France · 2026 itinerary
Avignon 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Avignon: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A large public park atop a limestone hill in the historic centre. Includes a pond with swans, shaded lawns, and a belvedere with panoramic views of the Palais des Papes, the Rhône, and Villeneuve-lès-
🕐 Open 24 hours. Park lighting on until midnight.
Free entry💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the low stone wall at the northern edge around 6pm for the golden hour light hitting the palace. The park has public toilets and a small café with affordable drinks.
Hotels near Rocher des Doms →Large covered market hall open every morning. Over 40 vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, olives, bread, cured meats, and local wines. You can walk through for free and sample products.
🕐 Tue–Sun 6am–1:30pm. Closed Mon. Some stalls close earlier.
Free entry💡 Go between 9am and 11am for the best selection. Bring cash—some stalls don't take cards. Stand at La Petite Cuisine for a €5 glass of rosé to enjoy while browsing. Saturday mornings have the largest selection.
Hotels near Les Halles d'Avignon (Food Market) →Restaurant universitaire - CROUS · ££
Les Deux J & Cie · ££
Deeper Into Avignon
Regional art and archaeology museum in an 18th-century townhouse. The permanent collection covers paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with strong local
🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2–6pm. Closed Mon and 1 May, 25 Dec.
💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month when all exhibitions are free, or check the website for occasional free guided tours in English. Don't miss the courtyard garden—quiet, cool, and rarely crowded.
The Papal Palace is a 14th-century fortress and papal residence. The main interior is paid, but the vast courtyard and peaceful gardens on the Rocher des Doms are free. Views of the Rhône from the gar
🕐 Gardens open daily 7:30am–8pm in summer, shorter hours in winter. Closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan.
💡 Enter the gardens via the ramp behind the palace, not the main tourist steps. Go at sunset for fewer crowds and the best light.
La Mijote
Flunch
Final Favourites & Departure
The famous broken bridge from the nursery rhyme. Only the first four arches remain, jutting into the Rhône. Entry to stand on the bridge costs a small fee, but
💡 Skip the paid walkway and instead go to the Île de la Barthélasse for the best free photo angle: the bridge framed by foliage and water. Check low tide times for riverbed access.
Asie garden
Brasserie la pergola
Getting Around Avignon
Buy tickets on SNCF Connect app for 20% discount. From Avignon TGV, take bus line L'En Train Citéa #10 to Gare Centre (€1.30, 10 mins); Maison Boussingault is a 5-minute walk.
Lehmann bus direct service – book online to guarantee seat. The bus drops near Avignon Centre, then it's a 10-min walk to the hotel. Avoid if you have more than one large suitcase (limited luggage space).
If arriving by regional TER train, grab a taxi outside the station – the hotel is only 600m uphill, so worth €8 if you have luggage. Otherwise walk: exit station, head left up Rue de la République, then Rue Monclar.
Pre-book a fixed-price taxi via Allo Taxi Avignon to avoid surge pricing. The drive uses the A7 toll road; tariff includes luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Avignon?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Rocher des Doms and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Avignon?
See our full best time to visit Avignon guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include La Livrée du Palais, Le patio Carrèterie, Maison Jean Chapelle. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.