About Avignon

The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.

The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.

This museum owes its growth to the naturalist Esprit Requien (1758-1851), who was the most famous of Avignon scientists of his time. From an old middle class family, he devoted himself early to botany. By age 18, he is active in the Botanical Garden of the city of Avignon and is a herbarium that quickly acquired great importance.

Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).

Collector Michel Houche, has filled his house in Avignon, with over 4000 different pieces of Coca Cola memorabilia, creating a unique collection which tells an interesting story behind the brand.

The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.

This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.

This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.

Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.

In each of his dishes, Philippe Boucher places Provence centre stage. Thanks to different associations of spices and carefully selected products, he offers a regional and gourmet menu. 

A grand and luxurious dining room with a beautiful garden terrace and gourmet dishes are offered at this Michelin-starred restaurant.

Situated in a vaulted room by the beautiful cloister of a 15th-century monastery, this restaurant serves refined traditional French cuisine. They also have a carefully selected wine list.

This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.

Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.

Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.

Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.

In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.

Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.

This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.

Provence & Wine offer small guided tours from Avignon and Aix en Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon, the Alpilees and the Cotes du Rhone villages.

This company offers either shared or private tours of Provence in an 8 seater air-conditioned minibus.

In the heart of the rugged Vaucluse region, Garden Golf d’Avignon is surrounded by lakes, mountains and forests.

There are two swimming pools here - an indoor one for winter and outdoor one for summer.

This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.

From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.

This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.

This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.

This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!

This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.

Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.

Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.

The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.

A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.

Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.

Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.

This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.

The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.

With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.

Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.

Authentic provencal house to rent in the heart of Luberon. It has recently been renovated. The pool is safe for children as it is secured by a barrier.

Not far from the village Laudun l’Ardoise and 25km from Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, you can discover this unique holiday house, with a swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Superb, very bright mas, freshly renovated with high quality materials while preserving the charm of the old stone.

Close to the village of Cabrières d'Avignon, magnificent farmhouse with a living area of approximately 330 m2 spread over two levels. 

Come and spend your holidays in a quiet haven in the very heart of Provence - Mas Formiga

Rental of a farmhouse for a holiday in Provence, facing Gordes, with a swimming pool and garden.

Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.

A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.

Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings

Beautiful village Mas less than quarter of an hour away from Avignon.

New to the rental market: this magnificent stone mas, which has been freshly renovated in the center of Eygalières.

This beautiful Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool is located 900 m from the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a quiet and ideal place to spend the holidays discovering the Alpilles and their beautiful landscapes.

La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.

Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.

This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.

A warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and personal service make the Saint Laurent a charming place to stay and relax.

Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.

The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.