Holiday cottages, airbnb and apartments in Avignon

With such a charming backdrop, Avignon has unsurprisingly been the source of inspiration to many great artists: pastel perfect squares, cobblestoned streets and picturesque alleyways offer every kind of artistic inspiration one could hope for - Avignon is an art lover's haven. Shoppers and food lovers will also love Avignon for its exclusive shopping scene and Michelin star restaurants. Stay among these cultural jewels by choosing the perfect accommodation through the vast collection of holiday rentals rentals available.

When to visit Avignon

Avignon's geographical position in the south of France near the Mediterranean coast means it benefits from the Mediterranean climate of warm springs, hot and humid summers and mild winters. Visiting from March to late May, and September through to November is advised to avoid the highest temperatures in summer and to visit the attractions when they are less crowded, but when the weather is still warm enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

How to get to Avignon

With direct flights flying into Marseille Provence Airport from London, and connecting flights from Belfast, Manchester and Edinburgh, the quickest way of reaching the city from the UK is by air, as you can land just a one hour drive away from Avignon in as little as two hours. Alternatively, however, you can take advantage of the Eurostar service from London St-Pancras, where you can change to a connecting service in Paris, placing you in the heart of Avignon in around 6 and a half hours. It could be a good idea to make the most of your connection in the capital by renting a holiday apartment in Paris where you can take all the time you need to enjoy the wonders of the City of Light before heading south to Avignon. Another popular method of travelling to France from the UK is by sea, with ferry crossings from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk taking just two hours to cross the English Channel. Once you arrive in France, you will then have the advantage of your car, which you can use for the 8-hour drive to Avignon, and to explore the surrounding areas when you arrive. If you are lucky enough to be holidaying in a beautiful holiday villa in Marseille then you are only a 40 minute rail hop to Avignon, making it the perfect day trip for when you want to escape the hustle of the port city.

Where to stay in Avignon?

Avignon Centre Ville

A shopping utopia, Avignon Centre Ville has a stretch of retail haven's to be explored, from independent French boutiques to globally recognised labels, and everything in-between. Choose a cheap holiday accommodation by renting a room in a guesthouse alongside the Centre Ville, and then spend your savings in the shops and bars.

Historic Centre

Steeped in history which dates back to the Middle Ages, the historic centre is bursting with gothic structures which have welcomed Popes and other countless influential figures over the years. The centre is truly the heart of Avignon, with some of the most exquisite food and drink experiences in the south of France and a buzz which lasts around the clock, all of which is ready to be seen from a balcony from your room with a view in a picturesque townhouse.

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Parallel to central Avignon across the river, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is the ideal place to choose a holiday villa or a house with a garden. The slightly removed position of this neighbourhood is by no means a bad thing, as Villeneuve-lès-Avignon has an individual heart of its own, with a vibrant flea market and collection of bars and restaurants overlooking the Rhône to dine at.

La Mirande

Nothing showcases Avignon's prestige quite like La Mirande:. A maze of boutique hotels, high-end eateries and galleries, this neighbourhood in the north of the city is a great place to choose a luxury holiday rental.

Barthelasse Island

Barthelasse is Avignon's best-kept secret, with its impressive landscape and opportunity for leisure activities around the island, securing a rustic holiday cottage in this verdant retreat will leave you feeling relaxed in a home away from home and ready to fill your days with vast attractions which the mainland has to offer.

Rue des Teinturiers

Life is better by the water, so renting an apartment by the canal in this district will be nothing less than a wonderful cultural experience, as this area has many of the city's theatres. This area is particularly alive during the Avignon Theatre Festival, so lovers of drama are advised to book accommodation for July in advance!

What activities to do?

Avignon Palace of Popes

The marvel of the Palais des Papes was, at one time, the most important gothic buildings in Europe, and is a rich site which has shaped religious history around the world. The palace towers are an attractive asset to the city's skyline and are unmissable from almost anywhere in the area, meaning you cannot leave Avignon without visiting it.

Visit Avignon Cathedral

Another historic structure to stand tall above Avignon's streets, the Cathedral is an architectural and artistic wonder which combines the very best of the city's talents. Whether you are a history enthusiast or not, Avignon Cathedral is a landmark which should not be overlooked.

Take in the views from Jardin des doms

Offering a sanctuary of flowers, trees and water pools thirty meters above the city, Jardin des doms is, quite literally, a high point for Avignon, as visitors can take in impressive landscape views while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Southern France.

Admire the art in Musée Angladon

In a globally renowned capital of art, it is unsurprising that a gallery made the cut, but this is no ordinary museum. Musée Angladon is a gallery where can you discover unique paintings and sculptures, all of which are presented in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, so you can get a slice of art and history in just one afternoon.

Walk the Pont d'Avignon

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pont d'Avignon has been a staple of the city since Medieval times. With only four of its iconic arches surviving, this bridge may be crumbling, but it is still the strongest landmark in Avignon, attracting thousands of visitors who cross what remains of the structure above the Rhône.

Sample some wine at Château La Nerthe

There is just no better way to enjoy the southern French sun than from the gardens of Château La Nerthe, a winery on the outskirts of the city centre. Situated among a dramatic landscape of vineyards and forests, a glass of wine here will be one of the finest of your life.