Morning walk with views galore!
Time travel at the Palais des Papes.
Museums for every genre of art lover.
I didn't know what to expect from Avignon, but it surprised me in all the best ways! It's just an absolutely lovely town with so much to offer! I only spent one full day in Avignon, but I could easily have spent a few more. There was so much to do and not enough time.
Let me walk you through how I chose to spend my time on this perfect day in Avignon.
Early Morning Advantage
Ironically, perhaps, I really only like to get up early when I'm on vacation. It's always my favorite part of the day! I have the town practically to myself, no crowds or tour buses, and that early morning light is just chef's kiss!
So my perfect day in Avignon, France started off with an early morning walk from my AirBnB to the Jardin des Doms. I knew that the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) would be least crowded as soon as it opened, but I had an hour to explore before the gardens before that happened. The forecast called for a spring rain that day, so I brought my trust umbrella with me. It had rained the night before, so the streets were wet and everything felt fresh. Of course, I had stopped at the nearest boulangerie for a morning pastry!
The Jardin des Doms winds up the hill to an incredible view of the famous Pont d'Avignon and Fort Saint-Andre across the Rhone River. Because it was still early, I also saw the sun trying to break through the rain clouds. And again, I practically had it all to myself, which is why I love getting up early!
Persistent sunbeams break through clouds.
Fort Saint-Andre across the Rhone
Pont d'Avignon seen from the Jardin des Doms
World War I and World War II monument at the Jardin des Doms
Flowers climbing the walls at the Jardin des Doms
Taking advantage of the early morning for some solitude
As the morning progresses, we start seeing tour groups gathering.
Sunrise at Notre Dame des Doms
Halls of History
The next stop for our day in Avignon is the Palais des Papes. Avignon actually became the home of the Pope in 1309 AD and remained the seat of Christianity for about 70 years... or longer, depending on if you were Team Pope Urban VI in Rome or Team Pope Clement VII in France during the Papal Schism. Eventually, the Pisan Council determined both popes were illegitimate and elected a brand new one, Martin V... who took office in Rome.
The Palace of the Popes continued to exist in many forms, including as a scene of a massacre during the French Revolution. And then as barracks for officers during the Napoleonic French state in the 19th Century. It's now one of the main tourist destinations for Avignon. Indeed, I think it's a must-see!
The tour is self-guided, but they give you a little histopad to help explain along the way. I actually loved using the histopad! It recreates what some of the rooms would have looked like and gives you opportunities to learn more if you wanted or breeze through the Palace if you didn't. The Palace of the Popes is huge! There's a lot to see. I'd definitely suggest a snack before your tour.
A view over Avignon through a leaded glass window
A historic, wooden door from the courtyard
Cannonballs stacked in the courtyard
A perfect resting spot next to stained glass window
A view over Avignon through a lead glass window
A 14th Century stone hallway with timber roof
A histopad shows what the timber roof would have originally looked like
Groin vault, diamond pane windows, and stone in the 14th Century Palais des Papes
Medieval sculptures
Lunch Break!
We've had a full morning exploring the gardens and views of Jardin des Doms and then touring the chapels, great halls, and courtyards of the Palace of the Popes. It's time to relax with a long French lunch and the conveniently located Place de l'Horloge has plenty of options. I stopped for ravioli and asparagus with roasted tomatoes, and it was perfection.
Place de l'Horloge is great for people-watching while you eat, and of course, like any self-respecting French square, there's a carousel.
Another option that's about a ten-minute walk is Les Halles. This indoor market has a wide variety of stalls where you can get some takeaway food for a quicker lunch or as a way to sample more deliciousness.
Stroll Art Galleries
I was surprised by the number of art museums located in Avignon. During my research phase, I just kept adding more to the list, so it made it hard to decide! Here are the two that I chose to visit.
Musée Angladon
The Musée Angladon is an intimate collection that is set up in a beautiful 18th Century building. I love smaller museums like the Angladon because it doesn't feel as overwhelming. I don't feel rushed to try and see everything and can just enjoy the experience.
Though small, this museum contains incredible works by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Manet, Modigliani, Picasso and many other significant 19th and 20th Century artists.
Musée Calvet
The Musée Calvet is a larger museum than the Angladon. I loved the sculpture collection, and then there is also a lot of French, Italian, and Spanish paintings, as well as Egyptian antiquities. I loved it! Bigger, but not too big.
Other Art Options
Here are a few more museum options that I wish I had time to explore.
- Musée Petit du Palais - If you're a fan of Medieval and Renaissance religious art, then this is the museum for you! Bonus, it's free! And it has a beautiful Botticelli Madonna.
- Musée Lapidaire - A treasure trove of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities.
- Musée Requien - Butterflies, bugs, gemstones, animals, and all things natural.
- Collection Lambert - This contemporary art museum often has large scale, immersive exhibits.
Relax!
I chose my AirBnB because it had a washer and dryer, and I was halfway through my time in France, so my perfect day actually ended with me going home to do some laundry and watch Love is Blind on Netflix. I used Uber Eats to order in some dinner, which I believe was actually Indian food. I'd love to pretend it was something more exciting, but actually... it really was the perfect ending to long day of exploring. C'est la vie.
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