Exploring Avignon and its surroundings
At La Biscuiterie de Provence, we've put together a wealth of ideas for visits and discoveries for your stay in Avignon and its surroundings. Whether you're passionate about history, eager for sporting adventures, or simply want to savor the region's gastronomic delights, we've selected activities that will allow you to make the most of this exceptional destination.
The city of Avignon
Avignon, located in southeastern France, is a city rich in history and culture. Its strategic location on the banks of the Rhône made it an important political and religious center in the Middle Ages. Today, it is famous for its Popes' Palace, its world-renowned festivals, and its rich architectural heritage.
The Popes' Palace and its ramparts
The Popes' Palace, located in the historic center of Avignon, is a majestic testament to the region's medieval era. Built in the 14th century to serve as a residence for the popes during the Great Western Schism, this imposing monument is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a must-visit, offering the chance to explore 25 fascinating rooms of this historical monument.
Practical information
During high season, we recommend booking your visit in advance to avoid long queues and ensure your access to the palace.
The visiting hours for the Popes' Palace vary by season; it is open every day of the year from 10 am to 5 pm, and from March to November from 9 am to 7 pm.
The Popes' Palace, an event venue
Please note that throughout the year, the Popes' Palace hosts various cultural and artistic events, such as exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. For up-to-date information on visiting hours and special events, we recommend consulting the official website of the Popes' Palace.
The Jardins des Doms
Nestled atop the Rocher des Doms in Avignon, this garden offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Rhône. It's the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the city.
For a gourmet experience, why not bring a little afternoon snack of delicious products from La Biscuiterie de Provence? You'll find a variety of biscuits and moist cakes perfect for a snack on our website or in our shop. Some of them are gluten-free and dairy-free, while still being deliciously indulgent!
While you savor these delights, don't miss the opportunity to admire the famous Pont d'Avignon, which stands majestically nearby.
A beautiful place to relax and share good times!
The Avignon Opera House
The Avignon Opera House, also known as the Opéra Grand Avignon, is a magnificent theater located in the heart of the city. Built in the 18th century, it is renowned for its architecture and its varied performances, including ballets and concerts.
Plan your visit in advance, as if you're an opera enthusiast, it's a unique opportunity to attend a performance. Otherwise, note that every Saturday from 12 pm to 1 pm (except public holidays and summer), guided tours of the Opera, including a presentation of its history and architecture, are offered. This visit is subject to a fee.
For more information on the Opéra Grand Avignon, consult their website.
The city's museums
Avignon's city center is home to several museums that bear witness to its rich history and vibrant culture. Among the most remarkable are the Musée du Petit Palais, which houses an important collection of medieval and Renaissance art, and the Musée Calvet, which presents artworks and historical artifacts from the region.
These museums offer you the opportunity to discover the art and history of Avignon through fascinating exhibitions. To find all the necessary information for your visit, please refer to their respective websites.
Market day at Les Halles
Located in the historic center of Avignon, Les Halles is a must-visit for lovers of gastronomy and local products. Every day, vendors offer a variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and cheeses. The market also offers the opportunity to taste Provençal specialties such as tapenade, goat cheese, and artisanal charcuterie. It is a lively and colorful place where locals gather to shop and socialize.
Places not to miss around the city of Avignon
Avignon is a dynamic city brimming with historical monuments, activities, and breathtaking landscapes. Its surroundings are equally rich, offering a wealth of discoveries not to be missed. We offer a selection of exceptional places, all located less than 1.5 hours from Avignon, promising unforgettable experiences.
Gourmet stop in Drôme, at La Biscuiterie de Provence
Discover our Biscuit Factory, nestled in the heart of the village of Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, just 1 hour from Avignon.
Immerse yourself in the history of our factory and our recipes through a museum and discovery trail. During your visit, soak up our rich heritage with informative panels, televised presentations, views of our workshops, and entertaining activities. Explore our 150 homemade and family recipes, passed down with passion for 6 generations!
At the end of your tour, head to our tasting area to sample some of our creations for free.
We have thought of our international visitors by providing all our materials in English.
After this enriching experience, take a well-deserved break in our gourmet hall. You'll find a vast selection of over 350 local delicacies as well as all our manufactured goods to take home. Enough to bring back a delicious souvenir of Drôme Provençale!
A little gourmet break at the Biscuiterie tea room
Settle comfortably on the terrace of our tea room. You can enjoy a variety of delicacies such as biscuits, cookies, brioches, and also be tempted by Leone's delicious ice creams. A gourmet break that will delight young and old.
To accompany these treats, a selection of hot and cold drinks is offered. Enjoy these refreshments to appreciate a pleasant moment outdoors, on our terrace.
Sporting adventure near Avignon: the ascent of Mont Ventoux!
A few kilometers from Avignon, an unforgettable excursion awaits you: the ascent of Mont Ventoux. This majestic mountain, a symbol of the region, offers a unique experience if you are looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramas.
Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a hiking lover, Mont Ventoux promises a memorable ascent through varied landscapes, from forests to its summit, which offers an unobstructed view of Provence.
A true physical challenge and a total immersion in nature await you at the summit of this giant of Provence, an experience not to be missed.
For the less athletic, don't worry, the Avignon - Mont Ventoux journey takes 1h15 by car to the summit of the Mont.
Orange, a historic city 35 minutes from Avignon
In the heart of Provence, Orange reveals a captivating cultural and historical heritage, imbued with traces of the past.
Among the must-see sites during your visit are the Ancient Theatre of Orange, an immutable witness to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Every summer, its tiers host open-air shows and concerts, which can be found on their website. Nearby, you will find the Triumphal Arch of Orange.
