Avignon Destination Guide
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Why France? Why AvignonLonely Planet describes Avignon as “the belle of Provence’s ball” and we couldn’t agree more. There is something about this bustling town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the real France and almost back in time.
From the small winding lanes and cobblestone streets to the bustling square and typical French cafes that centre it, Avignon provides travellers’ with an authentic regional French experience that will have you grappling for your camera and organising your return time and time again. In 2009, Avignon celebrated its 700 year anniversary. Knowing Australia’s short modern history, celebrations like this provide a window into the breadth of Europe’s vast history and especially that of Avignon and the region of Provence. Often remarked as being less touristy than its sister-town, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon’s still offers a number of must-see attractions such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon so make sure you swing-by Avignon on your next visit to Provence! AccommodationBefore I travelled overseas last year I spend over 6 months searching for the best hotels to stay in around Europe. Wherever possible, these hotels had to: • Be within walking distance of the centre of the town/city, the main attractions and the train station • Be in good condition with at least 3 stars & have good feedback from past travellers • Preferably have access to wireless internet facilities • Preferably have breakfast included in the nightly rate • Have reasonable rates preferably no more than €150 per/night Located in a prime position right on the central square, place de l’Horloge, only steps from the Palais des Papes and withvery reasonable rates, hotel Kyriad Avignon – Palais des Papes is Jetsettr’s recommmended hotel for Avignon. The Jetsettr team uses hotel Kyriad Avignon – Palais des Papes when we’re in Avignon. Head to their website www.kyriad-avignon.com to book! AirportsAirports (main)PARIS AIRPORTSRoissy/Charles de Gaulle 23km north of the city Orly 14km south of Paris MARSEILLE-PROVENCE AIRPORTMarseille-Provence (aka Marseille-Marignane) 28km NW of the city in Marignane ClimateAs in most parts of the country, Spring is a great time to visit Provence when the weather is mild. Autumn is also generally pleasant and it’s usually possible to swim until around October. Summer is commonly hot! CurrencyThe official currency is the Euro € (100c = €1). Most credit cards are widely accepted (especially Visa) which is known there as Carte Bleue or CB. Getting AroundTo/from the airportMarseille-ProvenceMarseille-Provence airport is a minihub for Ryanair and provides flights across Europe. Navette shuttle buses link Marseille-Provence airport with Marseille’s train station (Gare St-Charles) in approximately 1 hour. There are also two metro lines and a good bus service. From Marseille’s Gare St-Charles station, a train to Avignon TGV station takes approx. 30 minutes. Aéroport Roissy Charles de GaulleTravel on the train direct from Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport to Avignon TGV station in just over 3 hours. From there, a half-hourly shuttle bus links the station to just outside the main post office in Avignon’s town centre in approximately 10 minutes. BusFrom Marseille, the local bus service will have you at Avignon train station in 35 minutes. From there, a half-hourly shuttle bus links the station to just outside the main post office in Avignon’s town centre in approximately 10 minutes. Try Linebus or Eurolines for long-haul journeys. Getting Around the CityThe majority of the walled part of the town is pedestrianised and you can easily make your way around to all of the attractions and through the town centre on foot. Internet ResourcesAvignon Tourist Office - Avignon, France Site Avignon Passion Pass http://www.ot-avignon.fr/pages-en/passion-en.htm Avignon Maps http://www.justfrance.org/france/avignon/maps.asp# Enclosed by 4.3km of stone ramparts, Avignon’s town centre can be accessed through several gates including the Porte de la Republique and Porte de l’Oulle. The central square of place de l’Horloge boasts café’s galore and is situated just 300m south of place du Palais which abuts the Palais des Papes.
PassesThe Avignon Passion Pass is free of charge and entitles you to special discounts such as 10% discount on entry to monuments and museums and on tourism transportation. Simply ask for your copy at The Avignon Tourism Office.
