Avignon and Avignon–Provence Airport
Avignon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is known for its historical and cultural heritage. Its centerpiece, the Palais des Papes, is Europe’s largest Gothic palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace recalls the Avignon Papacy of the 14th century.
Avignon–Provence Airport, also called Avignon – Caumont Airport (IATA: AVN, ICAO: LFMV), is an access point for Avignon and the surrounding Provençal countryside. It is approximately 8–9 kilometers southeast of the historic center, or about 8 km from the center according to airportshuttles.com and avignon-tourisme.com. The airport is described as just under 10 kilometers from the city’s historic core, a 10-minute drive from the city, and about 15 minutes from the city center by car.
History
The Palais des Papes was constructed between 1335 and 1352 and served as the residence of seven successive popes during the Avignon Papacy. Its Gothic architecture and history reflect Avignon’s medieval religious and political importance.
Avignon–Provence Airport was established in 1937. It developed from a freight aerodrome into a modern aviation hub, with significant upgrades after World War II and in the 1980s to its runways and terminal facilities. The airport is also home to the Aéroclub Vauclusien, founded in 1911, which hosts flying lessons and an annual air show.
Scheduled commercial flights ended in 2023. As of June 2025, the airport has no regular scheduled commercial flights and mainly serves business aviation, private charters and general aviation.
What to see
Palais des Papes
The palace is a cultural venue hosting exhibitions, concerts and the Festival d’Avignon. Its highlights include:
- The Grand Chapel with frescoes
- Private papal apartments
- Panoramic views from the fortified ramparts
- The Cour d’Honneur, the central courtyard
Other historic sites in Avignon
- Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge) A medieval bridge with city views.
- Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame des Doms) A Romanesque cathedral next to the palace.
- Rocher des Doms Public gardens above the city with views of the Rhône River.
- Place de l’Horloge A lively square with cafes and markets.
Practical visiting information
Palais des Papes
Opening hours:
- April–September: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; last admission 6:00 PM
- October–March: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; last admission 4:00 PM
- Closed January 1 and December 25
Tickets:
- Adults: €12–15
- Reduced tickets for students and seniors: €9–12
- Children under 18: Free
- Audio guides: €5
Tickets can be bought on-site; online purchase is recommended for the best availability, particularly during busy periods. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more; contact the ticket office to arrange them. Expert-guided tours and seasonal events are available; see the official website for details.
The palace is in Avignon’s historic center and can be reached on foot, by public transport or by taxi. From Avignon TGV station, local buses or a 20-minute walk bring visitors to the palace. Some areas are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, while others may be challenging because of the historic architecture. Assistance is available.
Avignon–Provence Airport
The airport primarily supports business and private aviation. Its terminal facilities are described as serving up to 200,000 annual passengers and include dining, a business lounge, accessibility features and streamlined check-in areas.
Opening hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Extended hours for private and business flights are available by prior arrangement. Airport hours may be seasonal, so check in advance.
Ticketing: No commercial airline ticketing is available. Private and charter passengers should coordinate directly with their providers or the airport’s business aviation desk.
Facilities and services:
- Restaurants, cafes, complimentary Wi-Fi and a business lounge
- Facilities for travelers with reduced mobility, including ramps, adapted restrooms and assistance services
- Advanced security screening (level 5; level 6 available upon request), French Customs and modern navigation aids
The airport and most monuments are wheelchair accessible. SNCF provides assistance at train stations.
Getting to and from the airport
By car: The airport is near the Avignon Sud exit on the A7 motorway, with direct routes to Avignon, Orange and other Provençal destinations. On-site parking includes short-term P1, long-term P2 and rental-car P3 lots, totaling about 300 spaces close to the terminal.
Buses: The Orizo urban bus network serves the airport via lines 4, 13, 22, 30 and C3, with stops at Agroparc and the airport. The Orizo C2 line also links the airport with Gare Centre, near the main attractions; see orizo.fr. The regional Zou! and LIO networks connect with surrounding towns and Provençal villages, including sites such as Pont du Gard. Regional bus information is available from lio-occitanie.fr.
Shuttles, taxis and transfers: Hourly shuttles run to the city center and major hotels (airportshuttles.com). Taxis are available at arrivals, with a 10–15 minute ride to the center. Private transfers can be pre-booked for door-to-door service.
From the airport, the Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet can be reached within 10–15 minutes by taxi or shuttle. Local buses connect to the city center, from where major monuments can be reached on foot. Maps and apps are available on the Avignon Tourism official website.
Trains: Gare d’Avignon Centre is the central station, within walking distance of monuments. Avignon TGV station has high-speed trains to Paris, Lyon and Marseille and is connected to the city center by TER trains. Train information is available from SNCF.
Car rentals and bikes: Major car rental agencies are available at or near the airport. The Vélopop’ public bike system offers electric bikes at 29 city stations; see velo-grandavignon.fr.
| Mode | To/from airport | Frequency or availability | Booking or information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | City center | Hourly | airportshuttles.com |
| Taxi | City or stations | On demand | At arrivals area |
| Private transfer | Door-to-door | Pre-book | Online or by phone |
| Local bus (C2) | Gare Centre | Regular schedule | orizo.fr |
| Car rental | Airport | Major agencies; advance booking | At or near terminal |
| Vélopop’ bikes | City-wide | 24/7 at 29 stations | velo-grandavignon.fr |
| Train (TER/TGV) | TGV station and Gare Centre | 30–60 minute intervals | SNCF |
| Regional bus (LIO) | Provence towns | Scheduled | lio-occitanie.fr |
Transport and attraction tickets can be bought online or at the Orizo boutique or tourist office. The Avignon Passions card offers savings on transport and attractions.
Alternative airports
Nearby airports for commercial flights include:
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) 85 km south
- Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI) 60 km west
- Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) 95 km southwest
Connections from these airports to Avignon are available by train, bus or car (quartzmountain.org).
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; surfaces at the palace can be uneven.
- Photography is allowed without flash; tripods are not allowed.
- Visit early during peak season to avoid crowds.
- The Avignon tourism app has maps and guides.
- Sightseeing flights are offered from the airport for an aerial view of Provence.
Nearby places
- Pont du Gard A Roman aqueduct and UNESCO site, a short drive away.
- Luberon and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Villages known for markets, art and scenery.
FAQ
Are commercial airlines operating at Avignon–Provence Airport?
No scheduled commercial flights currently operate. The airport mainly serves business aviation, private charters and general aviation.
How do I get from the airport to Avignon city center?
Options include Orizo buses (lines 4, 13, 22, 30 and C3), taxis or a car. The journey is about 15 minutes.
Is parking available at the airport?
Yes. P1 is for short-term parking, P2 for long-term parking and P3 for rental cars; all are close to the terminal.
Are there facilities for travelers with reduced mobility at the airport?
Yes. Dedicated facilities and assistance are available upon request.
Can I rent a car at the airport?
Yes. Major rental agencies operate on-site.
Are group discounts available at the Palais des Papes?
Yes, for groups of 20 or more. Contact the ticket office to arrange them.
Is the Palais des Papes accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Some areas are accessible; others may be challenging because of the historic architecture. Assistance is available.
Can I buy Palais des Papes tickets on-site?
Yes, but online purchase is recommended during busy periods.
Are pets allowed at the Palais des Papes?
Only service animals are permitted.
