Avignon is a straightforward city to navigate, but a few practical details make a big difference to your trip.. Avignon weather by month This Avignon travel tips and FAQ guide covers airports, train stations, getting around, tipping, safety, and the questions travelers ask most often , from which train station to use to whether tap water is safe (it is).
Avignon Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
Airports Near Avignon
Avignon has its own small airport (Avignon-Provence, AVN, 9 km southeast) with limited seasonal flights.. best time to visit Avignon The nearest major international airports are Marseille Provence (MRS, 85 km south, about 60 minutes by train or car) and Nimes-Ales-Camarque-Cevennes (FNI, 45 km west). Marseille is the best option for most international arrivals. From Marseille airport, take the Vitrolles Aeroport TER train to Avignon TGV station (1 hour 5 minutes, around €20), then the shuttle or local train to Avignon Centre (5-6 minutes). A taxi from Marseille airport to Avignon costs around €120-150.
Train Stations: Avignon TGV vs Avignon Centre
Avignon has two train stations and confusing them is the most common travel mistake.. things to do in Avignon Avignon TGV station is 5 km south of the city in open countryside , it serves high-speed TGV trains from Paris (2 hours 40 minutes), Lyon (1 hour), and Barcelona (3 hours 45 minutes). From Avignon TGV, take the TER shuttle train (5-6 minutes, €3) or bus line 10 (15 minutes, €1.50) to reach Avignon Centre station in the city. Avignon Centre station is the in-town station, just outside the southern city walls , it serves regional TER trains to Marseille (1 hour), Arles (17 minutes), and Nimes (30 minutes). If you’re coming from Paris by TGV, you’ll arrive at Avignon TGV and need to connect. If you’re coming from Marseille or Arles, you might arrive directly at Avignon Centre.
Getting Around Avignon
The walled city is compact and flat , you can walk anywhere intra-muros in 25 minutes or less.. Avignon events and festivals The free pedestrian ferry (Le Bac) connects the city to the Ile de la Barthelasse from April through October. Buses are operated by Orizo , the TCRA network covers the city and surrounding area; single tickets cost €1.50 and can be purchased on board. The tram line (opened 2019) runs from Saint-Chamand in the south to the Parc des Expositions. For exploring beyond Avignon (Luberon villages, Chateauneuf-du-Pape), renting a car is the most flexible option. Rental agencies at Avignon TGV station include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Book ahead during July festival , cars sell out.
Avignon City Pass
The Avignon City Pass is available for 24 hours (€19) or 48 hours (€26) and includes entry to the Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Benezet, plus discounts at other museums and free public transport within the city.. where to stay in Avignon It pays for itself if you visit the palace and bridge plus one other attraction. Purchase online at avignon-tourisme.com or at the tourist office on Place de l’Horloge.
Avignon Travel Tips: Practical Information
Tipping in Avignon
In France, a 15% service charge (service compris) is included in restaurant prices by law, so tipping is not expected.. Avignon neighborhoods guide However, it’s common to leave a small amount for good service , rounding up the bill by €1-2 per person or leaving 5% for exceptional service. For taxi drivers, round up to the nearest euro. For hotel staff, €1 per bag for porters and €1-2 per day for housekeeping is appreciated but not required.
Tap Water and Food Safety
Tap water in Avignon is safe to drink.. Avignon travel guide Restaurants will serve tap water (une carafe d’eau) for free if you ask , this is standard practice throughout France. Bottled water is widely available but unnecessary. Food hygiene standards are high across France, and street food and market produce in Avignon are safe. If you’re visiting Les Halles market, the seafood and cheese vendors are reliable , buy with confidence.
Safety in Avignon
Avignon is a safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare. The main safety issue is petty theft , pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas during the July festival, around the train stations, and on public transport. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag, and don’t leave phones or wallets on cafe tables. The area immediately around Avignon Centre station can feel scruffy at night but is not dangerous. The intra-muros is well-lit and busy until late, especially on summer evenings when restaurants and bars stay open past midnight. Solo female travelers report feeling safe walking in the city center at night, though the usual precautions about deserted streets after 1:00 AM apply.
Language
French is the language, and while many people in the tourism industry speak English, Avignon is less English-oriented than Paris or Nice. Learning a few basic French phrases goes a long way: bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), s’il vous plait (please), l’addition s’il vous plait (the bill please), parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?). Always greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with “bonjour” before launching into a request , it’s considered rude otherwise.
Currency and Payment
France uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including in small shops and markets. Contactless payment is standard. However, some market stallholders and very small cafes may only take cash, so carry €20-30 in small notes. ATMs (distributeurs) are plentiful in the city center. American Express is accepted at major hotels and high-end restaurants but less commonly at smaller businesses , carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
Public Holidays and Shop Hours
Most shops in Avignon close on Sundays, except for some boulangeries (bakeries) and Les Halles market (open Tuesday-Sunday mornings). Museums are closed on Tuesdays , plan sightseeing around this. Major French public holidays when most businesses shut include: 1 January, Easter Monday, 1 May (Labour Day), 8 May (VE Day), Ascension Thursday, 14 July (Bastille Day), 15 August (Assumption), 1 November (All Saints), 11 November (Armistice), and 25 December. Many restaurants also close for annual holidays in August.
Suggested Hotels in Avignon
Hotel d’Europe
A five-star historic hotel in a 16th-century mansion on Place Crillon, 5 minutes’ walk from the Palais des Papes. Elegant rooms blend period antiques with modern comfort, and the courtyard restaurant serves Provencal cuisine. Best for couples and luxury travelers seeking central historic character. Check rates and availability
Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis
A four-star hotel in a converted 16th-century Jesuit cloister with a rooftop pool and terrace, located a short walk from Avignon Centre station and the city walls. Best for travelers who want character, a pool, and good value in a central location. Check rates and availability
Ibis Avignon Centre Gare
A budget Ibis directly outside Avignon Centre station with clean, functional rooms and a 24-hour front desk. Best for solo travelers and backpackers prioritizing cost and rail convenience over luxury. Check rates and availability
