Home to some of France’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites, Avignon, France, is a charming and historic city in the heart of Provence. It has exquisite buildings, high-end restaurants, and many things to do. One of the biggest draws to Avignon is that it is situated in the middle of other popular towns and tourist attractions. There are dozens of day trips from Avignon, so many choose to stay there while visiting Provence.
If you have the opportunity to stay in Avignon for more than just one day, there are plenty of other beautiful places to see. Whether you plan to travel by car, bus, or guided tour, this guide covers other spectacular destinations in the region.
Read More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Avignon, France
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Best Day Trips from Avignon
You can access the following sites from Avignon by car, which is the easiest form of transportation in Provence. There are several free and paid parking lots in each village, many of which can be found on the edge of town if you are worried about driving in high-traffic areas.
We rented a car while in the area and found the country roads quiet and most towns manageable. In addition, the best part about renting a car is the ability to be flexible with your schedule as you encounter all the beautiful scenery along the way.
Most of these destinations can also be seen as part of a guided tour, which is an excellent alternative if you’d like to see several places quickly. I have included popular tour options if you want to explore them as a group.
Gordes
Gordes is one of the prettiest Luberon villages and a popular day trip from Avignon. It is also a personal favorite of mine. Sitting high on a cliffside overlooking the lavender fields of the Luberon, the entire town looks like it came out of a storybook.
Part of the charm of Gordes is the ability to get lost through the cobbled paths, most of which are pedestrian streets. There is a beautiful view or charming buildings everywhere you look. Once you’ve stopped into the little boutiques along the way, grab something to eat. There are dozens of great restaurants and cafés around the village.
For an exciting look into the town’s history, explore the Caves of Saint Firmin, which create a labyrinth of cellars beneath the Palais Saint Firmin. You can also visit the Château de Gordes, which hosts different exhibitions annually.
One of the best times to visit is Tuesdays when the market is open. You will find anything from fresh products to the best soaps and body products made only with the best local ingredients. You could spend an entire afternoon browsing the shops and wandering the little alleyways.
Your trip to Gordes is only complete with a view of the village from the Gordes viewpoint. A small, free parking area is just next to the viewpoint before you enter the city. Due to its popularity, I recommend going early in the morning to enjoy the views without the crowds.
Day Tour From Avignon:
- Full-Day Best of Provence Tour: Spend the day exploring some of the best hilltop villages of the Luberon. Before stopping at the Pont du Gard, your guide will take you to Fontaine de Vaucluse, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, Roussillon, and Les Baux-de-Provence. This tour is one of the best for those looking to experience Luberon and its charming villages and countryside.
Les Baux-de-Provence and Carrières de Lumières
Les Baux-de-Provence has been named one of the prettiest medieval villages in France. It sits high on a hill in the Alpilles. Like Avignon, there are plenty of exquisite historical sights here. The most impressive is the Château des Baux. The 11th-century chateau was once the home of one of the most powerful families in the region.
Now, it remains a ruined fortress and one of the highlights of your visit to the town. The château is open to guests as a museum dedicated to artifacts and artwork that date back to prehistoric times. For €6, you can take a self-guided tour of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top.
For other things to do, drive to old limestone quarries on the outskirts of Les Baux-de-Provence. They have been transformed into the unbelievable Carrières de Lumières, a digital art exhibition. If you are around the area, make sure to check it out. It is one of the most unique art exhibits you will ever see.
Day Tour From Avignon:
- Half-Day Tour of Pond du Gard, Saint Remy, and Les Baux: The popular tour takes you to two of the region’s most beautiful villages, stopping at the famous Roman aqueduct.
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is a famous Roman aqueduct located close to the town of Uzès. It was built around 50 C.E. to carry water to the nearby city of Nîmes. The three-leveled structure, constructed of large arches and measuring over 360 meters in length, was an awe-inspiring feat for the time. The UNESCO World Heritage is free to visit and sits in a large preservation area that the EPCC looks after.
Have a leisurely picnic on the edge of the Gardon River as you admire the impressive 2,000-year-old structure, or get up close and personal with a tour. Once you’ve explored the structure and the surrounding park, grab lunch at Les Terraces.
