint-Benezet, also known as Pont d'Avignon, a legendary bridge that offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past. After a brief visit, stroll through the serene Jardin des Doms, a picturesque landscape garden that promises tranquility amidst the bustling city. Next, marvel at the architectural splendor of Avignon Cathedral, a testament to the city's religious heritage. Conclude your first day with a tour of the majestic Palais des Papes, a historic castle that once served as the papal residence and now stands as a symbol of Avignon's rich history. On your second day, wander through the lively Place de l'Horloge, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of this historic square. Visit the Hôtel de Ville d'Avignon, a stunning city hall that captures the essence of Avignon's architectural elegance. Immerse yourself in the arts at the Festival d’Avignon, a world-renowned theater event that showcases the city's cultural vitality. Finally, walk along the ancient Avignon city wall, which encircles the old town, offering a unique perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 2-day itinerary promises a blend of tranquility, culture, and historical exploration, all curated to create unforgettable memories in the enchanting city of Avignon.

Top 6 hotels in Avignon
TOP 1
Hotel d'Europe
Hotel d'Europe
hotelStar
5/5
112 reviews
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TOP 2
Les Anges Deluxe Avignon - Exclusive Romantic Home - Luxury Services - Tours
Les Anges Deluxe Avignon - Exclusive Romantic Home - Luxury Services - Tours
hotelStar
5/5
0 reviews
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TOP 3
L'Avant Scène Meublé 5 étoiles Parking Gratuit Jacuzzi
L'Avant Scène Meublé 5 étoiles Parking Gratuit Jacuzzi
hotelStar
5/5
0 reviews
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La Mirande
La Mirande
hotelStar
5/5
49 reviews
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La Maison de l'Olivier
La Maison de l'Olivier
hotelStar
5/5
40 reviews
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Avignon Grand Hotel
Avignon Grand Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
171 reviews
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2 Days in Avignon Itinerary: Day 1

1

Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon)

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Begin your Avignon adventure with a step back in time at the iconic Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon), a bridge that once spanned the Rhône River. Although it no longer reaches the other side, this medieval structure remains a symbol of the city's storied past. Spend a brief moment here to soak in the views and imagine the tales of pilgrims who crossed it centuries ago.

Attraction info

  • Boulevard de la Ligne, 84000, Avignon, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 30 minutes
  • Open from 1/8-2/9,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 2/10-2/28,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 3/1-11/3,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 11/4-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm,December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025: 10am to 6pm

Recommended nearby restaurants

Le 26
Le 26
4.7/5 · 125 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
Restaurant La Cour d'Honneur
Restaurant La Cour d'Honneur
4.6/5 · 268 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Le Cochon Bleu
Le Cochon Bleu
4.7/5 · 65 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Restaurant O'Papilles
Restaurant O'Papilles
4.7/5 · 78 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
La Mirande
La Mirande
4.8/5 · 52 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
Basta Cosi !
Basta Cosi !
4.6/5 · 172 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
8 min,0.51 km
2

Jardin des Doms

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Next, escape to the serene Jardin des Doms, a verdant oasis perched atop a rocky outcrop. This landscape garden offers a tranquil retreat with panoramic views of Avignon. Wander through its well-manicured paths for an hour, and you'll find yourself amidst a variety of plants, a picturesque pond, and sculptures that add to the park's enchanting atmosphere.

Attraction info

  • 2 Mnt des Moulins, 84000 Avignon, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:30am-8:00pm
2 min,0.2 km
3

Avignon Cathedral

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Continue your journey through history with a visit to the Avignon Cathedral, a testament to the city's religious heritage. Spend an hour marveling at its architectural beauty and the intricate details within. The cathedral, with its stunning frescoes and religious artifacts, stands as a beacon of Avignon's spiritual significance through the ages.

Attraction info

  • Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Sat,8:30am-12:00pm,2:30pm-5:30pm;Open on Sun,9:45am-12:15pm,2:30pm-5:30pm
1 min,0.14 km
4

Palais des Papes

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Conclude your day at the majestic Palais des Papes, a fortress and palace that once housed the papacy during the 14th century. Allot two hours to explore the grand halls, chapels, and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Its imposing architecture and rich history make it a must-see attraction that perfectly encapsulates the grandeur of Avignon's golden age.

Attraction info

  • Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-2/9,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 3/1-11/3,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 11/4-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm,The specific business status during school holidays is subject to the opening conditions on that day.
9/1048 Reviews
9/10Perfect48 Reviews
Avignon City Center
Avignon
|0.09km from city center
Avignon City Center
Avignon
|0.12km from city center
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2 Days in Avignon Itinerary: Day 2

1

Place de l'Horloge

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Begin your second day in Avignon with a visit to the iconic Place de l'Horloge, where the hands of time have gracefully ticked in harmony with the city's heartbeat. This historic square is the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the local vibe, with the majestic city hall standing as a testament to Avignon's storied past. Spend an hour here, soaking in the ambiance of this architectural marvel, before venturing on to the next historical treasure.

Attraction info

  • 84000 Avignon, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

Recommended nearby restaurants

Le 26
Le 26
4.7/5 · 125 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
Restaurant La Cour d'Honneur
Restaurant La Cour d'Honneur
4.6/5 · 268 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
Le Cochon Bleu
Le Cochon Bleu
4.7/5 · 65 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
Restaurant O'Papilles
Restaurant O'Papilles
4.7/5 · 78 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
La Mirande
La Mirande
4.8/5 · 52 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Basta Cosi !
Basta Cosi !
4.6/5 · 172 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
1 min,0.13 km
2

Hôtel de Ville d'Avignon

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Just a stone's throw from Place de l'Horloge, the Hôtel de Ville d'Avignon awaits to enchant you with its historical grandeur. As the city's town hall, this building is not only a hub of municipal activity but also a piece of Avignon's rich tapestry. With an hour to explore, you'll have ample time to admire the intricate details and the sense of continuity that this historic site provides to the city's narrative.

