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 (тВм8) 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 youтАЩre taking the train, check the timetable so you donтАЩt miss the last one of the night!
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Of course! AvignonтАЩs 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 AvignonтАЩs city center in 35 minutes. These trains leave MarseilleтАЩs 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 arenтАЩt usually what comes to mind when we think of southern France, but thatтАЩs exactly what youтАЩll 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, youтАЩll 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.
The cityтАЩs old town is enclosed by well-preserved medieval walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares, such as Place de l'Horloge, have historical buildings and outdoor cafes. The famous bridge Pont Saint-B├йn├йzet, or Pont d'Avignon, partly spans the Rh├┤ne River and is a historic relic that has inspired songs and legends.
The cityтАЩs location along the Rhone River helped develop its inland trade, as goods and ideas moved up and down the river. Today, it offers romantic scenery and cool breezes in the summer.
But Avignon isnтАЩt just a city dedicated to the past- it also has a modern cultural scene! AvignonтАЩs most well-known annual event is the Festival d'Avignon, held every July. This festival is one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world, attracting artists and audiences globally for its eclectic mix of theater, dance, and music.
From Marseille to Avignon: travel tips
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 dтАЩAvignon
For a city of just 90,000 residents to host such a large event, Avignon fills up fast! DonтАЩt 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 AvignonтАЩs 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 wonтАЩt 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, youтАЩll 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 childrenтАЩs car seats and use handicapped-accessible vans. Secure a seat for $87 (тВм81).
### Marseille to Avignon by train
TGV refers to FranceтАЩs 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 MarseilleтАЩs Saint-Charles station. Tickets cost from $16 to $51 (тВм15-тВм50), 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 (тВм8) with frequent departures. Buses depart from MarseilleтАЩs Saint-Charles station and drop you off at AvignonтАЩs 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
ItтАЩs hard not to stumble upon history on AvignonтАЩs cobblestoned streets. Make sure to get all of these activities onto your itinerary for your trip from Marseille to Avignon.
### Ride Le Petit Train d'Avignon (The Little Avignon Train)
Get your bearings right by riding the Little Avignon Train as soon as you get to town. This 45-minute ride includes an audio tour in multiple languages and is an easy way to see the major points of interest without exhausting yourself. It is great for families with young children or those with limited mobility. It starts and ends in front of the Palais des Papes.
### Tour the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)
After your little train tour, get a look inside the Palais des Papes, which served as the residence of the popes during the 14th century. It is among the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and held the largest library in Europe at its height. It is regularly one of the top 10 most visited places in France, with about 650,000 visitors annually.
### Sip a coffee on Place de l'Horloge
The main square in Avignon is full of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops. ItтАЩs a great place to people-watch and enjoy the local atmosphere in the shadow of its clock tower.
### Visit the Pont Saint-B├йn├йzet (Pont d'Avignon)
This medieval bridge is most well-known from the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." Only a few arches remain, so it more closely resembles a dock than a bridge, but it is still a charming historical site with views of the Rhone River. Legend says that a shepherd, Benezet, had a vision in which angels told him to construct a bridge on that site.
The bridgeтАЩs construction was said to cause many miraculous healings, and Benezet became the patron saint of bridge builders.
When is the best time to visit 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 youтАЩd rather visit Avignon when the crowds have thinned, aim for spring and autumn. The major points of interest will be adorned in greenery, and youтАЩll have more space to enjoy them and shorter lines.
The leafy boulevards, Romantic mansions, and plethora of fountains give a chic air to the former Provencal capital.┬аA Provencal Fountain of Chic┬а
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.┬аLooking Back, Looking Forward┬а
Chateau de la Barben
This still-lived in castle transports visitors back in time through its fully furnished interior, serene garden, and costumed guides.┬аA Private Fantasy┬а
Salon-de-Provence
The final home of Nostradamus, this medieval cityтАЩs historic core houses a massive castle, serene churches, and a unique fountain.┬аThe BishopтАЩs Lounge┬а
Cavaillon
Known throughout France for its melons, this ancient city has a cornucopia of historic monuments for visitors to enjoy.┬аRipe with History┬а
Les Baux
Built on a rocky outcrop, the stone buildings and cobbled streets of one of FranceтАЩs most beautiful villages transport visitors to the Middle Ages.┬аBack to the Stone Age┬а
тАЬTransfer excellent, driver on time, car had extra comfort, provided water and professional, 1 hour drive - easy and simply. Would happy use service again or recommendтАЭ
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тАЬThis company is like Uber on steroids. We arranged a trip from Marseille to Avignon. Our driver, Serge, picked us up at our hotel in a very nice, large, comfortable vehicle. He was punctual and his driving was excellent. We paid extra for a sightseeing tour enroute. There were several options of side trips to choose from. We would highly recommend this company and our driver, Serge.тАЭ
