Old Town, Avignon

Provence (Aix-en-Provence & Avignon), France

The walled medieval centre surrounding the Palais des Papes, dense with cobbled streets and small squares.

Places in Old Town, Avignon

Avignon old town bistros Cozy restaurants tucked into Avignon's quiet corners, serving classic Provençal dishes.
Avignon ramparts bars Bars tucked near the medieval ramparts, popular for an evening drink after visiting the Palais des Papes.

Best time to visit: June and September offer warm days and blooming markets without July's tourist peak; late June to early July is peak lavender bloom in the Luberon.
Getting around: Both cities have walkable, compact historic centres. A rental car is best for exploring the surrounding lavender routes, hill towns, and vineyards, though regional trains connect Aix and Avignon directly.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: French. English is common in tourism.
Timezone: CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Current trends: Aix's dining scene has shifted toward small, chef-led tasting-menu restaurants replacing some of its traditional brasseries, while Avignon has seen a wave of boutique hotels open inside restored medieval townhouses within the ramparts.

Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence — The city's grand tree-lined avenue, lined with cafes, fountains, and 17th-century townhouses.
Mazarin Quarter, Aix-en-Provence — A quieter, elegant residential district of 17th-century mansions south of Cours Mirabeau.