Attraction info

  • 1 Rue Racine, 84000 Avignon
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Fri,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Mon-Wed,8:00am-4:30pm;Open on Thu,8:00am-6:00pm
9 min,0.69 km
3

Festival d’Avignon

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As the afternoon unfolds, let the Festival d’Avignon ignite your cultural senses. This renowned theater event is a celebration of the arts that transforms the city into a stage for performers and spectators alike. Spend an hour delving into the festival's offerings, whether it's a cutting-edge performance or a classic play, and experience the vibrant creativity that courses through the veins of Avignon.

Attraction info

  • Boulevard Saint-Roch, B.P.175, 84008 Avignon
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
4 min,0.29 km
4

Avignon city wall

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Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the Avignon city wall, where history stands tall and unyielding. This ancient fortification encapsulates the city's resilience and charm, offering a serene backdrop for reflection on your time spent in Avignon. With an hour to meander, you'll find yourself captivated by the stories etched into each stone, a fitting finale to your two-day journey through this enchanting city.

Attraction info

  • 84000 Avignon, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
8.5/10110 Reviews
8.5/10Perfect110 Reviews
Avignon
|0.13km from city center
8.4/10129 Reviews
8.4/10Perfect129 Reviews
Avignon City Center
Avignon
|0.14km from city center
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Top things to do in Avignon-2025

TOP 1
Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes
4.5/5 · 185 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 11,543 review
Highlights:

The Pope's Palace is located on the banks of the Rhone River in Avignon. It is the largest medieval Gothic building in Europe. It is precisely because of its existence that Avignon has become a capital. It is a building that combines a palace and a military fortress, standing on the heights of the ancient city. The Pope's Palace is divided into two parts: the old hall and the new hall. The old hall is unpretentious and belongs to the Roman architectural style; the new hall is magnificent and is a typical Gothic building. The outer side of the building is defended by a magnificent city tower and guarded by heavy troops. 10 towers dominate the surrounding of the palace. The icons and furnishings inside the palace were almost completely destroyed and looted, but now from the spacious and high conference hall and the elaborately carved ceilings above the Pope's bedroom, one can vaguely imagine what the glory days looked like. From the high point of the Pope's Palace, you can see the whole ancient city.

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TOP 2
The Bridge of Avignon
The Bridge of Avignon
4.7/5 · 207 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,751 review
Highlights:
The Broken Bridge, also known as the Saint-Benezee Bridge, is a famous bridge in the 12th century, spanning the Rhone River and leading to the handsome King Philip Castle on the other side. The original length was about 900 meters, but due to frequent floods, the risk factor continued to increase. Finally, after the catastrophic flood in 1668, only 4 of the early 22 bridge arches survived today, becoming today's "broken bridge". The bridge is not restored to its original state, but there is such a beautiful presence. There is an exhibition "History of Bridges" at the entrance of the bridge, which introduces the bridges listed as world cultural heritage around the world; there is also an exhibition about the 3D restoration of broken bridges. Because it is the source of inspiration for the French folk song "On the Bridge of Avignon (Surle Pont d'Avignon)", it is desirable. The surviving Benezer Chapel on the bridge tells the story of the shepherd Benezer, who was inspired and sent by God, and frantically requested donations from the villagers. He spent his whole life working hard to build this stone bridge connecting the two banks, benefiting the local residents. The St. Nicholas Chapel on the north side of the bridge has a unique main hall in the shape of a bow.
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TOP 3
Avignon Cathedral
Avignon Cathedral
4.6/5 · 99 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 571 review
Highlights:
The Notre-Dame Basilica is located next to the Pope's Palace, which is the oldest religious building in Avignon. On the top of the west tower is a gilded statue of the Virgin, and inside there is a masterpiece of 14th-century Gothic sculpture, the mausoleum of John XXII. There is a bell tower in the church. There are a total of 35 bells in it. It is said that the sound of the bell tower in France is very bright. Each bell has its own name. Because the size is different, the sound is also different.
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TOP 4
Walls of Avignon
Walls of Avignon
4.1/5 · 38 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 95 review
Highlights:
The Walls of Avignon, also known as the Avignon City Walls, are ancient defense fortifications that surround the old town of Avignon. With a circumference of 4,300 meters, they were built by the Roman Catholic Popes in the 14th century and underwent significant restoration in the 19th century. The marks left by rainwater erosion highlight its historical significance, passing by landmarks such as the Papal Palace and Saint-Bénézet Bridge. The Avignon City Walls have been remarkably preserved and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
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TOP 5
Ancient Theatre of Orange
Ancient Theatre of Orange
3.8/5 · 57 review
Highlights:

The magnificent Ancient Theatre of Orange (Théâtre antique d'Orange) is located in the heart of the Provence region. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows people to appreciate the excellence of ancient Roman civilization.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient Theatre of Orange is one of the jewels of Imperial Rome.

From showplace to refuge during the Wars of Religion, from defense post to prison during the French Revolution, its history is as rich as it is eventful. Restored in the 19th century, it has returned to its original vocation: hosting the world's greatest artists, from Sarah Bernhardt to David Guetta, Placido Domingo and Hans Zimmer.

A living monument that continues to thrill audiences, between memory and modernity.


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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Avignon 2 Days Itinerary