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Day Trips from Avignon

Day Trips from Avignon

Avignon Provence-alpes-cote Dazur, France Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Arles and Nîmes, renowned for Roman ruins. Orange features one of Europe's's best-preserved Roman Theatres. Pont du Gard, a monumental aqueduct, is a masterpiece of Roman engineering.

Discover perched villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and Gordes in the Alpilles and Luberon mountains. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a connection to Van Gogh and Roman ruins. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for antique markets and waterwheels, while Fontaine-de-Vaucluse reveals a mysterious spring source. Elegant Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are also accessible.

Locations

  • Arles (20 min train)
  • Nîmes (30 min train)
  • Orange (15 min train)
  • Pont du Gard (30 min drive/bus)

Transportation Options

Access to these locations varies. Train, bus, and car options are available. GetYourGuide provides a large variety of bookable day trips and excursions for convenience.

Public Transport

Avignon Centre and Avignon TGV stations feature frequent train connections to major Roman sites. Regional trains serve smaller towns. Local bus routes connect Avignon to places like Pont du Gard and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Modes and Coverage

  • Trains: Avignon to Arles, Nîmes, Orange, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille.
  • Buses: Connect to Pont du Gard (Line 115), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
  • Bus travel is economical, but slower with varying frequency.

Car Rental & Tours

Driving yields high flexibility for exploring multiple villages in the Luberon or Alpilles regions. Public transport links to these smaller villages may be limited. Organized tours handle transport and logistics.

Options and Benefits

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour

  • Fixed itinerary and schedule
  • Per person fee
  • No driving, navigation, or parking concerns
  • Often includes guide commentary

Independent Travel

  • Personalized pace and stops
  • Variable cost based on transport and entries
  • Planning, driving, and maps are needed
  • Personal research is a requirement

Time Needed and Suggested Itineraries

  • Half-Day Trip:Pont du Gard (3-4 hours)
  • Full-Day Trip:Luberon villages or Arles & Nîmes (8-10 hours)
  • Roman Sites Focus:Arles, Nîmes, Orange, Pont du Gard
  • Provençal Villages Focus:Les Baux, Saint-Rémy, Gordes, Roussillon
  • Natural Wonders Focus:Verdon Gorge, Camargue, beaches
  • Wine Tasting Focus:Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas
  • Art & Culture Focus:Aix-en-Provence, Carrières de Lumières
  • Days The market is open Focus:L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sundays)

Quick Tip for Day Trips

For villages not easily accessible by public transport, a rental car or an organized tour offers the most straightforward way to visit.

Natural Escapes

Provence features stunning natural landscapes, presenting a different view compared to Avignon's urban setting.

Regional Natural Parks

The Luberon, Alpilles, and Camargue parks surround Avignon, offering protected areas for biodiversity and scenery.

Scenic Wonders

Explore the ochre cliffs and quarries of Roussillon and the vast Gorges du Verdon, known as Europe's Grand Canyon.

Water Escapes

The Mediterranean Coast and Lac de Sainte-Croix feature clear waters for swimming and watersports.

Luberon & Alpilles

These regional natural parks offer a blend of natural beauty and charming villages. Activities include hiking and picturesque drives.

Park Highlights

  • Marked trails for trekkers.
  • Stunning panoramic views.
  • Charming villages integrated into the landscape.

Gorges du Verdon & Camargue

The Verdon Gorge features spectacular turquoise waters. The Camargue is an unique wetland ecosystem known for its wildlife.

Natural Wonders

  • Verdon Gorge: Kayaking, hiking, cliff scaling.
  • Lac de Sainte-Croix: Swimming, paddleboarding.
  • Camargue: White horses, flamingos, bull ranches.

