Private car transfer from Paris to Avignon

You will need a car to fully enjoy these detours, as the French countryside lacks frequent public transportation to smaller towns and historic castles.

Without any sightseeing stops, the drive takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes (although you’ll surely want to plan a few stops to stretch your legs!). After this romantic road trip through France, you'll arrive in Avignon ready to settle down in one city for a day or two!

Avignon’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls. Within these walls, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares like Place de l'Horloge, lined with historical buildings and outdoor cafés. The Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon) partially extends over the Rhone River and stands as a historic monument, inspiring songs and legends alike.

The city’s strategic location along the Rhone River fostered its development as an inland trading hub. The exchange of goods and ideas along the waterways contributed to the spread of Avignon’s Catholic influence. Today, the river is a romantic backdrop and provides refreshing summer breezes.

However, Avignon is not merely a city preserved in history; it boasts a modern cultural scene. Its most visited annual event, the Festival d'Avignon, takes place every July. This festival is among the world’s most significant contemporary performing arts events. It draws in artists and audiences from across the globe with its diverse displays of theater, dance, and music.

Elevate your driving breaks

This 6-hour and 40-minute drive is best done in 2-3 sections throughout the day. You will be seeing almost the entire length of France, so take advantage of the opportunity and schedule stops at comfortable intervals. Instead of just stretching at a truck stop on the highway, take a short detour into culturally rich towns like Vienne and Orange.

Dress modestly when you visit religious sites

France is rich in religious history and home to many significant Catholic landmarks. When visiting cathedrals and churches on your road trip, ensure that your shoulders, chest, and knees are covered. It's a good idea to remind children beforehand to stay calm and quiet in prayer areas and be considerate of others who may be praying.

Paris to Avignon with a private driver

Driving from Paris to Avignon is certainly not the fastest way to travel, but France has a slower way of life that should be embraced while you’re on vacation.

Your Daytrip driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Paris, and you’ll have the opportunity to make sightseeing stops on your way to Avignon. Unlike renting a car, you won't need to worry about navigating in French or deciphering road rules. Simply relax and let a local expert handle everything! Once in Avignon, you'll be conveniently dropped off right at your destination.

Daytrip drivers for this route are fluent in both French and English, and our vehicle fleet includes options for adding child car seats and using handicap-accessible vans. Check out our many trip options, with some starting at $242 (€226) per seat.

Paris to Avignon by train

TGVs are France’s high-speed trains, and they can make the Paris to Avignon transfer in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets range in price from $27 to $117 (€25-€110), depending on how far in advance you book and whether you choose 1st or 2nd class. Before purchasing, see if you qualify for cheaper tickets based on your age or disability.

Trains depart from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Avigon’s TGV station. This is, by far, the fastest transit option.

Paris to Avignon by flight

The closest airport to Avignon is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Air France tickets from CDG to MRS start at $160 (€149.50) per passenger for a one-way trip. You will spend 1 hour and 25 minutes in the air, then need to take a bus, train, or car to Avignon. For example, the drive from Marseille to Avignon is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The entire duration of this trip is about 5 hours once you account for all the transfers.

Paris to Avignon by bus

Get your beauty sleep and definitely skip the bus for this trip! This is the longest, least comfortable option (and it isn’t even the cheapest!). Flixbus has many daily departures out of Paris’ Bercy Seine station to Avignon, but they require transferring in Lyon. The entire journey will take between 10 and 12 hours and cost about $70 (€65) per person.

The only direct bus routes on the timetable are at night and are an 8-hour journey. Buses depart Paris at 9:30 PM or 11:05 PM and arrive in Avignon at 6:05 AM or 7:05 AM the next morning.

Ride Le Petit Train d'Avignon (The Little Avignon Train)

Start your visit with a ride on the Little Avignon Train to get your bearings. This 45-minute tour, complete with a multilingual audio guide, is an effortless way to see the city's main attractions without tiring yourself out. It's ideal for families with young children or those with limited mobility. The train departs from and returns to the front of the Palais des Papes.

Tour the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)

After your train ride, take a tour inside the Palais des Papes, the grand residence of the popes in the 14th century. It's one of Europe's largest and most significant medieval Gothic structures and once housed the continent's largest library. Annually, about 650,000 visitors come to see its historic halls, making it one of France's top ten most visited sites.

Sip a coffee on Place de l'Horloge

Avignon's main square, Place de l'Horloge, is lined with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and shops. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, people-watch, and soak up the local atmosphere beneath the gaze of the clock tower. It is the best spot to take a break in between tours.

Visit the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)

This medieval bridge is best known from the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." Although it is only partially intact today, it remains a charming historical site as it jets into the Rhone River. Legend says that a shepherd, Benezet, was inspired by angels to build the bridge here. Its construction is said to have resulted in many miraculous healings, and Benezet is now revered as the patron saint of bridge builders.