The best walks and hikes around Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon

The historic old town of Avignon can be wonderfully explored on foot. Stroll through the winding alleys, discover small squares, cafés, and boutiques, and enjoy the Provençal flair. A special highlight is the almost completely preserved city wall of Avignon from the 14th century. It encloses the old town over a length of around 4.3 kilometers and has numerous towers and historic city gates. A walk along the wall in the early morning or just before sunset, when the warm light bathes the old stone walls in golden colors, is particularly atmospheric.

The Musée Lapidaire is a real insider tip for anyone interested in antiquity. The museum is housed in an impressive former Jesuit chapel from the 17th century – the contrast between the baroque architecture and the Greek, Roman, and Gallo-Roman sculptures alone makes the visit special. Among the highlights is the famous Tarasque de Noves, a mysterious Celtic stone sculpture. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free, and you should allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the tour.

Rue des Fourbisseurs is one of the most beautiful streets in the old town of Avignon. Rue des Fourbisseurs connects the shopping street Rue des Marchands with Place Saint-Didier and enchants with its medieval flair, small boutiques, arts and crafts, and cozy cafés. In the past, the "Fourbisseurs" worked here – craftsmen who polished and maintained swords and armor. The street name still reminds us of this historical craft today.

The Palais des Papes in Avignon is one of the most impressive buildings in French history. It's best to take enough time for your visit – the large halls, chapels, and old defensive walls are particularly worth seeing. A little insider tip: Visit the palace in the morning or late afternoon if possible, when there are fewer visitors and the light makes the mighty stone walls look particularly beautiful. Don't forget to enjoy the view of the old town and the Rhône from the terrace – it's one of the most beautiful views in Avignon.

When you are in Avignon, it is worth making a detour to one of the charming squares with its old plane trees. Under the dense canopy, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the old town, have a coffee and enjoy the typical southern French way of life. Especially in the late afternoon, when the light falls through the branches, the square appears wonderfully calm and atmospheric.

If you want to experience theatre in Avignon, the Festival d’Avignon is an absolute highlight. Every summer, the entire city transforms into a grand stage – from the impressive Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes to small courtyards and historic venues. In addition to classic plays, there is modern theatre, dance, performance, and international productions. A special tip: Don't just attend the major evening performances, but also a smaller "Off" show – you'll often discover surprising, experimental pieces in a very personal atmosphere.

The Uhrplatz (Place de l’Horloge) is the vibrant heart of Avignon's old town. It's best visited in the late afternoon or early evening, when the facades glow in the warm light and the many cafés fill their terraces. My tip: Don't just sit down for a moment, but treat yourself to a coffee, a glass of wine, or a small regional specialty and watch the hustle and bustle. From here, it's only a few steps to the Palais des Papes and the historic old town – ideal as a starting point for a stroll through the alleys.

The seat of the French antipopes in the 14th century is a huge, impressive Gothic building in the middle of the old town of Avignon.