Passports & VisasAll visitors to France require a valid passport. For leisure travelers, a visa is not currently required by Australian or New Zealand passport holders (for stays of up to 90 days). Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Different regulations apply for stays of more than 90 days. For further information please consult with the French Consulate or your travel agent. Public Holidays
Avignon offers an array of shopping opportunities. As you make your way through the narrow streets, you’ll find a great selection of Provence-style gifts from pottery and crockery to lavender bunches, oils and soaps as well as a small seasoning of the obligatory chain stores! Speaking the Language
TippingIn cafes and restaurants you can expect that a 15% service charge will be added to your bill. A tip of €1-2 is polite for other services such as porting, ushering, doormen, taxi drivers and hairdressers. Tours
The stops on most travellers’ lists when in Avignon include the Pont St. Benezet and the Palais des Papes however if you’re thinking of exploring more widely, the region of Provence offers many treasures. There are too many options for us to list here but you can view a huge range of tours, day trips and other things to do in and around Avignon, and conveniently pre-purchase all of your tickets from the Jetsettr website thanks to our Travel Partner Viator. Browse and book tours and travel experiences for Avignon now.There, you’ll also have access to Jetsettr’s hand-picked selection of tours for the region of Provence. Jetsettr TipIf there is something you specifically want to do or see, pre-booking is recommended– especially for visits in the mid to high seasons. Popular tours often get booked out well in advance (I made this mistake myself!) so get over there and get your tours booked to avoid disappointment! What & where to eatWhat can sometimes seem like a world away from the more common cream and butter dishes of the north of France, Avignon will treat you with the flavours of the Mediterranean and authentic Provencale dishes. And of course, no matter where you head to in France, a myriad of bread (pain) varieties, cheese (fromage) and croissants will follow. Buon appetite! BreakfastDon’t leave France without trying a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) or escargoe (sultana and custard pastry) for breakfast… or any time of day for that matter! Or more simply, grab yourself a baguette and some butter jam and a coffee and take a seat to watch the world go by – you’ll have yourself believing you’re a local! LunchCroque monsieur anyone? If you’re short on time, a ham and cheese toasted sandwich will go down as treat and before you leave Avignon, make sure you head to the La Mie Câline at 14 Rue de la République and get your hands on a freshly made baguette roll with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, lettuce and mayonaise – bliss! If all else fails, pick up a selection of the best pre-packaged/made meals you’ll ever find from Class Croute or Monoprix (this is where you’ll find the locals too!) DinnerFancy some raw meat?! A speciality across many countries in Europe, steak tartare is often found on the menus of restaurants across France. The marinated, spiced and chilled minced or diced beef is often accompanied by onion, capers. And why not accompany the dish with a glass of red wine? If you’re not sure, ask your waiter to direct you to the perfect accompaniment. They will generally be quite obliging. Jetsettr TipBistros can simple be pubs, bars with snacks and light meals or full on restaurants. Brasseries often look like cafes and serve beverages and full meals from morning till late. Menu Du Jour is the Menu of the Day that is basically a three course meal (entrée, main and dessert) for a set price. Drinks are usually extra. Jetsettr's Avignon ResourcesAvignon Trip DesignerWe’ve put together a great selection of travel accessories for a perfect trip to Avignon and the region of Provence! Browse the Avignon/Provence Trip DesignerKyriad Avignon – Palais des PapesThis little gem of a hotel is Jetsettr’s recommended hotel for Avignon. With reasonable rates and an unbeatable location, if you’re heading for Avignon, head for the Kyriad Avignon – Palais des Papes hotel. Find out more or book a room here. Lonely PlanetGet yourself a Lonely Planet guidebook and make the most of your journey. Start your journey here. Rail EuropeRail Europe offers a number of hassle-free ways to get you to Avignon from single ticket journeys to a French or multi-country train travel pass. Find out your options here. Travel SIMKeep in touch with friends and family with this international SIM card from Australian company Travel SIM. Enabling you to use your own mobile, have your friends and family SMS you for free from their website and with incredibly competitive calling rates, it’s the Jetsettr team’s recommended communication choice. Read more about Travel SIM. Trip AdvisorBrowse accommodation and read reviews from travellers throughout the globe and then search for the best deal on your chosen accommodation or attraction with one of the world’s most trusted travel resources. Get recommendations for your trip. ViatorViator offers what could be debated as access to the biggest range of tours, day trips, attractions and more online. And as a Jetsettr Travel Partner, you can research and then book it all before you go. Get browsing and booking!
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