Self guided audio tour in Avignon

Beyond our audio tour through the historic center of Avignon, there's much more to experience in and around this Provençal gem. Each activity perfectly complements your discovery tour with CityAppTour. Let yourself be inspired by the following top activities:

• Palais des Papes: Visit the largest Gothic palace in Europe. The guide inside the palace reveals fascinating stories about papal life and medieval power struggles. Book here!
• From Avignon: full-day tour of the best of Provence: Journey through the sun-kissed landscapes of Provence on a full-day excursion from Avignon. Visit the Fontaine de Vaucluse and hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon while wandering through lavender fields (mid-June to July), learning about distillation, and marveling at the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Book here!
• Les Halles Food Market: Explore this covered market where locals shop for Provençal specialties. Sample olives, cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh produce while soaking in authentic daily life.
• Cruise on the Rhône River: See Avignon from a different perspective as you glide past the famous bridge and city walls. Sunset cruises offer particularly magical views as the stone glows golden.
• Festival d'Avignon: If visiting in July, experience one of the world's most renowned performing arts festivals, when the entire city transforms into a stage for theater, dance, and music.
• From Avignon: Half-day tour of the major vineyards: Journey through the Côtes du Rhône vineyards on a half-day tour from Avignon, visiting Gigondas, Séguret, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape while learning about winemaking and tasting Grand Cru wines. Book here!
• L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Antique Market: Visit this charming town known as the "Venice of Provence" for its canals and famous Sunday antique market, one of the largest in Europe.
• Pont du Gard: Skip the line at Pont du Gard with your priority ticket, explore the majestic Roman aqueduct up close, stroll beneath its soaring limestone arches, and uncover the engineering marvels of this ancient UNESCO site. Book here!

Best time to visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for exploring Avignon, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. July brings the famous Festival d'Avignon with its vibrant atmosphere but also peak crowds. Winter visits provide a more authentic experience of local life, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Accessibility and local transport
Avignon is easily reached by high-speed TGV trains from Paris (2h40), Marseille (30min), or Lyon (1h). Within the city, everything in the historic center is walkable, but free shuttle buses circulate if you need a break. For exploring the region, consider renting a car or booking organized excursions, as public transportation to surrounding villages can be limited.

Opening hours and holidays
Most museums and the Palais des Papes are open daily from 9:00-19:00 in summer and 9:00-17:00 in winter. Many shops close for lunch between 12:30-14:30, especially outside tourist areas. Restaurants typically serve lunch 12:00-14:00 and dinner from 19:00. Be aware that many attractions have reduced hours on Mondays, and shops are generally closed on Sundays.

Comfortable on the go
Wear comfortable walking shoes as Avignon's streets are often cobblestoned and uneven. The mistral wind can make it feel cooler than expected, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Carry a water bottle, especially during hot summer days when temperatures can exceed 35°C. A hat and sunscreen are essential in summer months.

Local customs and etiquette
Greet shopkeepers with "Bonjour" when entering and "Au revoir" when leaving—this is considered basic politeness. The pace of life is relaxed in Provence; embrace longer meals and don't rush service. During lunchtime (12:00-14:00), many locals take time for a proper meal rather than a quick bite.