A Week in the South of France: Avignon, Nîmes and Arles
A week exploring the Palais des Papes, Roman monuments and historic towns in the South of France. Short sightseeing sessions and free afternoons leave room for discoveries of your own.
- 7 days
- 6 nights
- by train and on foot
- easy
- May, June and September
Planned by a reader with the trip planner and checked by the editors. Please check connections, opening hours and accommodation before you travel.
Translated from German with the help of AI. Read the original in German
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in AvignonArrival · Getting your bearings · Old town
- Arrival in AvignonFind connections
Make your own way to Avignon. Depending on where you are travelling from, allow most of the first day for arrival and checking in.
- 16:00A short old town walk to the Palais des PapesPlan a tourLearn more
A short walk to get your bearings takes you through the old town to the square in front of the Palais des Papes. For today, simply admire it from the outside.
- 18:30Your first evening meal
Choose somewhere to eat in the old town. Wind down for the evening without any further sightseeing.
- Overnight in Avignon
Stay overnight in Avignon, ideally within walking distance of the old town.
Day 2 · The palace and the RhônePalais des Papes · Rhône · Pont Saint-Bénezet
- 10:00The Palais des PapesLearn more
Make a visit to the Palais des Papes the focus of your day. Allow plenty of breaks and plan your visit around the available admission times.
- 13:00Lunch break
Take a lunch break in the old town. The afternoon is deliberately kept relaxed.
- 15:00The bridge of AvignonLearn more
Visit the surviving arches of the Pont Saint-Bénezet. They complement your palace visit with a view of Avignon's setting on the Rhône.
- Overnight in Avignon
Spend a second night at the same accommodation in Avignon.
Day 3 · Roman NîmesDay trip by train · Roman architecture · Garden break
- By train to NîmesFind connectionsLearn more
Take a regional train from Avignon Centre to Nîmes Centre. The service connects the 2 city centres; choose your departure using the timetable for your day of travel.
- 10:30Roman NîmesLearn more
Visit the Maison Carrée, then admire the amphitheatre from the outside. This leaves time for breaks rather than combining 2 extensive interior visits.
- 13:00Lunch in the city centre
Have lunch at a place of your choice in the centre of Nîmes.
- 14:30A walk through the Jardins de la FontainePlan a tourLearn more
Stroll through the Jardins de la Fontaine. For a gentler route, stay in the lower gardens and skip the climb to the Tour Magne.
- Back to AvignonFind connectionsLearn more
Return to Avignon Centre by regional train. Keep your return time flexible.
- Overnight in Avignon
Spend a third night in Avignon.
Day 4 · A Day at Your Own PaceFree morning · Good food · Relaxation
- 10:30A Leisurely Stroll through the Old TownPlan a tour
Spend the morning taking a short walk of your choice through Avignon’s old town. Rather than ticking off more must-see sights, today is all about little lanes and leisurely breaks.
- 12:30Time for Southern French Cuisine
Plan a leisurely lunch and choose regional, seasonal dishes wherever possible. The afternoon is free for relaxation or exploring on your own.
- Overnight in Avignon
Your 4th and final night in Avignon.
Day 5 · Arriving in ArlesA change of scene · Amphitheatre · Old town
- By Train to ArlesFind connectionsLearn more
Continue by regional train from Avignon to Arles. The exact departure will be chosen to suit your travel date.
- 14:00Arles AmphitheatreLearn more
After arriving, visit Arles Amphitheatre. This Roman monument is the first highlight of your stay.
- 18:30Dinner in the Old Town
Enjoy a meal in Arles’ old town. Afterwards, leave plenty of time to check in and rest.
- Overnight in Arles
Stay overnight in Arles, ideally close to the old town.
Day 6 · Arles through the CenturiesCloister · Archaeology · Free evening
- 10:00The Saint-Trophime CloisterLearn more
Visit the cloister of Saint-Trophime. It offers a medieval contrast to the Roman monuments of the previous day.
- 12:30Lunch Break
Take a lunch break in Arles. Afterwards, decide how long to spend at the museum, depending on how you feel.
- 14:30Museum of Ancient ArlesLearn more
At the Musée départemental Arles antique, explore the city’s Roman history in greater depth through archaeological finds and models. If the museum is closed on the day of your visit, swap this activity with the amphitheatre visit on Day 5.
- Overnight in Arles
Your 2nd night at the same accommodation in Arles.
Day 7 · Farewell to the SouthBreakfast · Farewell · Journey home
- 09:00A relaxed end to your trip
Breakfast and time to pack. If you are leaving later, there is time for one last break in the old town.
- Journey home from ArlesFind connectionsLearn more
Make your own way home from Arles. If your long-distance connection departs from Avignon, you can take a regional train back there; allow plenty of time to change trains.
Times are suggestions. Please check timetables, opening hours and the weather before you travel.