Aside from what you will see at your destination, you can stop by several renowned landmarks along the way, beginning with Cannes. Many people around the world associate this French city with the venue of the Cannes Film Festival but you can also find beautiful beaches there.

Then you can also stop by Aix-en-Provence, another city famous for its colorful markets and traditional Provençal cuisine, such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and tapenade. You might also want to visit the quaint town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, known for its artistic heritage and Roman ruins.

Driving through these remarkable locations in southern France at your own pace will allow you to create memories you want to remember.

Avignon’s heyday happened in the 14th century when it became the capital of the papacy from 1309 to 1377. The pope during that time moved the papacy from Italy as he feared it was too dangerous for the church there. Also, he believed the papacy would be more secure under the support of a French king.

In 1995, Avignon was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its papal legacy, offering memorable experiences to several visitors until today, filled with cafés, shops, and squares perfect for taking photographs and people-watching. As you spend your day in Avignon, you can head over and discover its notable attractions. These include:

• Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace of Avignon)
• Jardin des Doms (Doms Garden)
• Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as Pont d'Avignon
• Les Halles d'Avignon, Avignon’s indoor market
• Calvet Museum
• Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge
• Avignon Cathedral

Keep essentials with you

A tumbler of water and some snacks make traveling so much more pleasant. It’s difficult to enjoy places when you're parched and hangry.

Be aware of the local customs

Though most French people are well-versed in English, learning basic French phrases will still be helpful and be appreciated by the locals. Also, keep some cash as some establishments may not accept credit cards.

Nice to Avignon by train

Taking the train is a convenient option with the train ride taking approximately three hours. The average ticket price is $61 (56 euros). However, unlike in other cities, there are certain days when there are a limited number of trains to Avignon. If you don’t want the long waits, it is recommended that you take a look at other options.

Nice to Avignon by bus

Riding the bus is the cheapest and most economical option, with fares costing around $59 (54 euros) on average. But you might need to keep a book in your bag or watch pre-downloaded movies on your phone as the bus trip can take up to 4.5 hours, the longest among the other modes of transportation.

Nice to Avignon by rental car

Renting a car can provide more flexibility and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Rental prices vary but expect to pay around $50 (46 euros) per day. Keep in mind that parking in Avignon can be challenging and expensive.

Nice to Avignon with Daytrip

For a more personalized experience without the stress of driving the car yourself, choose Daytrip, a private transfer service that will bring you door-to-door from Nice to your accommodation in Avignon.

You can book in advance and set your exact pick-up time and address, as well as your exact drop-off address. You have complete control over your trip and can look forward to your English-speaking driver ensuring a perfect journey from the get-go.

And did we mention the sightseeing stops? Who'd want to pass up the chance to explore charming Aix-en-Provence or the stately Chateau de la Barben?

Tour the city

Avignon is a city steeped in history, so be sure to stop by the most important landmarks around. First, there’s the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the pope resided during the 14th century. Then you have Rocher des Doms nearby, a beautiful garden treating you to views of the Rhône River and the surrounding areas.

Immerse into the culture

For those who wish to learn and immerse into the culture of Avignon, some of the best venues are the Musée du Petit Palais, the Collection Lambert, and the Calvet Museum. The Musée du Petit Palais houses Medieval art and artifacts, including more than 300 Italian primitives and sculptures from the 1100s to the 1500s.

Meanwhile, Collection Lambert is a contemporary art museum in 18th-century mansions in the heart of the city. Calvet Museum has a civic collection of artworks from the 1700s to the 1800s, including French paintings and ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Shop and dine

Avignon is not just a melting pot of history and culture, but it has also become so modern that it’s an ideal destination for shopping and food. Experience Provençal cuisine at a local bistro. Some of the best restaurants that serve these delights are Avenio, L’atelier, and Maison de la Tour.

The city is also a shopper’s paradise. Don’t miss the chance to visit Les Halles d'Avignon, an indoor market offering a variety of local produce and specialties. Avignon Antiquites Antiquae, Brocante de Avignon-Place Pie, and L'élémentaire are also great places to shop while you’re there.

We say spring (from April to June) and autumn (from September to October) are the best time to visit Avignon. The shoulder seasons offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making these seasons ideal for a visit. The Les Hivernales dance festival and the Résonance electro-music festival are some of the events you can attend.