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

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

Palais des Papes. (Credit KOS-CREA)

Although the Middle Ages have often been called a dark age, for Avignon represented a period of extraordinary splendour when, in the 14th century, it became the capital of Christian Europe. Nine popes resided there for seventy years, leaving a testimony also in architecture and urban art, in particular with the construction of the majestic Palais des Papes. It all began in 1309, when Pope Clement V, of French origin, decided for purely political reasons to leave Rome and occasionally stay 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 centre of Avignon today, is mainly the work of the next two pontiffs: Benedict XII and Clement VI, who created the largest Gothic building in France from 1335 to 1352. To visit the Palais des Papes today is to take a journey back in time: through a route that allows you to understand how papal power was exercised and leads you to get to know the pontiffs who lived there, as well as to admire the extraordinary frescoes and sumptuous rooms. What makes the medieval centre of Avignon even more scenic is the vast square surrounding the Palace, which is also overlooked by the Musée du Petit Palais, the former archiepiscopal seat housing an extraordinary collection of Italian and Provençal religious paintings from the late 13th - early 16th century, and the Romanesque cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms, on whose bell tower stands the gilded lead statue of the Virgin. Another symbolic monument of the Middle Ages is the Saint-Bénezet bridge, which once connected the two banks of the Rhone, while today only four of the original twenty-two arches remain.

Ponte Saint Benezet Avignone. (Credit ENoveJosserand / Avignon Tourisme)

As part of Avignon Terre de Culture 2025, the month of November also promises to be full of events, including the Ultramarine Week (3 to 8 November), an event dedicated to overseas territories with a calendar of events such as cooking workshops, screenings and concerts. Until 4 January 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 the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and centred on the theme of love. More than 260 works, including sculptures and paintings, have been installed in Avignon's symbolic places: 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 natural history museum to the musée Lapidaire, and on to the Chapel of St. Clare and the square of the Palais des Papes. The Christmas period makes the atmosphere in Avignon even more magical, thanks to the numerous events planned. From 28 November, for one month, Place Saint-Jean-le-Vieux will host the traditional Christmas market, while the following day, at 6 p.m., the Christmas lights will be switched on in the old town. The light parades on 6 and 13 December (at 5.30 p.m.) will make the city streets even more enchanting, and on the weekends of 6-7 and 13-14 December, the Cloître des Carmes will be the setting for a gastronomic and artisanal Christmas market. From 19 to 22 December, the façade of the Palais des Papes will be transformed into a stage of music and lights with Grand Mix, the show designed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Avignon's inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. On 23 December, from 7 p.m., the Saint-Bénezet bridge will be the star of 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 24, 26 and 31 December (departure at 2.30 p.m. from the Tourist Office), there will be guided tours, for a fee, dedicated to discovering the city's cribs and most characteristic churches. In short, Avignon confirms itself as a destination capable of combining its glorious past with a cultural scene in continuous renewal.