Classic 3-Day Avignon Itinerary: History, Art & Gastronomy in Provence

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Avignon, France on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Les 5 Sens

Begin your day with a delicious Provençal breakfast featuring fresh croissants and aromatic coffee at this cozy café near Place de l'Horloge.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)

Explore one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, the Papal Palace where seven popes resided during the 14th century. Opening hours are 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

11:45am

Avignon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms)

Visit this stunning Romanesque cathedral adjacent to the Papal Palace featuring baroque interiors and a beautiful Virgin Mary statue overlooking the Rhône River.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès

Enjoy a refined Provençal lunch focusing on seasonal ingredients in a charming setting near the city center. Recommended dishes include regional lamb and ratatouille.
EUR25-35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Rocher des Doms Gardens

Relax with a stroll through these beautiful ornamental gardens offering panoramic views of Avignon and the Rhône River, ideal for photos and leisurely walks.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Musée du Petit Palais

Explore medieval and renaissance art collections within this 14th-century palace, including works by famous Italian and French masters. Open until 6:00pm.
EUR6, 1h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at L'Epicerie

Dine on inventive French cuisine with a modern twist in this warmly decorated bistro, perfect for tasting local wines and seasonal dishes.
EUR35-45, 1h30m

Day 2: Bridges & Villages

Avignon & Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Saint-Ruf

Start your day with strong coffee and fresh pastries in this quaint café popular for its ambiance and local charm.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon)

Visit the famous medieval bridge, known from the traditional song, and explore the small museum detailing its history and construction. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Explore Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Cross the Rhône River to this historic village with stunning views of Avignon, visit the Fort Saint-André and the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction monastery.
EUR5 for Fort Saint-André, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès (Back in Avignon)

Return for a bistro lunch with local specialties such as tapenade and Provençal salad, a rejuvenating meal before the afternoon adventures.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Tour on the Rhône River

Enjoy a relaxing one-hour boat tour that offers unique views of Avignon’s historic bridges and ramparts, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Les Halles Market

Experience the vibrant local market filled with fresh produce, cheeses, and handmade crafts; open until 7:00pm and ideal for souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Christian Etienne

Savor modern French cuisine with a focus on Provençal flavors in this Michelin-starred restaurant, reservations recommended.
EUR60-80, 1h30m

Day 3: Day Trips & Wine

Avignon & Surroundings, France on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Bakery

Grab a quick croissant and coffee to fuel your day for a short excursion outside Avignon.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Pont du Gard

Visit the spectacular ancient Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site just 30 minutes from Avignon. Open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR9, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Head to the famous wine village known for its robust red wines, enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
EUR15-30 for tastings, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Mère Germaine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Enjoy classic Provençal cuisine paired perfectly with local wines in this charming village restaurant.
EUR30-40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Avignon and relax

Spend the late afternoon unwinding back in Avignon, perhaps with a café stop near the Place de l'Horloge.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Fourchette

Conclude your visit with modern French dishes in an inviting setting, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
EUR35-50, 1h30m