Coastal and Rural Areas

Nearest beaches (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer):Approx. 1 hour drive
Coastal towns near Montpellier:La Grande-Motte, Palavas-les-Flots
Orange orchards in season:Around October-November
Lavender fields (Valensole Plateau):Peak bloom June-July (2-hour drive)
Olive groves and mills:Various locations throughout Provence
Traditional Provençal markets:Daily in various towns

Nature Preservation Focus

  • Adhere to park rules for conservation.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect flora and fauna.
  • Avoid littering in all natural spaces.
  • Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife.
  • Respect private property and agricultural land.

Cultural Excursions

Broaden cultural understanding by exploring historical sites and traditional villages outside Avignon.

Ancient History

Vaison-la-Romaine features an extensive archaeological site with Roman ruins. Glanum, near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, displays impressive Roman and Celtic remains.

Archaeological Sites

  • Vaison-la-Romaine (45 min drive): Roman theater and residential areas.
  • Glanum (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence): From the time of the romans and Celtic ruins.
  • Both offer insight into ancient life.

Rural & Agricultural Tours

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its canals and waterwheels. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the source of the Sorgue River. The wineries near Avignon are world-renowned.

Rural Charms & Wine

  • L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Picturesque canals and waterwheels.
  • Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: A charming village at a natural spring.
  • Vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas: Tours and tastings.

Historic Cities

Aix-en-Provence, with its tree-lined boulevards, has a connection to Paul Cézanne. Marseille features a historic Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica.

City Exploration

  • Aix-en-Provence: Explore Cézanne's studio and sophisticated atmosphere.
  • Marseille: Visit the Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde.
  • Boat trips to the Calanques from Marseille are possible.

Pilgrimage & Art

While Avignon itself used to be a major pilgrimage site, its historical significance through the Palais des Papes offers a profound spiritual connection. Carrières de Lumières has an unique immersive art experience.

Spiritual & Creative Journeys

  • Palais des Papes: Former Papal residence, a historic and spiritual landmark.
  • Carrières de Lumières (Les Baux): Digital art show projected onto quarry walls.
  • An inspiring and unique cultural experience.

Recommended Wine Regions

Discover the world-renowned Côtes du Rhône wines in nearby appellations.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Famous for its powerful red wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings.

Gigondas

Known for its robust reds, often a blend with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Vacqueyras

Produces full-bodied red wines, similar in style to Gigondas, with its own distinct terroir.

Wine Tasting Opportunity

Many wineries near Avignon conduct tours and tastings, presenting an excellent chance to learn about and sample local wines.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond Avignon to explore more of Provence or connect to other regions of France and beyond.

Adding 1-3 Days

1

Côte d'Azur

Combine with a visit to the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco). Accessible by TGV (2.5-3 hours).

2

Camargue

An overnight stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer thoroughly has this unique ecosystem and culture.

3

Luberon & Verdon

2-3 days thoroughly explore perched villages and the stunning gorge. Stay in a local village.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Paris (Direct TGV connection)
  • Lyon (Major French city with TGV links)
  • Nice/French Riviera (Coastal contrast)
  • Barcelona (Direct TGV services via Montpellier)
  • Italian Riviera (Continue east along the coast)
  • Languedoc-Roussillon (Venture west into Occitanie)

Longer Regional Travel

  • Provence Loop (7-10 days): Avignon > Arles/Nîmes > Luberon > Aix-en-Provence > Marseille.
  • Provence & Riviera (10-14 days): Avignon > Aix-en-Provence > TGV to Nice (for French Riviera exploration).
  • High-speed trains (TGV) are highly efficient.
  • HAVING a rental car allows for flexibility for rural exploration.

Transportation Connections

High-Speed Rail TGV

Efficient for inter-city travel within France and connections to neighboring countries.

Regional Trains TER

Useful for travel within Provence to little towns and villages.

Rental Car

Provides flexibility for rural exploration or combining regions less served by public transport.

Strategic Planning

For longer trips, plan your route to minimize travel time and maximize exploration of distinct regions.
Day Trips from Avignon. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours