What is the best way to get from Paris to Avignon?
The best way to travel depends on your wants and needs. If speed is a concern, take a TGV high-speed train to Avignon. If youโd like to enrich your journey with a road trip across France, take a car or hire a driver.
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Absolutely! Avignon's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Each year, four million enthusiasts of French and Catholic history flock here to wander its enchanting streets and take a step back in time.
How long is the TGV train from Paris to Avignon?
This journey can be made in 2 hours and 30 minutes on a direct TGV train. Trains depart from Parisโ Gare De Lyon and arrive at Avignon TGV multiple times per day. Book your tickets ahead of time to ensure you are on the train that best fits your schedule.
How much is the train ticket from Paris to Avignon?
Tickets for the TGV high-speed train cost between $27 to $117 (โฌ25-โฌ110) for direct routes between Paris and Avignon. Prices fluctuate based on the time of year, how far ahead you book your ticket, and which class of seats you choose. Timetables are available online for the most up-to-date schedule.
What is the distance between Paris and Avignon?
Avignon is 430 miles (690 km) south of Paris. You can drive this distance in about 6 hours and 40 minutes. Other modes of transit include taking a train or a flight. A trip from Paris to Avignon almost covers the entirety of France from north to south.
Is Avignon a walkable city?
Absolutely, Avignon is a haven for pedestrians. Its charming downtown area is compact and filled with car-free streets and cobblestone alleys, perfect for leisurely strolls. You can also explore the city by bike if you prefer. For longer distances within the city, Avignon has an excellent public transit system that makes getting around a breeze.
France is the perfect country for a road trip, especially if you have already seen the capital of Paris. Much of Franceโs allure is hiding in the countryside towns off of the major highways. Your road trip from Paris to Avignon will span almost the entirety of France, so use this as an opportunity to see places like the Palace of Fontainebleau and Vezelay Abbey.
You will need a car to fully enjoy these detours, as the French countryside lacks frequent public transportation to smaller towns and historic castles.
Without any sightseeing stops, the drive takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes (although youโll surely want to plan a few stops to stretch your legs!). After this romantic road trip through France, you'll arrive in Avignon ready to settle down in one city for a day or two!
About Avignon
Nestled in the Provence region of southern France, Avignon is best known for the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). In the 14th century, Avignon became the seat of the papacy, blossoming into a hub of religious culture. The palace's majestic Gothic architecture is a key attraction, drawing around four million visitors each year from all over the world, many of whom also road trip from Paris to Avignon.
Avignonโs old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls. Within these walls, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares like Place de l'Horloge, lined with historical buildings and outdoor cafรฉs. The Pont Saint-Bรฉnรฉzet (Pont d'Avignon) partially extends over the Rhone River and stands as a historic monument, inspiring songs and legends alike.
The cityโs strategic location along the Rhone River fostered its development as an inland trading hub. The exchange of goods and ideas along the waterways contributed to the spread of Avignonโs Catholic influence. Today, the river is a romantic backdrop and provides refreshing summer breezes.
However, Avignon is not merely a city preserved in history; it boasts a modern cultural scene. Its most visited annual event, the Festival d'Avignon, takes place every July. This festival is among the worldโs most significant contemporary performing arts events. It draws in artists and audiences from across the globe with its diverse displays of theater, dance, and music.
From Paris to Avignon: travel tips
Keep these simple travel tips in mind for your journey from Paris to Avignon! Bon voyage!
### Elevate your driving breaks
This 6-hour and 40-minute drive is best done in 2-3 sections throughout the day. You will be seeing almost the entire length of France, so take advantage of the opportunity and schedule stops at comfortable intervals. Instead of just stretching at a truck stop on the highway, take a short detour into culturally rich towns like Vienne and Orange.
### Dress modestly when you visit religious sites
France is rich in religious history and home to many significant Catholic landmarks. When visiting cathedrals and churches on your road trip, ensure that your shoulders, chest, and knees are covered. It's a good idea to remind children beforehand to stay calm and quiet in prayer areas and be considerate of others who may be praying.
How to get from Paris to Avignon
You have many options for your road trip across France. When choosing your mode of transportation for your Paris to Avignon transfer, consider the price, convenience, duration, and cultural enrichment opportunities.
### Paris to Avignon with a private driver
Driving from Paris to Avignon is certainly not the fastest way to travel, but France has a slower way of life that should be embraced while youโre on vacation.
