Every July, the Festival d'Avignon takes over the historic city of Avignon with a packed programme of theatre, dance, and performance. It's one of the world's most important contemporary performing arts events, drawing audiences from across France and beyond.
This guide focuses on the practical side: when the festival happens, how the official 'IN' and independent 'OFF' differ, and the exact steps and dates for buying tickets. You'll also find information on discount cards and on-site ticket offices to help you plan your trip.
When Is the Festival d'Avignon? July Dates and the 2026 Edition
The Festival d'Avignon has a stable format: it runs for around three weeks in July. For example, the 80th edition in 2026 ended on Sunday 26 July, according to the festival's own announcements. The city was filled with shows and events throughout the month.
Exact dates for future editions are not yet confirmed by the organisers. To know when the next edition will take place, check the official Festival d'Avignon website, which will publish the dates as soon as they are set. Plan your travel around the July period and verify the current year's schedule closer to the time.
Understanding the Festival: IN and OFF – What's the Difference?
The Festival d'Avignon is split into two distinct parts. The 'IN' is the official, curated programme organised by the festival, featuring major international artists. The 'OFF' is a separate, independent fringe festival that runs alongside, with hundreds of smaller companies performing in venues across the city.
For ticket-buying, this distinction matters: the IN's discount cards and ticket offices are separate from the OFF. If you're interested in the OFF, its organisers run their own booking systems. Explore the Festival Off d'Avignon Guide for specific advice, as the OFF operates differently and has its own schedule and pricing.
How to Buy Festival d'Avignon Tickets
Tickets for the Festival d'Avignon (IN) are sold through the festival's official channels: online, by telephone, and at the ticket office in Avignon. The primary online platform is fnacspectacles.com, with sales also on festival-avignon.com.
The booking process is phased: online sales open first, followed by telephone and in-person bookings, and then the festival shop and daily releases. Always buy from official sources to avoid scams and ensure your ticket is valid.
Ticket Release Dates: From April Online Sales to Daily Releases in July
For the 2026 edition, the online ticket office opened on 18 April. After that, new tickets were released every Wednesday at 10am. This pattern is typical for the festival, though specific dates for future editions are subject to change.
From 20 June, telephone and ticket office bookings opened. Then, from 1 July, daily online releases of new tickets began at 10am, continuing throughout the festival. This means even if you miss the initial sales, you can check for last-minute availability.
Where to Buy Tickets: Online, By Phone, and In Person
Online: Visit fnacspectacles.com for tickets, while the festival's own site festival-avignon.com also sells them. You can book from the comfort of home, and tickets are delivered electronically to your account.
By phone: Call the festival ticket office at +33 (0)4 90 14 14 14 from 20 June, Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am–2pm and 4pm–6:30pm. In person: The ticket office is at 20 rue du Portail Boquier in Avignon, with the same hours. From 27 June, the Festival Shop on Place de l'Horloge also sells tickets, open Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm–8pm.
On-Site Ticket Offices and Festival Shop: Opening Times and Locations
The main ticket office is located at the Festival d'Avignon's headquarters, Cloître Saint-Louis, at 20 rue du Portail Boquier. From 20 June it's open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 2pm and 4pm to 6:30pm.
The Festival Shop at Place de l'Horloge opens from 27 June, Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 8pm. During the festival (from 1 July), both the ticket office and shop are open daily at their usual times. You can also buy tickets at individual venues starting one hour before performances, subject to availability.
Last-Minute Tickets: Venue Box Offices and Daily Releases
If you miss the advance sales, don't lose hope. From 1 July, new tickets are released online every day at 10am. Additionally, each venue opens a box office one hour before the start of the performance, selling any remaining seats at the door.
These last-minute options are popular, so arrive early to queue for popular shows. For sold-out performances, you can also use the festival's exchange platform to find swaps, but this requires you to already hold tickets.
