The Reasons Why Visitors Choose Avignon, France, and Some Stay Longer

Maureen Steinberg grew up amid the sun-soaked energy of Southern California, spending years in the lively sprawl of Los Angeles. In 2020, she set out for something entirely new, trading LA’s endless buzz for Avignon’s gentle rhythms, a picturesque gem in France. That leap from the West Coast’s largest city to Avignon’s charm must have been a remarkable adventure. We’re grateful to Maureen for sharing what makes Avignon such a captivating place to visit or call home.

Photo Credit ©Pixabay

A Short History of Avignon

Cradled by the Rhône River, Avignon is a city where history lingers in every corner. With over 91,000 residents and a vibrant metropolitan area, it is a thriving city. High-speed trains whisk you from Paris or the Riviera straight to Avignon’s TGV station, where a brief ride brings you to the city’s storied heart. Here, ancient ramparts embrace the old town, and within these stone walls, a world of intrigue and discovery awaits.

Avignon’s history dates back more than two millennia, reaching a dramatic peak in the 14th century, when it became the seat of the popes. The city’s heart is wrapped in mighty ramparts, sheltering the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes. This grand palace, with its labyrinth of rooms, chapels, gardens, and even a cemetery, stands as a testament to the era when the Catholic clergy shaped the world from within these walls.

The Pont St-Bénezet and Papal Palace in Avignon. ©Paul Shawcross 2020

Within the city’s ancient walls, you’ll find treasures such as the Cathedral and the Petit Palais, now home to a remarkable museum. Just beyond the ramparts, the graceful arches of the Saint-Bénézet bridge span the Rhône, a survivor of centuries, restored in the 17th century.

Today, Avignon is a jewel of Provence, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant shopping streets, world-class museums, and unforgettable dining.

Each year, the city comes alive with the Festival d’Avignon (actually two festivals), transforming its streets into a stage for creativity and performance. The original Festival d’Avignon (IN Festival) is a series of theatrical performances that runs every July since Jean Vilar created the event in 1947. This festival has an annual budget of roughly 12 million euros, and you must purchase tickets in advance for performances staged in beautiful, historic venues in the city, including the Cloister of the Carmelites, the Carrière de Boulbon, and the Court of the Palais des Papes.

Avignon’s OFF Festival features a range of performing arts, including theatre, book readings (classical and modern texts), circus acts, dance, music, and street performances. The full program is typically available online in mid-June.

©Avignon Tourism

A Change of Pace in Avignon

When you could have chosen to live anywhere in Provence, the Côte d’Azur, or elsewhere in France, why did you choose Avignon?

I spent five weeks wandering through France, searching for a place that truly felt like home. Though many regions dazzled me, Avignon captured my heart. I am drawn to the city’s easy social rhythm—those spontaneous encounters that turn into sunlit afternoons at a café. Culture thrives here, from museums and cinemas to the majestic Palais des Papes and a tapestry of shops and restaurants. Its location is ideal, nestled in Provence with the TGV close by for quick getaways, and just a stone’s throw from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Luberon.

Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

What are the 5 reasons why visitors choose Avignon?

1. It’s a city meant to be wandered. Avignon reveals itself slowly, through narrow streets, hidden squares, and chance pauses at sun-filled cafés where time seems to stretch.
2. History at your fingertips. Walking through Avignon is walking through centuries—from the grandeur of the Palais des Papes to the quiet poetry of its ancient walls.
3. A living cultural stage. Art, cinema, music, and festivals give the city a constant creative pulse, making every season feel alive and expressive.
4. The pleasure of everyday life. Markets, terraces, local shops, and long meals invite visitors to experience not just the sights, but the rhythm of Provençal living.
5. An atmosphere that lingers. Avignon stays with you—not because it overwhelms, but because it charms, gently and deeply, long after you’ve left.

Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

What are your favourite places in Avignon?

The Pope’s garden, Rocher des Doms, is a favourite retreat of mine. The Petit Palais enchants with its collection of Italian art, including treasures from the Louvre, and in summer, a hidden garden café appears like a secret oasis. I cherish walks on Barthelasse Island in the Rhône, and savouring afternoon tea at La Mirande is always a delight.

Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

Do you have a favourite place for coffee in Avignon?

No, I don’t have a favourite, but local favourites include Celestine Celest at Place des Corps Saints. Mon Bar near Place des Carmes is a real people-watching café with grumpy servers. Then there is Grand Café Barretta in Place du Saint-Didier, which is also a good restaurant for dinner. Also, Simple Simon is a charming petit restaurant for afternoon tea.

