Among the medieval alleys of Avignon, a city of history, culture and traditions

2025 is a year of important anniversaries for Avignon: the thirtieth anniversary of its inscription on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the twenty-fifth anniversary of its nomination as European Capital of Culture. These two anniversaries invite us to rediscover how the 14th century transformed the architecture of the "City of the Popes" and how that medieval period continues to engage with the contemporary cultural scene. With Avignon Terre de Culture 2025, the city is celebrating this double anniversary with a rich program of events and initiatives that will continue into November and December, making Avignon a perfect destination for an autumn city break. Located in southern France, the Provençal city is easily accessible from Italy, including by high-speed train.

Palais des Papes. (Credit KOS-CREA)

Although the Middle Ages have often been described as a dark age, Avignon was a period of extraordinary splendor when, in the 14th century, it became the capital of Christian Europe. Nine popes resided there for seventy years, leaving their mark on architecture and urban art, particularly with the construction of the majestic Palais des Papes. It all began in 1309, when Pope Clement V, of French origins, decided for purely political reasons to leave Rome and stay occasionally in Avignon at the Dominican convent. It was his successor, John XXII, who chose to settle in the Provençal city, transforming the episcopal residence into a papal seat. The imposing Palais des Papes, which still dominates the historic center of Avignon, is primarily the work of the two successive popes: Benedict XII and Clement VI, who from 1335 to 1352 created the largest Gothic building in France. Visiting the Palais des Papes today is like taking a journey through time: along a path that allows you to understand how papal power was exercised and learn about the pontiffs who lived there, as well as admire the extraordinary frescoes and sumptuous rooms. Adding to the scenic beauty of Avignon's medieval center is the vast square surrounding the Palace, which also overlooks the Musée du Petit Palais, the former seat of the archbishop, which houses an extraordinary collection of Italian and Provençal religious paintings from the late 13th to early 16th centuries, and the Romanesque cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms, whose bell tower features a gilded lead statue of the Virgin. Another symbolic monument of the medieval era is the Saint-Bénezet Bridge, which once connected the two banks of the Rhône, but today only four of the original twenty-two arches remain.

Saint Benezet Bridge Avignon. (Credit ENoveJosserand / Avignon Tourisme)

As part of Avignon Terre de Culture 2025, November promises to be packed with events, including Ultramarine Week (November 3–8), an event dedicated to overseas territories with a program of events, including cooking workshops, screenings, and concerts. Until January 4, 2026, the beauty of the "City of Popes" is further enhanced by the exhibition "OTHONIEL COSMOS or the Ghosts of Love": a monumental journey conceived by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and centered on the theme of love. More than 260 works, including sculptures and paintings, have been installed in iconic locations in Avignon: from the Palais des Papes to the Saint-Bénezet Bridge, from the Musée du Petit Palais to the Calvet (Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology), from the Requien Museum of Natural History to the Musée Lapidaire, from the Chapel of Sainte-Claire to the square in front of the Palace of the Popes. The Christmas season makes Avignon's atmosphere even more magical, thanks to numerous scheduled events. Starting November 28th, for a month, the Place Saint-Jean-le-Vieux will host the traditional Christmas market, while the following day, at 6:00 PM, the Christmas lights will be turned on in the historic center. The light parades on December 6th and 13th (at 5:30 PM) will further enchant the city streets, and on the weekends of December 6th-7th and 13th-14th, the Cloître des Carmes will host a food and artisanal Christmas market. From December 19th to 22nd, the façade of the Palais des Papes will be transformed into a stage of music and light with Grand Mix, the show created to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Avignon's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On December 23rd, starting at 7:00 PM, the Saint-Bénezet Bridge will be the backdrop for a musical fireworks display. Christmas in Provence is also the time of santons, the traditional clay, wood, or wax figurines that populate nativity scenes throughout the region. In Avignon, on December 24th, 26th, and 31st (departing at 2:30 PM from the Tourist Office), there are paid guided tours dedicated to discovering the city's nativity scenes and most characteristic churches. In short, Avignon confirms its reputation as a destination capable of combining its glorious past with an ever-evolving cultural scene.