Every July, the French city of Avignon turns into a vast open-air stage, hosting two distinct festivals at the same time: the official Festival d'Avignon (known as the IN) and the Avignon OFF, an independent fringe. Created in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the IN is one of the world's most important contemporary performing arts events, while the OFF has grown into the largest theatre gathering of its kind, with more than a thousand companies performing on their own initiative. For visitors, understanding how these two operate is the first step to planning a successful trip.
What Is the Festival d'Avignon?
The Festival d'Avignon, also called the IN, is an official, curated festival founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar. It transforms the city's architectural heritage—including the Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes—into performance venues, welcoming tens of thousands of theatre lovers each year. The programme includes around 45 shows and over 400 events such as readings, exhibitions, films, and debates, with most of the non-show events free.
The Avignon OFF: The Independent Fringe
Running concurrently, the Avignon OFF is an independent festival where more than a thousand companies perform on their own initiative and with their own funding in about a hundred venues across the city. The OFF is not curated—any company can register—and it offers an enormous variety of theatre, dance, and performance art. In recent years the OFF has also grown in scale, making it one of the largest theatre gatherings in Europe.
IN vs. OFF: Key Differences
The most important difference is curation: the IN is an official festival with an artistic director who selects each production, while the OFF is an open-access fringe where performers pay to take part. The IN presents about 45 shows with roughly 300 performances, whereas the OFF features thousands of performances across the city. In practical terms, the IN's shows are held in major venues and often sell out far in advance, while the OFF's smaller productions may be easier to book on the day.
Festival Dates and Venues
Both festivals are held every year in July in Avignon. The IN uses more than 20 locations, most of them historic and outdoor, ranging from intimate cloisters to the Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes with up to 2,000 seats. The OFF spreads across a hundred venues, from converted garages to schoolyards. A full list of IN venues and a map of OFF locations are available on each festival's official website—see our dedicated guide for an overview.
How to Buy Tickets
For the IN, tickets can be purchased by telephone, on the official website, at the Cloître Saint-Louis, or via FNAC. Many shows sell out quickly, but last-minute tickets sometimes appear: festival-goers resell tickets at a noticeboard in the Cloître Saint-Louis, and venues release unclaimed reserved tickets about an hour before the performance. For the OFF, you can buy at the theatre box office or through Ticket'Off, among other channels.
Getting to Avignon and Getting Around
Avignon is easily accessible by train, car, bus, or bike. The TGV station connects to Paris and other major cities. During the festival, the old town is pedestrianized from 12 noon to 2 am: vehicle access is restricted, with permits only for residents and authorised persons. Plan to arrive on foot or by bicycle, and use the main gates like Porte de la République. For parking, consult the city's official guide to the festival for the most current arrangements.
Where to Stay and Eat
Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs in the old town to campsites on Barthelasse Island, a short boat ride away. Since the centre is closed to traffic during the day, staying inside the ramparts can be convenient but you may want to book early—the festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. For meals, Avignon's restaurants cater to all budgets; the OFF area known as the Village du Off often has a canteen with vegetarian options. Always double-check opening times and availability during the festival.
Tips for First-Time Festival-Goers
Wear comfortable shoes, carry a water bottle and sun protection, and bring a power bank for your phone—you will likely walk a lot and spend hours outdoors. For smooth entry, arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before showtime, as reserved tickets are released after that. If you're on a budget, look for free events: the IN offers many readings, debates, and screenings free of charge, and the OFF has promotional days.
Being a Responsible Festival-Goer
The festivals take place in the middle of a living city, so be mindful of residents and historic sites. Keep noise down at night, use recycling bins, and avoid single-use plastics. The Tourist Office distributes pocket ashtrays and provides waste-sorting guides. By following these simple habits, you help keep Avignon welcoming for everyone.
Plan Your Visit
With its two distinct festivals, Avignon offers a unique mix of high-art curation and adventurous fringe theatre. Decide what suits you: the IN for major names and spectacular settings, the OFF for discovery and variety—or combine both. For up-to-date dates, programmes, ticket sales, and practical details, always check the official festival websites before your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Avignon Festival and the Avignon Off?
The Avignon Festival (IN) is an official curated programme with selected shows in major venues. The Avignon Off (OFF) is an independent fringe where hundreds of companies perform on their own initiative. The IN is more selective, while the OFF offers a wider variety and often more accessible tickets.
When does the Festival d'Avignon take place?
Every year in July. The IN and the OFF run during this month, with many shows and events taking place throughout the city. Specific dates vary each year, so check the official festival website.
How can I book tickets for the Festival d'Avignon?
For the IN, you can book online, by phone, at the Cloître Saint-Louis, or via FNAC. For the OFF, you can buy at each theatre's box office or through Ticket'Off. Many shows sell out early, so it's best to book in advance.
Where can I stay during the Festival d'Avignon?
You can choose from hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, or campsites on Barthelasse Island. Since the centre is pedestrianized, staying within the old town is convenient but can be pricey. Book early because the festival attracts many visitors.
Is Avignon pedestrianized during the festival?
Yes, the old town of Avignon is pedestrianized from 12 noon to 2 am during the festival period. Vehicle access is restricted and only permitted for residents and authorised users. You'll need to walk or cycle within the city centre.