Discount Cards: Carte Festival and Carte 3 clés Explained
The Festival d'Avignon offers two discount cards: the Carte Festival and the Carte 3 clés. Both provide reduced rates on shows and a 5% discount at the festival shop and bookshop. However, they are not valid for the OFF festival and are non-refundable.
The Carte Festival costs €25 for the general public, with reduced rates of €1 for job seekers (with a France Travail certificate) and €25 for performing arts professionals. The Carte 3 clés costs €1 for under-26s, students, minimum welfare beneficiaries, and disabled people (and their companion), all with required supporting documents.
Ticket Prices: What to Expect and How to Save
Ticket prices for the Festival d'Avignon vary depending on the show, the venue, and your chosen seat. The festival publishes full price lists for each edition – for example, the 2026 prices are listed in the general terms and conditions of sale and on the programme pages.
To save, purchase a discount card if you qualify, as they unlock reduced rates. Also, keep an eye out for special offers for young people, such as the Pass Culture and regional e-Pass for high school students in the South Region.
Exchanges and Refunds: Policy and Practical Tips
Tickets and passes purchased for the Festival d'Avignon are generally non-refundable, except in cases of sickness or hospitalisation. If your plans change, the festival runs an exchange platform on its website where you can swap tickets for another date or show, subject to availability.
To make an exchange, log in to your festival account and go to 'My orders', then follow the exchange module instructions. This is a useful tool if you need to adjust your schedule, but remember that exchanges are not guaranteed and depend on ticket availability for the alternative performance.
Plan Your Trip: Accommodation, Travel, and Getting Around Avignon
Staying in Avignon during the festival can be expensive, so book well ahead. Consider staying in nearby towns and using public transport to reach the city. The festival's official website offers practical information on travel and accommodation under its 'Prepare your trip' section.
If you're planning to catch shows at remote venues like the Carrière de Boulbon, note that special shuttles operate from Avignon-Poste. You can also check our festivals in France guide for other summer events in the region should you want to make a longer trip of it.
Accessibility and Special Services
The Festival d'Avignon is committed to making performances accessible. If you need adapted seating or assistance, you can buy a Carte 3 clés for €1, which also gives reduced rates. A dedicated accessibility team is available from the ticket office opening, and you can contact them by email at accessibilite@festival-avignon.com or by phone at +33 (0)4 90 14 14 64.
For visitors who simply need a no-extra-assistance experience, online booking allows you to choose your own seats. For more specific needs, the team can advise on the best options for each venue.
Practical Information: Addresses, Contacts, and Opening Hours
The Festival d'Avignon's main office is at Cloître Saint-Louis, 20 rue du Portail Boquier, 84000 Avignon. The main switchboard is +33 (0)4 90 27 66 50. The ticket office and shop hours vary by season, as detailed earlier.
For up-to-date news and official announcements, visit the festival's website, which also hosts FAQs, accessibility information, and press sections. You can also explore our Festivals in Avignon year-round guide for other events that may coincide with your visit.
Plan Your Visit
The Festival d'Avignon is a highlight of the French summer cultural calendar. With careful planning, you can secure tickets, find affordable accommodation, and enjoy the performances.
Book early if you have specific shows in mind, but remember that daily releases and venue box offices offer last-minute chances. Always check the official festival website for the most current information, as dates and times can change between editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What festivals are happening in Avignon in 2026?
In 2026, the Festival d'Avignon (IN) celebrated its 80th edition in July. Alongside it, the Festival Off d'Avignon ran concurrently, offering independent performances. Both have concluded; for updates on future editions, consult the official festival websites.
What happens at the festival d'Avignon?
The Festival d'Avignon presents a diverse programme of contemporary performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music performances. It takes place at various venues across the city, including the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes, and also hosts talks, exhibitions, and workshops.
How do the online ticket releases work during the Festival d'Avignon?
During the festival, from 1 July, new tickets are released online every day at 10am. Before that, from 18 April, new tickets were released every Wednesday at 10am. These online releases are subject to availability, so check the official website regularly.