Can you share some restaurant recommendations in Avignon?

Food is truly my passion, and Avignon is a paradise for anyone who loves to eat. Michelin-starred gems like Polen, Le Goût du Jour, Bibendum, and La Mirande are among my favourites. I also recommend Fou de Fafa, L’Atelier de Belinda, LE JOAT, and La Brasserie. For something more casual, try the Thai flavours at Ubon or grab a slice of pizza at Come a Roma.

Eating Lunch in Avignon

La Mirande
4, Place De L’amirande,
84000 Avignon

Fou de Fafa
17 Rue Des Trois Faucons,
84000 Avignon,

How would you describe the lifestyle in Provence to someone who has not visited?

Life here is easygoing, welcoming, and beautiful. Every village in Provence has its own charm, whether you’re lingering over a lazy summer afternoon on a terrace in Saint Rémy or browsing a roadside market for sun-ripened produce. There’s always something to discover.

Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

To some degree, Provence lives on its clichés in photos – scenes of lavender, sunflower fields, and boules players. Is this your Provence?

Pictures may paint Provence in lavender hues, but my Provence lives in the early morning markets, the brocantes, and those lingering lunches that drift into the evening. It is the song of cicadas in the summer heat—a life that is richer than any photograph.

A Few More Questions About Avignon

What is the best time of year to visit Avignon for festivals or pleasant weather?

Avignon can be visited in any season. During the summer months and the Avignon Festival, the city is bustling yet full of energy. There are many museums and galleries, as well as the Palais des Papes, which offer indoor exhibitions year-round. Perhaps the only day I’d suggest avoiding Avignon is when the Mistral is blowing strongly. The city seems to bear the brunt of the wind as it roars down the Rhône River.

Photo Credit ©Michel Augsburger

Is Avignon easy to explore on foot, or are there local transport options visitors should know about?

Whether arriving by TGV or regional train, reaching the old town is straightforward. Avignon’s regional station (Gare Centre) is close to the historic center, hotels, and the tourism office, all within walking distance. The TGV station is just 6 kilometres away, a quick taxi ride away.

The compact, walkable historic center allows visitors to experience a mostly car-free visit. Take a walk down the cobblestoned Rue des Teinturiers (the dyers’ street), the most picturesque street of Avignon. Wander around the “Fourbisseurs” street, the heart of the pedestrian area for artisanal boutiques.

Are there any must-try local dishes or food markets unique to Avignon?

In the morning, go to the Les Halles market in the city, where you will find a great variety of foods, and you can have a delicious breakfast.

Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

Are there museums in Avignon?

The Avignon archival collection is immense, with 1,200,000 works of art, objects of interest and documents. Avignon Musées is an initiative spearheaded by Cécile Helle, Mayor of Avignon, 1st Vice President of Greater Avignon. The concept showcases the city’s remarkable artistic heritage through shared programming across five museums.

Musée Calvet
65, rue Joseph Vernet
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 86 33 84
Closed Tuesdays

Musée Lapidaire
27, rue de la République
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 85 75 38
Closed Mondays

Petit Palais
Palais des Archevêques
Place du Palais des Papes
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 86 44 58
Closed Tuesdays

Musée Requien
67, rue Joseph Vernet
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 82 43 51
Closed Sundays & Mondays

Palais du Roure
3, rue Collège du Roure
84000 Avignon
Tel: +33 (0)4 13 60 50 01
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Holidays

Collection Lambert Avignon. Photo Credit ©Perfectly Provence

Maureen Steinberg is a real estate professional with l’Agence des Alpilles et Luberon in the Saint Rémy office, where she assists clients with property purchases and sales in the Alpilles and Luberon. With over 25 years of experience as a Realtor in Los Angeles, she brings market knowledge and a deep understanding of international clients’ expectations. Living in Provence full-time, Maureen specializes in working with English-speaking buyers, bridging cultural differences and guiding them confidently through the French property process. From retirees beginning a new chapter to those seeking an exceptional second home, she is committed to making each transition seamless and rewarding.

Full day Bandol & Cassis Discovery Wine Tour from Marseille

Begin your journey in the medieval village of Le Castellet, perched elegantly atop a wooded hill overlooking lush vineyards. Next, venture into the renowned Bandol wine region.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).