Paris and Cannes may get more attention, but Avignon, situated on the Rhone River and just 55 miles from Marseille, is a true French gem with its natural charm, centuries of history and small town ease. Its entire center was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
The Palace of the Popes © Clodio | Dreamstime
Avignon’s lengthy, deep-rooted history saw it as the home to seven popes and the center of Christianity throughout the 14th century; it was during this time it grew from a small village to a thriving city. Start your day at the Palace of the Popes, which is actually two buildings, with the most recent being the largest Gothic structure built during the Middle Ages. Be sure to take note of the impressive Grand Chapel, where the Avignon popes were known to worship.
Rue de la Republique © Leonid Andronov | Dreamstime
Afterward, walk to the Jardin du Rochers des Doms, where you will get an expansive view of Avignon and the Rhone River Valley. Next, take in the bridge you were just looking down upon, the St. Bénezet Bridge or Pont d’Avignon. Finish your day in one of Avignon’s many quaint town squares, such as the Place des Châtaignes, Place Crillon and Place St. Didier with an aperitivo or coffee.
Read This Next
Best Day Trips from Paris, France
Destination
Mar 6, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Oct 23, 2026Ladurée Makes Hawai’i Debut at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
One of Paris' most iconic luxury brands, Ladurée arrives in Hawaiʻi for the first time this holiday season. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach today unveiled the full series of curated festive experiences and offerings featuring Ladurée, available throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Destinations / North America
Oct 23, 2026Huntington Beach is California’s First Sensory-Inclusive Destination
KultureCity, the world's leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and acceptance, named Huntington Beach as California’s first Sensory Inclusive-certified destination.
North America
Oct 22, 2026Take a Rage-Therapy Retreat at This New York City Hotel
Rage rooms are all the hype right now, and rightfully so. It’s a form of therapy in itself, and the trend now extends beyond designated rooms to hospitality. One boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of New York City’s Times Square recently partnered with Lower East Side-based rage room The Ragery, where guests can safely let their rage soar to different levels.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Destinations / North America
Oct 22, 2026Stay in This Restored 1920s School Campus
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, you can now stay in what was once the town’s high school and middle school, thanks to the opening of Hill Hall Hotel. The 40-guestroom boutique property stretches out over the 1923 high school and Mid-Century middle school buildings, retaining some of the original architecture and layout, while updating amenities to meet modern travelers’ needs.
ShareThis