A vibrant square lined with cafés, theaters, and the 14th-century clock tower. This is the natural entry point into Avignon’s old town, where elegant façades and lively terraces give you an instant sense of the city’s energy.

Europe’s largest Gothic palace, once the seat of the papacy in the 14th century. Its battlements and vast courtyards dominate the skyline, while interiors (ticketed) reveal frescoes and cavernous halls that tell the story of Avignon’s global importance. 3 Rocher des Doms Belvedere A landscaped hilltop garden just behind the palace, offering panoramic views over the Rhône, Mont Ventoux, and the surrounding countryside. It’s also a peaceful pause in the city, with shaded benches and fountains.

A landscaped hilltop garden just behind the palace, offering panoramic views over the Rhône, Mont Ventoux, and the surrounding countryside. It’s also a peaceful pause in the city, with shaded benches and fountains.

The half-bridge immortalized in song reaches partway across the Rhône. Walking on the surviving arches gives one of Avignon’s most iconic perspectives: palace and ramparts above, river flowing below.

A UNESCO-listed feat of engineering, this three-tier aqueduct once carried water to Nîmes. Standing nearly 50 meters high, it spans the Gardon River with monumental grace. Viewpoints from the riverside and trails allow for spectacular photos, and its museum (optional) explains the aqueduct’s construction.