Avignon & Palais des Papes
Private Driver in Avignon, at the Foot of the Palais des Papes
In the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of the papacy: seven popes lived here and built the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. Together with the Saint-Bénezet bridge — the famous "Pont d'Avignon" — and the episcopal ensemble, the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
- Palais des Papes: state rooms, chapels and rooftop terraces.
- Pont Saint-Bénezet: the bridge from the song, with a few arches still standing over the Rhône.
- Rocher des Doms: a hilltop garden with the best view of the bridge.
- The ramparts: over 4 km of medieval walls still surrounding the city.
- Les Halles: the covered market for Provençal produce.
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon across the river: Fort Saint-André and the charterhouse.
Getting to Avignon with a driver
- From Avignon TGV station: about 15 min — from 40 €
- From Marseille-Provence Airport: about 1 hour — from 222 €
- From Nîmes Airport: about 45 min — from 155 € The walled centre has narrow streets with restricted traffic: your driver drops you as close as possible to your hotel or a city gate.
Tip: in July, during the Avignon Festival, book your driver well in advance.
Do you need a car to visit Avignon?
No, not for the historic centre: the walled city is best explored on foot, and most sights are within a fifteen-minute walk of each other. A car, or better a private driver, makes sense for arriving with luggage, reaching a hotel outside the walls, or adding nearby villages and sights to the same day.
That is where your chauffeur comes in. Your driver collects you from the station, the airport or your hotel, drops you at a city gate close to what you want to see, and meets you again at the agreed time and place. No hunting for parking, no guessing which streets are closed to traffic.
A day in Avignon: a simple plan
Morning: the papal city
Start early at the Palais des Papes, before the tour groups arrive. From the square in front of the palace, it is a few minutes' walk up to the Rocher des Doms garden and down to the Pont Saint-Bénezet. Art lovers can continue to the Petit Palais museum at the end of the square, home to Italian and Provençal medieval paintings.
Lunchtime: Les Halles and Place de l'Horloge
The covered market, Les Halles, is liveliest in the morning, so it is a good place to pick up a picnic or sample local produce. Place de l'Horloge, with its town hall and opera house, is just around the corner.
Afternoon: stroll, or cross the river
Rue des Teinturiers, shaded by plane trees and lined with old water wheels on a channel of the Sorgue, is one of the most pleasant streets in town. Alternatively, your driver can take you to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon in ten to fifteen minutes, for a late-afternoon view of the palace from across the Rhône.
What can you see near Avignon in half a day?
Avignon is a practical base: many of Provence's best-known sights are less than 45 minutes away. With half-day chauffeur hire you could:
- visit the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, about 25 minutes away;
- see the Pont du Gard, about 30 minutes away, and be back for dinner;
- browse the antique shops of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for its Sunday morning market;
- head up to Gordes and Sénanque Abbey, about 45 minutes away.
Your driver waits at every stop, so there are no bus timetables to work around.
Who benefits most from a private driver in Avignon?
- Families: child seats on request, help with luggage, and drop-off as close to your hotel as the narrow streets allow.
- Groups: the 7-seat van keeps everyone, and everyone's luggage, together.
- Business travellers: a direct transfer between Avignon TGV station and a meeting in town, at a fixed price agreed in advance.
- Festival-goers: in July, during the Avignon Festival, shows end late and taxis are in high demand; a pre-booked driver waits for you at the exit.
- River cruise passengers: cruise boats moor along the city walls, and your driver can meet you there for a day tour of the region.
When is the best time to visit Avignon?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) are the most comfortable months for walking around the city. July is festival month: the town is busy and hotels fill up early. Winter is quieter, but the mistral wind can be strong, so pack a windproof jacket.
Whether you need a single transfer from Avignon TGV station or a full day out, we confirm a fixed price per vehicle before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive inside Avignon's city walls?
Traffic is restricted; your driver drops you as close as possible.
How long does a visit to the Palais des Papes take?
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can we see Avignon and the Pont du Gard in one day?
Yes, with hourly or daily hire.
