Friends, ready to swap guesswork for a crisp, doable Avignon plan? This compact Provençal city stacks grand Gothic architecture, cobbled lanes, riverside parks, big-name art, and legendary markets inside walkable medieval walls.

Here’s a no-fluff guide with prices, times, and smart routing so you can see more with less effort.

Start Here

Arrive at Avignon TGV (2h40 from Paris on the high-speed line). The shuttle bus or local TER train to “Avignon Centre” takes 5–10 minutes (about $2–$4). Most sights sit inside the stone ramparts; choose lodging within the walls for easy walking. Mid-range doubles typically run $110–$160 per night; many include breakfast.

Old Town

Thread the lanes from Place de l’Horloge (main square) toward the monumental Gothic palace complex overlooking the city. The broad forecourt, lively café terraces, and elegant façades make a great orientation loop. Spend 30–45 minutes soaking up the scale, then climb to the shaded Rocher des Doms gardens for Rhône panoramas—free and perfect at sunset.

Iconic Bridge

Stroll the famed stone bridge to feel Avignon’s river drama up close. Entry generally runs $6–$7; last entry is usually late afternoon (seasonal). An audio guide adds context, and the small tower-rooms offer breezy overlooks. Budget 40 minutes; add a riverside walk if the wind is calm.

Lambert Collection

Contemporary art fans: set aside 60–90 minutes for this sleek museum housed in two 18th-century mansions. Expect rotating shows plus big names from the 1980s onward. Tickets usually $11–$13. Tip: arrive near opening (10:00) to enjoy the galleries before tour groups.

Calvet Museum

Two centuries of donations power this wide-ranging museum: archaeology, decorative arts, and a strong Egyptology section. Plan 60 minutes; admission often about $6–$8, with combo discounts on certain days. It’s a smart mid-day stop when streets are hottest.

Angladon Museum

In a refined townhouse, this collection shines with late-19th and early-20th-century canvases. You’ll find works by major painters and a rare Provence-hung piece by van Gogh. Expect $9–$12 entry; allow 45–60 minutes. It pairs well with coffee on Rue Joseph-Vernet afterward.

Les Halles

This covered market (Tue–Sun, morning) delivers peak Provence flavor—cheeses, olives, fruit, herbs, pastries, and ready-to-eat tarts. Bring small cash; $10–$15 builds a picnic for two. Arrive 9:00–11:00; on Saturdays, local chefs give free demos in the central space.

Teinturiers Lane

Follow the canal-side cobbles beneath plane-tree shade where old waterwheels still cling to the banks. Photogenic bridges link stone houses to the lane. Plan 30 minutes for a slow wander; it’s especially pretty in late afternoon light. Nearby cafés offer set lunches around $16–$22.

Barthelasse Island

Hop the free ferry (spring–autumn; departs near the bridge) or walk the Pont Daladier to one of Europe’s largest river islands. Rent bikes (about $10–$15 for two hours) and coast past orchards with postcard views back to the city walls. Pack water; shade can be intermittent.

Petite Train

Short on time or traveling with kids? The little road train loops past headline sights and up to the panorama in roughly 40 minutes. Tickets hover around $9–$11, $6–$8 children. It’s an easy first-hour overview before deeper dives.

Place Life

Place de l’Horloge anchors many evenings with street performers and outdoor dining. Expect mains $16–$26 and fixed-price menus from $22–$35. For budget eats, look to side streets for crêpes, focaccia, and salads ($8–$14). Tap water (“une carafe d’eau”) is free; just ask.

Day Trip: Pont du Gard

Only 25 km west, this triple-tier masterpiece spans the Gardon gorge. By car it’s 35–45 minutes; buses from Avignon run seasonally (check the tourist office). Site entry commonly $10–$13, including a well-done interpretive center. Bring sturdy shoes for riverside paths and a hat in summer.

Day Trip: Les Baux

In the Alpilles hills (about 1 hour by car or tour), this dramatic stone village pairs cliff-top ruins with modern art projections in a former quarry (Carrières des Lumières). Expect $9–$13 for the quarry show; village lanes are free to roam. Wear grippy soles—surfaces are polished smooth.

Smart Timing

Peak months (June–August) bring heat and crowds. For gentler temps and easier reservations, aim for April–May or September–October. Most museums open 10:00 and close 18:00–19:00; many shut one weekday (often Monday). Reserve skip-the-line tickets for the major palace complex and the bridge combo (typically $15–$20 total) in high season.

Where To Stay?

Inside the walls: charming guesthouses and boutique hotels, many in historic buildings. Outside the walls: modern hotels with parking near Avignon Centre station ($90–$140 doubles). Families often prefer apartment-style stays around Place Pie for quick market access.

Transit Tips

Within Avignon, you’ll walk most routes (wear breathable shoes). The free island ferry is weather-dependent. Regional TER trains link easily to Arles, Nîmes, and Orange (fares $6–$12 each way). If renting a car, choose a small model for stress-free parking and medieval turns.

Conclusion

Avignon blends stone-walled drama with breezy markets, river escapes, and knockout day trips—all on a walkable scale. Which mix fits your style: bridge + markets, art + island cycling, or a grand-architecture morning with a Pont du Gard afternoon? Use this outline to shape your own ideal day in and around the city, matching stops to your preferred pace and interests.