A weekend around Avignon
The late season in Vaucluse is often beautiful and especially less hot than in July-August. The region is pleasant at this time of year. If you have a car, you can enrich your weekend around Avignon with a visit to the very beautiful sites in its surroundings.
Less than an hour from Avignon
If you are spending a weekend around Avignon, don’t miss the visit to Nîmes, classified as a City of Art and History for its extraordinary Roman remains (the “Maison Carrée”, the amphitheater, the Temple of Diana…) and accessible in 45 minutes via the A9 then the N113. In one weekend, it is possible to visit Avignon, Nîmes, and Uzès.
Located only 39 km from Avignon, Uzès is renowned for its castles and the Haribo licorice factory, which houses a candy museum.
Between Uzès and Nîmes, stop by the Pont du Gard, a large Roman aqueduct bridge classified as a historical monument and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the A9, 32 km from Avignon, Orange offers beautiful surprises: its ancient theater, the old city walls, the Triumphal Arch, all classified as historical monuments.
An hour or more from Avignon
A weekend around Avignon would not be complete without a visit to Vaison-la-Romaine, 50 km away. Take the N7 towards Orange, then after Sorgues, the D907 towards Nyons. Famous for its Château des Comtes and its Cathedral, Vaison-la-Romaine is also an archaeological city housing the remarkably preserved remains of an entire Roman city.
On the way back, pass by Mont Ventoux: you can reach it in half an hour via a small road winding through the countryside. Peaking at 1911 meters, it is the highest summit in Vaucluse, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and a Natura 2000 site.
It would also be a shame to visit Avignon without taking a tour of the Château d’Ansouis. You can reach it in 1h20 via the A7, then at exit 26 (Sénas), by small roads. Classified as a Historical Monument, this 17th-century castle also hosts temporary exhibitions. Guided tours last one hour.
On the way back, pass through Cavaillon: the melon capital is only 43 km from Ansouis. Its famous Roman arch and the extraordinary view from the heights of the Saint-Jacques Hill will be a highlight of your walks around Avignon!