Plenty of outdoor activities exist if you want to spend the afternoon at the Pont du Gard. The area has several different hiking paths as well as kayak rentals. We also saw numerous people sunbathing and swimming in the water next to the aqueduct.
Day Tour From Avignon:
- Half-Day Tour to Pont du Gard, Uzès, and Nîmes: Visit the medieval towns of Nîmes and Uzès, where your guide will take you to sites dating back to Roman civilization. Explore the Nîmes Amphitheater and Pont du Gard aqueduct, amongst other famous monuments, on your half-day tour from Avignon.
Uzès
After discovering the marvels of the Pont du Gard, continue to the village of Uzès. The charming town has been settled since the 2nd century B.C. and is one of the only remaining places to have a Duke still.
The town is home to about 8,500 and is much smaller than the nearby city of Nîmes. As a result, Uzès is the perfect place to go for a laidback afternoon of exploration. There is not much in terms of sites here, which is what we loved about it. Visitors come to get lost in the pedestrian streets, sip on some rosé at a café, and take in the beautifully preserved medieval buildings in town.
One of the prettiest places to do that is Place aux Herbes. This shady square is at the center of town and is lined with lovely cafes, all situated around a loved fountain in the middle of the square. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Place aux Herbes becomes a bustling market selling anything from fresh produce to flowers and herbs.
You may also want to stop by the Duke’s Castle for a tour and the Uzès cathedral throughout your visit. And while you are there, stop by La Gougasse d’Uzès for some pastries. These were, hands down, some of the best we had during our time in France.
Day Tour From Avignon:
- Pont du Gard, Uzès, and Nîmes Half-Day Tour: Spend the afternoon visiting three top destinations near Avignon. Visit the medieval towns of Nîmes and Uzès, where your guide will take you to sites dating back to Roman civilization. You will also get to see the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct, another Roman structure that dates back 2000 years.
Nîmes
History lovers will want to take a day trip to Nîmes. The ancient city is overflowing with wonderfully preserved Roman ruins. One of the most impressive is its theater, which continues to hold concerts and events. Another historic site is the Maison Carrée. The temple dates back to the 1st century B.C. and is one of the best-preserved temples in France.
In addition to the sites, take some time to explore the city center and pop into the little boutiques around town. Next, head over to the Jardins de la Fontaine. The extensive park is one of France’s oldest, full of sculptures, grassy areas, and walking paths.
Nîmes old town is walkable, but overall, Nîmes is one of the larger and busiest cities you will visit while in Provence. There are many paid parking garages throughout the city, but you will have to drive through some busy streets to get there. If you’d prefer not to drive through Nîmes, you can take the train there instead. The TER train runs directly from Avignon Centre Nîmes and takes about 30 minutes.
Day Tour From Avignon:
- Full-Day Roman Sites and Historical Places: Spend the entire day exploring some of Provence’s most remarkable Roman monuments. Your day tour from Avignon will take you first to Nîmes, where you will visit the amphitheater and Maison Carrée. Next, your guide will take you to the Pont du Gard, followed by free time for lunch in Uzès. Your last stop will be in Orange, with a stop at its famous theater.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
One of the best medieval French towns in the Provence region is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is another favorite of ours and easily one of the most picturesque in the Luberon.
The French town is best known for its connections to Vincent Van Gogh. He lived here for a part of his life, taking inspiration from the beautiful village and its surroundings. He painted a number of well-known works here, including “The Starry Night.” You can visit several locations that are connected to the painter, such as the Musée Estrine.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is easily walkable and is home to several important historical sites and museums. One of the most visited is the ruins of the Glanum. The once prosperous city was inhabited in 2500 BC but was later taken over by the Romans, whose architectural influence can be seen in several remaining structures. You can get to Glanum by car or a short walk from the city center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
If you can, visit on Wednesdays, which are market days. The market is open from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm and is among the most impressive. The large squares and streets are lined with merchants selling anything you can think of.
The amount of produce, cheese, and baked goods alone will make you glad you went. While you are there, grab some truffle cheese from one of the local vendors. It’s delicious!