Your Daytrip driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Paris, and youโll have the opportunity to make sightseeing stops on your way to Avignon. Unlike renting a car, you won't need to worry about navigating in French or deciphering road rules. Simply relax and let a local expert handle everything! Once in Avignon, you'll be conveniently dropped off right at your destination.
Daytrip drivers for this route are fluent in both French and English, and our vehicle fleet includes options for adding child car seats and using handicap-accessible vans. Check out our many trip options, with some starting at $242 (โฌ226) per seat.
### Paris to Avignon by train
TGVs are Franceโs high-speed trains, and they can make the Paris to Avignon transfer in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets range in price from $27 to $117 (โฌ25-โฌ110), depending on how far in advance you book and whether you choose 1st or 2nd class. Before purchasing, see if you qualify for cheaper tickets based on your age or disability.
Trains depart from Parisโ Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Avigonโs TGV station. This is, by far, the fastest transit option.
### Paris to Avignon by flight
The closest airport to Avignon is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Air France tickets from CDG to MRS start at $160 (โฌ149.50) per passenger for a one-way trip. You will spend 1 hour and 25 minutes in the air, then need to take a bus, train, or car to Avignon. For example, the drive from Marseille to Avignon is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The entire duration of this trip is about 5 hours once you account for all the transfers.
### Paris to Avignon by bus
Get your beauty sleep and definitely skip the bus for this trip! This is the longest, least comfortable option (and it isnโt even the cheapest!). Flixbus has many daily departures out of Parisโ Bercy Seine station to Avignon, but they require transferring in Lyon. The entire journey will take between 10 and 12 hours and cost about $70 (โฌ65) per person.
The only direct bus routes on the timetable are at night and are an 8-hour journey. Buses depart Paris at 9:30 PM or 11:05 PM and arrive in Avignon at 6:05 AM or 7:05 AM the next morning.
Things to do when you get to Avignon
Stumble across history at every step as you wander Avignon's charming cobblestone streets. Be sure to include these must-see activities in your itinerary after your Paris to Avignon transfer.
### Ride Le Petit Train d'Avignon (The Little Avignon Train)
Start your visit with a ride on the Little Avignon Train to get your bearings. This 45-minute tour, complete with a multilingual audio guide, is an effortless way to see the city's main attractions without tiring yourself out. It's ideal for families with young children or those with limited mobility. The train departs from and returns to the front of the Palais des Papes.
### Tour the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)
After your train ride, take a tour inside the Palais des Papes, the grand residence of the popes in the 14th century. It's one of Europe's largest and most significant medieval Gothic structures and once housed the continent's largest library. Annually, about 650,000 visitors come to see its historic halls, making it one of France's top ten most visited sites.
### Sip a coffee on Place de l'Horloge
Avignon's main square, Place de l'Horloge, is lined with outdoor cafรฉs, restaurants, and shops. Itโs a wonderful spot to relax, people-watch, and soak up the local atmosphere beneath the gaze of the clock tower. It is the best spot to take a break in between tours.
### Visit the Pont Saint-Bรฉnรฉzet (Pont d'Avignon)
This medieval bridge is best known from the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." Although it is only partially intact today, it remains a charming historical site as it jets into the Rhone River. Legend says that a shepherd, Benezet, was inspired by angels to build the bridge here. Its construction is said to have resulted in many miraculous healings, and Benezet is now revered as the patron saint of bridge builders.
When is the best time to visit Avignon
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Avignon. The Festival d'Avignon transforms the city into a vibrant performing arts stage, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across France and beyond. The festival offers something for everyone, with an array of paid and free shows, readings, debates, and workshops. The south of France is already a delight in summer, and the festival adds that extra touch of magic.
However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Avignon in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the city's main attractions are beautifully draped in greenery. You'll find more room to explore and shorter queues at famous sites.
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Palace of Fontainebleau
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest chateaus in France, was home to the countryโs most decadent kings and emperors.ย The House of Agesย
Vezelay Abbey
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich with art, architecture, history, and unique relics. ย A Historic Relicย
Semur-en-Auxois
Guarded by its four-towered keep, this picturesque village has preserved its medieval heritage.ย Keeping things Medievalย
Vienne
This river-side city predates the Romans, and its long history is proudly displayed in its many monuments.ย Overflowing with Historyย
Crocodile Farm
Home to over 400 crocodilians, this massive greenhouse works to educate visitors, while conserve and protecting the various species.ย A Cold-Blooded Hotspotย
Orange
This charming Provencal town offers a scenic historic center and UNESCO-protected Roman architecture.ย Robust Roman Relicsย
