Grand Avignon: what to do in and around Avignon in 2 days?

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on December 11, 2024

When you think of Avignon, you probably think of “theater” (the unmissable Avignon Festival), “history” (the famous City of the Popes and the magnificent ramparts that surround the city) or “Pont d'Avignon” (easy). But did you know that you can discover the wonders of Provence's heritage and go on sublime nature walks just a stone's throw away? Here's a closer look at the nuggets to be discovered in Grand Avignon, the community of communes of Avignon (which includes 16 communes spread over the Vaucluse and Gard regions).

Cities and towns around Avignon - © www.grandavignon-destinations.fr

All these towns are easily accessible from Avignon by public transport (including bus, TER, tourist shuttles or Allobus, the new transport option for the 16 towns of Grand Avignon) and, depending on what you want to do, you'll have more than enough time to visit several of them over two days. And to get all the options at a click of a button, the orizo.fr website lists all the transport options in Grand Avignon between your desired point of departure and arrival!

Photo : ©Tolt et Alexis during their report at Grand Avignon - There's even an Orizo app if you want to make your transport easier during your stay!

Here's our selection of favorites, from the nearest to the farest to Avignon. Follow the guide!

Villeneuve lez Avignon: between historic beauty and walks along the Rhône river

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Villeneuve lez Avignon, about half an hour from Avignon by public transport (Gard)

Visit of the Gardens and Fort of Saint-André Abbey: a jewel in the heart of the city

In the heart of Villeneuve lez Avignon, opposite the Palais des Papes, the Jardins de l'Abbaye Saint-André offer you an enchanting escape between nature and heritage. Ranked as one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, these terraced gardens cover 2 hectares and reveal a mosaic of atmospheres blending Italian and Provencal influences. You can stroll among century-old olive trees, delicate fountains, cypress avenues and flowerbeds... while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Rhône and Mont Ventoux! And to complete the visit, the Abbey Fort, an 11th-century vestige, fascinates visitors with its architecture and history.

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - The impressive Fort Saint-André in Villeneuve lez Avignon

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (5pm between March and October) for the Gardens, and daily from 10am to 6pm (5pm between October and May) for Fort Saint-André. Please note that for both sites, the ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time.
• Admission: €9.50 for the Gardens (with discounts available for families and groups), €7 for the Fort. A guided tour of the Palais Abbatial and Gardens is available for €14.
• Further information: here (Jardins de l'Abbaye Saint-André) and there (Fort Saint-André).

Visit of La Chartreuse: between cultural center and historic monument

A true gem of 14th-century Gothic architecture, La Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon is a joyful blend of heritage, history, contemporary art and cultural innovation. Founded by Pope Innocent VI, this former Carthusian monastery covers almost 2 hectares and houses medieval treasures such as the pope's tomb and frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti. Since 1973, it has been a Centre culturel de rencontre and the Centre national des écritures du spectacle, welcoming some 300 artists in residence every year! It now offers a rich cultural program (shows, readings, exhibitions and events) that attracts 40,000 visitors and 20,000 spectators every year.

• Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: €9.50 for the monument and exhibitions.
• Further information: here.

Walk on the Mourgues hill

In the heart of Villeneuve lez Avignon, you can stroll through an eight-hectare wooded park! It's the ideal place to relax with the whole family: landscaped paths, picnic and play areas for the kids, and magnificent panoramic views of the Palais des Papes, Avignon, Villeneuve lez Avignon and Mont Ventoux!

For the record, the name “Mourgues” comes from the Occitan word for “monk”. And with good reason: it's a former religious property with the remains of a hermitage, and a small chapel, Notre-Dame de Consolation, restored in the early 2000s.

• Access: via Montée de la Tour or the sports field opposite the Sancta-Maria institution.
• Opening hours: closed evenings.
• Further information: here.

Walk and discover the Plaine de l'Abbaye

For the more sporty, there's a lovely intermediate-level loop (8 km) for walking or cycling, with beautiful scenery to discover along the Rhône:

© Le Grand Avignon Office de tourisme - Stroll & Discovery, The Abbey Plain

• Full tour details: here.
• Bike hire: we recommend South Spirit Bike or Provence Bike.

Our good addresses in Villeneuve lez Avignon for the road

• For eat: La Maison Bronzini, offering traditional French and Provencal seasonal cuisine, with vegetarian options.
• For bargains: the brocante de Villeneuve lez Avignon, the weekly Saturday morning rendezvous on the market square.

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon: between natural and agricultural landscapes

Photo : ©Jérémy Le Maout - Le Grand Avignon Office de tourisme - Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon, about half an hour from Avignon by public transport (Vaucluse)

La Balade des Copines: views of Avignon and Mont Ventoux

If you like nature walks, we highly recommend this 3-hour (8km) intermediate-level loop, accessible all year round! Among the holm oaks, pines and scents of thyme, you'll enjoy a superb 270° view of Avignon and Mont Ventoux!

• Full tour details: here.

Our good addresses in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon for the road

• For lunch on the terrace: Café de l’Orient, on the Place des Cafés.
• To discover local produce: Marché de St Sat.

