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Avignon, often called the City of Popes, sits in the heart of Provence and blends medieval grandeur with lively cultural vitality. During the 14th century, Avignon hosted seven successive popes and the Palais des Papes remains one of Europe’s largest Gothic palaces built for pontifical residence. This UNESCO World Heritage site anchors the city’s historic core and draws visitors into its chambers, courtyards and chapels.
Walk through centuries-old ramparts and cobbled streets to the Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet), a half-bridge immortalized in song and offering sweeping views of the Rhône and city skyline. The city’s Rocher des Doms gardens, perched above the river, provide a tranquil pavilion of peacocks, ponds and panoramic views over the old town and surrounding landscapes.
Avignon pulses with cultural energy — every July, the Festival d’Avignon transforms piazzas, palace courtyards, and streets into stages for theatre, dance, music, and performance art. Alongside the festival, the Musée du Petit Palais showcases an exceptional collection of early Italian and Avignon school paintings while the Musée Calvet presents decorative arts, archaeology and regional treasures.
With Atlas Tours, your Avignon visit is seamless: curated walks through Papal history, guided visits to artisan quarters such as Rue des Teinturiers, access to local markets and Provençal flavors, and well-paced exploration. Whether you come for history, art, river views, or festive brilliance, Avignon delivers a rich Provence experience that bridges past and present.