Day Tour From Avignon:
Best of Provence Full-Day Tour: Spend the day exploring some of the best hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Before stopping at the Pont du Gard, you will also stop at some other charming towns along the way, including Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon, and Les Baux-de-Provence.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Avignon is located in the Côtes du Rhône region, one of the best wine regions in France. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want to experience the local wine there. The best place for this is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for producing the best wines of the Côtes du Rhône.
The village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which means “The Pope’s new castle, is also in the region.” As the name suggests, the town is built around a castle constructed as a summer home for the Popes of Avignon.
You can explore the vineyards on your own or as part of a guided tour. As this is one of the best day trips from Avignon, there are plenty to choose from! If you want a small taste of the wines, joining a half-day wine-tasting tour will allow you to visit three vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône and sample their wines.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a picturesque town located just 20 miles from Avignon. Made up of canals, waterways, and cobblestone streets, it is a picturesque destination for afternoon getaways. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known primarily for having the best antique shops in Provence and hosts a large market every Sunday.
If you are in town, then make sure to stop by from 9:00 am to noon. The streets are filled with over 300 stalls selling anything from cheese, olive oil, antiques, clothing, and home products.
After a morning of shopping, head over to the neighboring town of Fontaine de Vaucluse. You will find a large underwater spring near the limestone cliffs of the Vaucluse Mountains.
Arles
Arles is another popular French retreat for artists, including Van Gogh himself. You can visit several places that inspired his paintings, such as Place du Forum and Fondation Vincent Van Gogh.
If you are a history buff, you will love exploring this town as many Roman sites are here. The most popular attraction in Arles is this 400-year-old theater which was designed to mimic the famous coliseum in Rome. The Arles Amphitheater is still intact and holds concerts and other events.
In addition to the amphitheater are the Constantine Baths. They are one of the most extensive Roman baths that still survive in France. Part of the ruins can be seen from the street, but for €4, you can tour the site.
Lastly, explore the underground Cryptoportiques that create a network of tunnels beneath the city. It is still unsure why they were constructed, but they date back to the 1st century B.C. and are thought to have been used as storage cellars by the Romans.
Day Tour From Avignon:
Van Gogh and Wine Tour from Avignon: Combine a day exploring the sites connected with Van Gogh with wine tasting at two wineries in the popular wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape. This full-day tour from Avignon will take you to the towns Van Gogh lived, Saint-Rémy de Provence and Arles. In the afternoon, you will take a break for lunch and your wine tastings.
How to Get to Avignon
Rent a Car
The easiest way to get around Provence is by car. Many people explore the area as part of a road trip through the South of France, stopping in different towns every few days. The countryside is easy to navigate, not very busy, and offers a scenic route.
The one downside to driving is the limited parking in Avignon, as it is a Medieval city. However, there are several free and paid car parks inside the city center and outside the exterior of the fortification.
That being said, cars are the most efficient means of transport as they get you to locations that trains cannot reach. If you plan on visiting multiple locations outside of the city, I recommend renting a car.
Parking in Avignon
Since Avignon is a medieval city, few parking areas are available, but you can find both paid and free spots inside and on the outskirts of the ramparts. To save time and money, focus on places just outside the city. These car parks will be less busy, and many will be free to use. Free street parking is also available, but they are extremely hard to come by within the city walls.
Here are just a few of the paid car parks available in Avignon:
- Pope’s Palace
- Central Station
- Les Halles
- St. Charles
- Gare d’Avignon Station
Take the Train
Paris to Avignon: If you are traveling from Paris, you can get to Avignon by fast train in about 3 hours. The TGV from either Charles de Gaulle or the Gare de Lyon station in central Paris will take you straight to Avignon’s station, just outside the city. The TCV trains run frequently and operate all day long, making this the most convenient way to travel if you do not have a car.
The Avignon TGV station is located a few miles outside the city and will require additional transportation to get you there. However, you can jump on a second train to Avignon Center, which will take you the rest of the way in five minutes. Alternatively, you can pay for a taxi to your hotel.
Marseille to Avignon: Marseille has an International airport for those looking to explore the south of France region. There are more flights available into Marseille than Avignon. It is also convenient since it is a popular stopping point on people’s Provence road trip itineraries.