From the medieval era, explore the city center and discover the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth, which imposes its Gothic silhouette, inviting visitors to discover its artistic and spiritual treasures. Not far from there, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire unveils a fascinating collection of archaeological artifacts, bearing witness to the rich past of the region.
For a total immersion in local culture, nothing beats a visit to Orange's Provençal market, where stalls overflow with fresh and colorful products. It's a place filled with flavors and, above all, the scent of summer and holidays.
Orange is a charming city, perfect for spending half a day or a full day around Avignon. For your journey, allow 30 minutes by car, starting from Avignon city center to reach your destination. On the way, remember to admire the magnificent landscapes.
Stop in Bouches-du-Rhône, in the charming village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
During your stay in Avignon, it would be a shame not to explore the hidden treasures of the surroundings, and among them is the magnificent village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Nestled in the heart of Provence, this village, just 30 minutes from Avignon, captivates with its authentic charm and enchanting atmosphere.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a true window into the past: the archaeological sites of Glanum, Château Romanin, the Hôtel de Sade archaeological museum... This small village has been inhabited since Antiquity and today offers us the opportunity to discover its history!
This village not only transports you back in time, but it also abounds in artistic treasures. Saint-Rémy has been home to many renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh. You can follow in the footsteps of the famous painter by visiting the places that inspired some of his greatest works, such as the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery where he stayed and created some of his masterpieces.
Finally, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the ideal starting point for exploring the natural splendors of the region. Located at the foot of the Alpilles, this village offers a peaceful and enchanting setting for walking or cycling through the preserved landscapes of Provence.
Discovering the flavors of Provence at Le Petit Duc boutique
During your visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, treat yourself to a gourmet break at Le Petit Duc boutique. This factory of Provençal delights houses the famous calissons of Saint-Rémy, a recipe developed in the town several hundred years ago!
In this boutique, you'll have the opportunity to discover delicious regional products. On the menu: nougat bars, soft cakes, traditional biscuits, old-fashioned sweets, as well as a wide selection of calissons... all imbued with the flavors of Provence. In addition to products from the Le Petit Duc brand, you'll also find those from La Biscuiterie de Provence in the boutique, which also promise to delight your taste buds!
The products from the Le Petit Duc brand and La Biscuiterie de Provence are handmade using ancestral know-how in the small village of Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues. These are small delights to savor or give as gifts, guaranteeing quality indulgence, made with natural ingredients, without additives or preservatives. A real treat that is definitely worth the detour!
A detour to Ardèche, to explore prehistoric caves
Ardèche, a region rich in activities and mysteries, is home to fascinating treasures for archaeology and prehistory enthusiasts: its prehistoric caves. These underground cavities hold the secrets of the first humans who populated the region, offering a captivating journey into the past, accessible on average within an hour of Avignon.
At Grotte Chauvet 2, visitors have the opportunity to admire a faithful reproduction of the famous Chauvet Cave. Remarkable work has been undertaken to reproduce as closely as possible the creativity and spirituality of the earliest civilizations.
But the caves are not limited to their artistic aspect. Their exploration offers a spectacular geological journey, with rock formations sculpted over millions of years of erosion. Stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological wonders create breathtaking underground landscapes.
Among the many Ardèche caves that are definitely worth a visit, we can mention Aven d'Orgnac, Grotte de la Madeleine, Grotte de Saint-Marcel, Grotte de la Cocalière, and many more. Each of these caves has its own history, so don't miss out on discovering them and traveling through time! For more information, you will find all the necessary details on their respective websites.
Gordes, one of France's most beautiful villages to discover in the Vaucluse
Nestled in the heart of the Provençal hills, the village of Gordes emerges like a medieval jewel. Its timeless charm and breathtaking views immediately captivate. Perched on a rocky promontory, this Provençal village is located a few kilometers from Avignon, making it one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Gordes, with its cobbled streets, stone buildings, and 11th-century castle, transports you to the town's past and culture.
Gordes Castle dominates the village, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the lavender fields that carpet the landscape. This fortress is now a museum where you can explore its towers, ramparts, and exhibitions on local history.
A must-see in the village, which we highly recommend visiting, is the Sénanque Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, this abbey is a jewel of Cistercian architecture nestled in the Sénancole valley. Its sober and elegant appearance, characteristic of the Cistercian order, impresses with its simplicity and timeless beauty. Sénanque Abbey plunges you into the monastic history of the region, where you can admire the remarkable architecture of the church and monastic buildings, as well as the gardens carefully maintained by the monks.
Near the village, the spectacular landscapes of the Luberon Regional Natural Park invite adventure. Numerous hiking trails wind through the hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lavender fields, vineyards, and perched villages of the region. And don't forget to bring a delicious soft cake from our biscuit factory for a successful gourmet break during your hike.
Gordes is definitely worth a detour if you are staying in Avignon ; )
Here is a selection of essential towns to discover around Avignon. Each is rich in history and activities, promising to amaze you. Sites to visit with family, as a couple, or with friends, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience and memories.
Avignon
Tea room, La Biscuiterie de Provence
View of Mont-Ventoux
Le Petit Duc Boutique, St-Rémy-de-Provence
VISIT THE FACTORY
Immerse yourself in the history of the Biscuiterie, have fun with several playful activities suitable for toddlers, take a look at our different workshops (chocolate, calissons, biscuits...), discover how we work with passion and love for our beautiful terroir... Come and spend a pleasant time with your family, you will end with a wonderful tasting in our 300m2 gourmet hall! You will find our 150 recipes, our fresh pastries and more than 350 local products carefully selected from producers close to the Factory and, why not, end with a little gourmet break in our tea room area.
Discover the "Visit the Factory" page
