Among the many reasons to add Avignon to your bucket list, is the fact that it is utterly picturesque.
In taking advantage of our unexpected time to get to know the city, we both found ourselves hardly able to put down our cameras, because every street or alley seemed to hold something new and different and beautiful in ways that Paris simply hadn’t been.
Hang on to your Instagram hearts, ladies and gents. Here’s Avignon!
Papal Palace
Admire this beauty from the outside, or purchase tickets and take a LONG stroll through the interior of this amazing and beautiful historical site. Much of the palace’s prior opulence is long gone, but what remains is still stunning.
Boyfriend Perspective: You may find that you are being serenaded by a musician or two in the plaza. Start stepping on her toes and slow dance under the palace.
Pont St Bénézet
One of Avignon’s crown jewels, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont d’Avignon is not to be missed. Purchase tickets (5 €, each) to learn about the bridge’s storied history and take a stroll out onto its remaining arches.
City walls
Head up a spiral staircase accessible via an unobtrusive hole in Avignon’s old wall near a small road – and hike your way up to so glorious views (and some much needed shade!). This one’s free of cost.
Park above the city walls
As with the walls, themselves, this park is free to enjoy. You can also enjoy a snack at the pond-side restaurant, take your little ones to a nearby playground, or simply walk around and enjoy the change of pace.
Boyfriend Perspective: Beaucoup brownie points if you pack wine and cheese for a sunset snack.
Lavender patch by the Rhône
Can’t make it out to the countryside? Believe it or not, urban Avignon’s got you covered. We happened upon this patch during our “accidental” day in the city, and got some of the lavender shots we’d been hungering for. It’ll do until next time 🙂
Boyfriend Perspective: Can you insta-hack it so you’re in a lavender field?
Bonus: Pretty much every side street in the old city
Are there any spots in this lovely city that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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I love Avignon, such a fantastic city. Already following on Instagram, loving the photos.
Thank you so much! And yes, it’s one of our favorite places now – we fell unexpectedly in love with it 😉
You’re not kidding, it really is picturesque. I have just added it to my list of places to visit. It amazes me how there are so many places in the world that look like they are straight out of a fantasy movie. I would be camera trigger happy along those bridges and streets 😀
It is!! And I agree, it’s amazing how much real life informs so many of our favorite fantastical places 🙂
Love the pictures, especially the one of the view from the Pont. Looks like a really charming place to visit!
Thank you! And it really is very, very charming. I felt like I couldn’t stop taking pictures 🙂
We didn’t have a lot of time in Avignon, but we loved it. As you’ve shown, it’s a very picturesque city. You can pretty much take a good picture of anything there, but the Pont was one of my faves.
Agreed, it’s hard to take a bad shot anywhere you look! We’re hoping to get back to Avignon and the surrounding area in the next year or so because, like you, we really didn’t have enough time there 🙂
Avignon looks very picturesque. I have never been but hope to visit one day.
I think one of the best parts about Avignon is that it’s a great escape from tourist crowds and Paris, AND it’s centered in a region where there’s so, so much to do. Hopefully you do get there! 🙂
The imposing medieval / gothic architecture reminds me of the Cathar castles in nearby Languedoc region. And the photo of the lavender brings back so many memories of this area as well.
There’s so much more we want to do in the south of France – I think we were both pretty heartbroken to only have a day! But I’ll have to keep those castles in Languedoc in mind, as we’re planning a return trip in the next year or so 🙂
I just adore Avignon, and have been there three times over the years……you are so right with these places. My faves are definitely the bridge and also the park above the walls. We had the most amazing picnic up there!
That’s amazing! I think you’re one of the first people I’ve spoken with who’s familiar with Avignon – it really flies under the radar, somehow. And yes, that park was definitely one of our favorite spots, too. After a hot day, sitting under all that beautiful shade is so welcome!
That charming street shot!! That is exactly my favorite vision when I think of Europe, quaint streets lined by beautiful architecture. I also love the city walls and the Papal Palace, absolutely gorgeous spots to capture photos.
The great thing about Avignon is that, if we’d had more than a day there, I’m pretty sure we could’ve shared even more photo-worthy spots. And because the city was noticeably less crowded than Paris, you really do get the feeling you’ve been craving – music flowing through the streets, history and lovely architecture everywhere… now I want to go back! hah
I was about to say that I have never been to Avignon before and then realised I passed through there 14years ago when I was a tour through Europe. What a beautiful place and I love your instagram spots, I would definitely use your ideas when I go back there especially of Papal Palace
That’s so funny! And I bet not a lot has changed. That part of the city looks like it’s completely frozen in a couple different eras, from the Middle Ages all the way up through the 30s. Hope you do get back 🙂