Once in Marseille, you can rent a car, hire a private transfer to Avignon, or take the TGV train. Of the three options, the train will be the cheapest but will take about an hour and a half to get you to Avignon.
Lyon to Avignon: Lyon is another nearby town with an international airport. Like Marseille, you can fly into the city, rent a car, schedule a private transfer, or hop on a train. The train ride from Lyon to Avignon is slightly shorter, taking about an hour, and can be accessed straight from the Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport.
Where to Stay in Avignon
La Mirande
The lovely 5-start hotel sits proudly in the city center, with famous Palais des Papes views. The exquisitely decorated rooms are uniquely decorated with 18th-century pieces and vintage furnishing found in noble homes during that time. Everything from the fabric wallpaper to the garden’s foot trees has been perfectly thought out to give guests the most intimate and sophisticated experience possible.
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Château de Varenne
The lovely hotel is located near the small of Sauveterre, a short drive from Avignon. With 12 beautifully decorated rooms, a terrace, an outdoor pool, and lush gardens, Château de Varenne is the perfect tranquil retreat from the fast past city.
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Les Jardins de Baracane
The stunning B&B is perfectly located in the center of Avignon. However, you feel like you are in the countryside. The 17th-century house has a spectacular private garden, an outdoor pool, and warm, inviting rooms. Each of the five suites is uniquely decorated and offers stunning garden views.
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Hotel De L’Atelier
The 16th-century house is located just outside of Avignon. With cozy rooms, terraces, and traditional furnishings, Hotel De L’Atelier is a magical hotel that offers everything you could possibly need for an amazing price.
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Day Trips from Avignon FAQ
When should you visit Avignon?
You can visit Avignon all year round. However, the main tourist season is between March and October. If you want to see the famous Provence lavender fields, the best time to visit is June through July, when they’re in full bloom.
Since the city’s beloved Festival d’Avignon takes place throughout July, you may want to avoid this month as accommodations with be at their highest, and the city will be packed with visitors.
If you want to experience Avignon with fewer crowds, then the shoulder months of April, May, and early October would be great times to visit.
How many days do you need in Provence?
You could easily spend a week in Provence and still not see all the amazing places there. That being said, I recommend staying at least three days in the area if you’d like to see the main towns. Joining a guided tour may be a good option if you’d like to see a lot quickly, but renting a car is a more leisurely way to get around.
If you are in Provence for three days, I would spend one in Avignon and the other tour exploring the surrounding towns. Pont du Gard, Gordes, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are all places I would include in your itinerary.
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Yes! Whether you are a history and art lover or not, Avignon is one of the best places to visit in the Provence region and should be part of your road trip. It has a rich history, an influential art scene, and some of the most delicious food and wine.
Is Avignon or Aix-en-Provence a better place to stay?
It depends on what you are looking for and the places you’d like to explore. Avignon is an old city with art, food, and historic architecture. Aix-en-Provence is also beautiful, with more upscale shopping, hotels, and restaurants.
Avignon is closer to the towns of Nimes and Arles, while Aix-en-Provence is closer to Marseille and the French Riviera. Both are spectacular cities and great bases for exploring the area.
Do you need a car for a day trip from Avignon?
The best way to take a day trip from Avignon is by car or guided tour. Many of these destinations are not accessible by train, and having your own transportation makes getting around much faster and easier. You can also join a guided tour from Avignon, which includes visiting multiple destinations daily.
Conclusion
Provence is one of the most captivating regions in France, with no shortage of things to see and do. Due to its location, Avignon is the perfect base for exploring the area. It is also a popular city with an intriguing history, great food, and lots to do. Best of all, you can choose to do as much or as little as you’d like!
Enjoyed this post? Check out these other South of France guides!
- How to Spend 3 Days in Provence, France
- 10 Best Towns in Provence, France
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Avignon, France
- 3 Day Nice Itinerary & Travel Guide
- Day Trip to Monaco Itinerary and Guide
- 10 Must-See Towns on the French Riviera
- The 8 Best Wine Regions in France
- 20 Most Charming Medieval Towns in France
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT |Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS |For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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