Avignon walking route: Papal Palace to Avignon Bridge
Explore Avignon's 3.3 km historic center on foot, starting from Avignon Central Train Station. This route connects major landmarks including the Papal Palace, Avignon Bridge, Cathedral, and the city's fortified walls, with stops at cultural sites like Petit Palais and Musée Calvet around Place de l'Horloge.
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Duration
- 39 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Papal Palace (Palais des Papes)
- End
- Avignon Central Train Station
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Papal Palace (Palais des Papes) — Major landmark where popes resided for approximately 70 years; features huge rooms and halls with limited original furnishings and frescoes.
- Avignon as favorite place in Provence — Medieval walled city renowned for its 14th-century papal palace, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene in the heart of Provence.
- Place de l'Horloge main square — Historic central square featuring a Renaissance clock tower, surrounded by cafés and arcaded buildings, serving as Avignon's social and cultural hub.
- Avignon Bridge (Pont d'Avignon) — Famous bridge and symbol of Avignon featuring four arches where visitors can walk on the ramparts and take family photos.
- Petit Palais — Small palace in Avignon containing 13th and 14th century paintings including works by Botticelli.
- Musée Calvet — Museum in Avignon featuring art and cultural collections for visitors to explore.
- Avignon Cathedral — Religious building in Avignon visible behind the presenter at the video's opening.
- Historic Fortification Walls — Historic walls surrounding Avignon, visible upon exiting the city center train station.
- Avignon Central Train Station — Main train station in the city center; recommended entry point for travelers arriving by TGV.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- When taking TGV from Paris, arrive at Avignon Central Train Station (Gare d'Avignon Centre), not the TGV station outside town. The central station is in the city center where you can walk directly to the walls.
- Timing
- Book accommodation well in advance. May through September is peak season, especially June-July during lavender blooming, when hotels are overbooked and prices are high.
- Timing
- Lavender blooms June-July in the surrounding Provence region, making it an ideal time to visit if you want to see lavender fields.
- Tip
- Explore beyond the main street (Place de l'Horloge to Papal Palace route). Wander pedestrian streets to find hidden churches, markets, restaurants, and museums like Petit Palais that most tourists miss.
- Avoid
- Watch out for pickpockets, especially near the train station. Keep valuables hidden and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when renting a car—secure belongings inside to prevent break-ins.
- Tip
- The Papal Palace interior has most furnishings and frescoes missing or destroyed over time. Expect mostly large empty halls, though the remaining frescoes and historical information are valuable.
- Food
- Avignon is an excellent place to eat. Provence cuisine and Herbes de Provence originate here. Look for local restaurants off the main streets for authentic regional food.
- Tip
- Visit museums including Petit Palais (13th-14th century paintings including Botticelli), Musée Calvet, and smaller museums inside churches for a full cultural experience.
- Transport
- Use Avignon as a base to visit nearby destinations: Arles (18 minutes away) with Van Gogh sites and Roman amphitheater, Nîmes (30 minutes) with preserved Roman amphitheater, and lavender fields.
- Tip
- Walk the historic fortification walls which are well-preserved and beautifully lit at night. The walls enclose the city center where all major attractions are located.
- Tip
- Visit Pont d'Avignon (Avignon Bridge) to see its four remaining arches and take family photos. It's a true symbol of the city with significant historical value.
- Food
- Wine tours and cooking classes are available in Avignon and the surrounding region. The local wine from Provence is spectacular and worth exploring.
Video on this route
Avignon - 5 Loves & Hates of Visiting Avignon, France