Yes, Avignon is very pedestrian-friendly. Its compact downtown has many car-free streets and cobblestone alleyways for walking safely. Feel free to get around town by bike as well! To travel further distances within the city, use its robust public transit network.
What is the cheapest way to get from Marseille to Avignon?
Flixbus tickets cost as low as $8.50 (âŹ8) for the Marseille-Avignon route. These trips take 1 hour and 15 minutes and are very frequent. Passengers are allowed one piece of luggage to store under the bus and one personal item for the ride. Buses tend to have restrooms on board and wifi.
Can I take a day trip to Avignon from Marseille?
Absolutely! Avignon is only about an hour from Marseille, so a day trip is entirely doable. Leave Marseille early in the day to skip the traffic and get the most out of the long days in the south of France. If youâre taking the train, check the timetable so you donât miss the last one of the night!
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Of course! Avignonâs historic center is a UNESCO-recognized site for its well-preserved medieval style. Four million lovers of French and Catholic history visit each year to take a step back in time on its magical streets. Due to the short distance, it is the perfect day trip from Marseille.
How do I get to Avignon from Marseille airport?
The L040 bus runs frequently and connects the Marseille airport to the main bus station, Gare Aix Tgv. Gare Aix Tgv is connected to the main train station, Aix En Provence Tgv. You then have many options to transfer to a train going to Avignon. For fewer transfers, a taxi is another readily available option at the airport.
How far is Avignon from Marseille by train?
Avignon is 53 miles (85 km) from Marseille by train. Direct trains operated by TGV can take you to Avignonâs city center in 35 minutes. These trains leave Marseilleâs Saint-Charles station about every 30 minutes throughout the day. With such high frequency, booking ahead is not necessary for most travelers, but always check the timetables first.
The drive from Marseille to Avignon will take you 65 miles (105 km) inland across the Provence region. Avignon is nearly entirely surrounded by protected national forests and the stunning landscapes of the Provence countryside, which is known for its lavender fields, vineyards, and quaint villages.
The A7 highway directly connects Marseille and Avignon with little need to change course, but instead of rushing to your destination, take detours to the little nooks and crannies of the French countryside. You will need a car to do most of this, as southern France does not have frequent public transportation to the smaller towns and castles.
One must-see for your drive is Les Baux. Cave dwellings arenât usually what comes to mind when we think of southern France, but thatâs exactly what youâll find here!
The total driving time is 1 hour and 10 minutes without any detours or sightseeing stops (but you will definitely want to book a few!) After your mini road trip through Provence, youâll have plenty of time to explore Avignon!
About Avignon
Avignon is located in the Provence region of southern France, and its most prominent landmark is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). In the 14th century, Avignon became the seat of the papacy, a period during which the city flourished as a center for religious culture. The palace's imposing Gothic architecture is a major draw, and the city receives about four million visitors annually from near and far.
Keep these easy travel tips in mind for your trip from Marseille to Avignon!
Dress modestly at religious sites
Avignon and the greater region of Provence are steeped in religious history and have important Catholic sites. When visiting cathedrals and churches, everyone should cover their shoulders, chest, and knees. Remind children beforehand about being calm and quiet in prayer areas and be mindful of others around you who may be praying.
### Stay in Marseille during Festival dâAvignon
For a city of just 90,000 residents to host such a large event, Avignon fills up fast! Donât be afraid to book your accommodation in Marseille and then commute in for the festival. The short distance makes this plan completely doable, as long as you check the timetable of the last train back in the evening! If you book a hotel in Avignonâs compact downtown during the festival, you may also be in for some restless nights as the party lingers after dark on the streets.
How to get from Marseille to Avignon
Avignon is a great day trip from Marseille due to its close proximity and special relevance in French and Catholic history. How will you choose to make your Marseille to Avignon transfer?
### Marseille to Avignon with a private driver
Enhance your travel experience with a private driver from Daytrip. The south of France is a truly magical region, especially in the summer, as the greenery comes to life and the days are long.
Get picked up right from your hotel or the airport in Marseille and make sightseeing stops on your way to Avignon. Unlike with a rental car, you wonât have to negotiate in French or figure out the road rules. Just sit back and let a local professional take the lead! Once you arrive in Avignon, youâll be dropped off right at your address.
Daytrip drivers for this route speak both French and English, and our vehicle fleet has the option to add childrenâs car seats and use handicapped-accessible vans. Secure a seat for $87 (âŹ81).
### Marseille to Avignon by train
TGV refers to Franceâs national high-speed rail, which is operated by SNCF. These trains are quickly replacing flight services between cities as cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
High-speed rail connects Marseille to Avignon in 35 minutes, and the trains leave about 20 times throughout the day from Marseilleâs Saint-Charles station. Tickets cost from $16 to $51 (âŹ15-âŹ50), and passengers can choose from first or second-class seating. Due to the high volume of trains, you do not need to book a ticket ahead of time.
### Marseille to Avignon by bus
Flixbus operates buses on the Marseille-Avignon route for as low as $8.50 (âŹ8) with frequent departures. Buses depart from Marseilleâs Saint-Charles station and drop you off at Avignonâs Le Pontet station. This station is about 1.2 miles (2 km) east of the old town of Avignon but is very walkable and well-connected by city bus networks. Using a taxi is another easy way to get to your hotel, but confirm the price before your ride.
Things to do when you get to Avignon
Itâs hard not to stumble upon history on Avignonâs cobblestoned streets. Make sure to get all of these activities onto your itinerary for your trip from Marseille to Avignon.
Summer is easily the best time to visit Avignon. Every summer, the Festival d'Avignon turns the whole city into a performing arts stage and brings in hundreds of thousands of guests from France and around the world. There is something for everyone, with paid and free shows, debates, readings, screenings, and workshops. The south of France is already lovely this time of year, and the festival is the cherry on top.
If youâd rather visit Avignon when the crowds have thinned, aim for spring and autumn. The major points of interest will be adorned in greenery, and youâll have more space to enjoy them and shorter lines.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Aix-en-Provence
The leafy boulevards, Romantic mansions, and plethora of fountains give a chic air to the former Provencal capital. A Provencal Fountain of ChicÂ
Camp des Milles
This former factory served as an internment camp during World War II, and is now a memorial spreading the message of acceptance. Looking Back, Looking ForwardÂ
Chateau de la Barben
This still-lived in castle transports visitors back in time through its fully furnished interior, serene garden, and costumed guides. A Private FantasyÂ
Salon-de-Provence
The final home of Nostradamus, this medieval cityâs historic core houses a massive castle, serene churches, and a unique fountain. The Bishopâs LoungeÂ
Cavaillon
Known throughout France for its melons, this ancient city has a cornucopia of historic monuments for visitors to enjoy. Ripe with HistoryÂ
Les Baux
Built on a rocky outcrop, the stone buildings and cobbled streets of one of Franceâs most beautiful villages transport visitors to the Middle Ages. Back to the Stone AgeÂ