Velleron: between historical heritage and vineyard walks

Photo : ©A. Hocquel VPA - Le Grand Avignon Office de tourisme - Velleron and its Château de Crillon, about an hour from Avignon by public transport (Vaucluse)

Historical heritage tour

In addition to its famous market, Velleron offers a journey back in time through a rich and varied historical heritage. We recommend a tour of the village that combines history, culture and Provencal charm:

• Saint-Michel church: with its characteristic polygonal bell tower and chapels. Dating from the 14th century, it is considered a historic monument and bears witness to medieval religious architecture.
• Château de Crillon: a former seigniorial castle transformed into a town hall, reflecting the village's noble heritage.
• The oil mill: the remains of a 17th-century mill, integrated into the ramparts, underline the importance of olive growing in local history.

Hiking and biking through vineyards and orchards

In Velleron, nature lovers will also find much to enjoy thanks to a multitude of hiking and biking itineraries winding their way through vineyards, orchards and typically Provencal landscapes.

For walkers, the trails that start from the village are suitable for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced. A selection of routes is available on platforms like Komoot to guide you on your walking escapades.

If you prefer cycling, we recommend the Via Venaissia, a cycle route linking several emblematic Vaucluse villages, for an immersive experience between lavender fields and rows of cypress trees.
You can also opt for a 3 hour-loop from Ventoux to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Ideal for exploring the region at your own pace.

• Bike hire: if you don't have a bike to hand, you can hire one fLuberon Biking.

The beautiful Isle-sur-la-Sorgue canal, accessible by bike from Velleron

Velleron is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding villages: l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, aka “Little Venice of Provence” (known for its antique shops and picturesque canals), Pernes-les-Fontaines (famous for its many historic fountains) and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (an impressive natural site with its own spring).

La Ferme aux Papillons: a feast for the eyes

Also known as the Carbet Amazonien, La Ferme aux Papillons is a veritable showcase of tropical biodiversity in Provence: a one-of-a-kind place that invites young and old alike to discover the magic of butterflies while exploring exotic flora and fauna. With its tropical greenhouses, the park offers an immersive experience where you can observe these delicate creatures up close in an environment recreated for their well-being. A perfect activity for the whole family, but also for the curious and nature-loving.

• Opening hours: open April to May, 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:30; June to August, 10:00 to 18:00; September to November, 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:30.
• Further information: on the Carbet Amazonien website.

Our good addresses in Velleron for the road

• To discover local produce: the Marché de Velleron, a famous farmers' market (one of the most famous in the region, ranked among the 100 most beautiful markets in France). It's a great opportunity to meet local producers and taste local produce!
• For a treat: La Guinguette Velleronaise.
• For a gourmet break: l'Art Brock Café.
• For a must-taste: taste the famous Croquants de Velleron.
• To sleep in: Villa Velleron, a former olive oil mill transformed into a guest house.

Roquemaure: between local flavours and Provence landscapes

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Roquemaure et son marché, à environ 1h30 d’Avignon en transports en commun

Gourmet stroll through the Roquemaure market

Every Tuesday morning, the heart of Roquemaure comes alive with its weekly market in Place de la Mairie, Cours Bridaine and Rue de la Liberté. An opportunity to discover the richness of the local terroir through the colorful stalls and their variety of fresh produce and crafts.

• Opening hours: 8am to 12:30pm, Tuesday mornings.
• Further information: here.

The GR42: a hike in the heart of the Provencal countryside

For hiking enthusiasts, the Grande Randonnée GR42 links Roquemaure to Villeneuve lez Avignon over a stretch of around 18 km. This magnificent hike takes you through the communes of Sauveterre and Pujaut, past villages, rocky hills and Mediterranean vegetation!

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - The sublime view after climbing a few kilometers of the GR42

Our good addresses in Roquemaure for the road

• For a local treat on the terrace: l'Auberge de Miémart, located on Miémart Island, serving traditional French cuisine.

Our other Grand Avignon favorites

Rochefort-du-Gard : between heritage and vineyards

Photo : ©Jérémie Le Maout, for Le Grand Avignon Office de tourisme - Rochefort-du-Gard church, about 1 hour from Avignon by public transport

Perched high on a hill, Rochefort-du-Gard offers exceptional panoramic views over the surrounding plain and vineyards. A must-see village on the right bank of the Rhône - formerly known as “Roca Fortis” (solid rock). Its charm and heritage include the hilltop church of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, the narrow streets of Rochefort-du-Gard, with their stone houses and colorful shutters, and the surrounding vineyards, where you can sample typical local wines.

Remoulins: the famous Pont du Gard

©Alexis Calvignac - Tolt on his bike in front of the famous Pont du Gard

A must-see destination for nature and heritage lovers, close to the famous Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! What's more, if you're a cycling enthusiast, you can take advantage of an unforgettable getaway with the Pont du Gard Adventure itinerary. This route links the Pont d'Avignon to the famous Pont du Gard, offering a ride between nature and heritage through enchanting Provencal landscapes. An itinerary accessible to all, offering spectacular views of the Gardon gorges and the villages it passes through.

Pujaut: a haven of peace

Photo : ©Le Grand Avignon Office de tourisme - Pujaut, about 1 hour from Avignon by public transport

Nestled in the heart of the garrigue, the village of Pujaut offers hiking trails scented of thyme and rosemary, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a stroll through its narrow streets and discover its historical heritage, including the Saint-Jacques church and the vestiges of its rural past.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and if you have a little more time, we strongly advise you to discover the other communes of Greater Avignon. And if you want to go even further, don't hesitate to take a look at our dedicated guide (where you'll find a selection of restaurants, accommodation, walks and bike rides)!