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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 09 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Founded in 1947 by theatre director Jean Vilar, this festival was France’s answer to the UK’s Edinburgh Festival. It’s since evolved into a mass celebration of drama, music and dance, concentrating on edgy and avant-garde performances and companies from around Europe.

Nowadays, nearly a thousand shows and exhibitions take place over three weeks in July, both in Avignon and across the river in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The Off Festival, a completely independent fringe event, runs alongside, attracting 1,000+ independent companies.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: July
Duration: 3 weeks

Getting there & doing it

Events take place in 24 venues across Avignon. A downloadable map is available on the festival website – but the main events take place in the Cour d’Honneur (courtyard) of the Popes’ Palace.

Final programmes are released in May – from then tickets may be purchased online, or over the phone, or at FNAC outlets, as well as at the festival’s main ticket office at 20 Rue du Portail Boquier. For Off Festival information, check its own separate website.

The main performances have ticketed seating; for others, it’s a good idea to arrive early – especially if they’re free. Book the better restaurants well in advance during the festival to avoid disappointment. Or head to the festival’s main hub, Place de l’Horloge, with its cafés, restaurants and non-stop street performances.

During the festival, parking is at a premium; only drive into Avignon’s centre if you have a garage space booked. The city puts on extra buses.

When to do it

The festival takes place during the last three weeks of July.

Destination guides

3

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Avignon

Provence, France

Exterior photo of the Palace of the Popes lit up at night

A lively medieval town bursting with art and creativity, and centrally located for sightseeing in Provence. Host of the superb Avignon Festival.

Provence

Provence, France

Field of bright purple lavender in front of an old church

Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.

Arles

Provence, France

front view of facade at sunset

Fascinating Roman, and medieval monuments and memories of Van Gogh, plus a winsome shabby-chic charm.