The Festival d'Avignon transforms the historic city of Avignon into a sprawling stage every July, hosting shows in around 40 venues that range from monumental courtyards to converted gymnasiums. Understanding these venues is key to planning your festival experience, as location and type affect not only the atmosphere but also the practicalities—how early to arrive and how to get there. For a complete orientation, start with our Festival d'Avignon complete guide covering the event's history and programming.
The Iconic Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes
The Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes is the festival's most famous venue, an open-air courtyard within the imposing Gothic papal palace. It hosts major productions, often the festival's centerpiece performances. The address is Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, and its enormity means you should plan extra time.
For shows here, it is recommended to arrive one hour in advance, as last admissions occur 15 minutes before the start. Because the venue is open-air, weather can affect the experience, so you may check the forecast and dress accordingly. The Palais des Papes itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding historical weight to the performance.
Cloisters and Churches: Atmospheric Settings
Several festival performances take place in serene cloisters, offering a stark contrast to the grand palace courtyard. The Cloître des Carmes, located at Place des Carmes, and the Cloître des Célestins, at Place des Corps-Saints, are two such venues. These intimate, stone-lined spaces create a distinct sense of enclosure and history.
The Cloître Saint-Louis, at 20 rue du Portail Boquier, is another notable venue and also houses the festival's administrative offices. Many of these cloisters are within the car-free zone in July, making them accessible on foot. Booking tickets in advance is wise for popular shows, as venues can have limited capacity.
Theatres and Converted Spaces
Avignon's theatres and converted buildings provide diverse performance settings. The Théâtre Benoît-XII at 12 rue des Teinturiers is a traditional theatre named after a 20th-century stage director. The Opéra Grand Avignon, at Place de l'Horloge, is an ornate opera house that hosts both theatrical and musical performances. Arrive one hour early here as well, as specified for this venue.
For contemporary and experimental works, La FabricA of the Festival d'Avignon at 11 rue Paul Achard serves as the festival's creative hub, hosting residencies and performances throughout the year and during the festival. The Collection Lambert, a contemporary art museum at 5 rue Violette, also lends its spaces to performances. These converted spaces often have unique acoustic and visual qualities.
Outdoor and Site-Specific Venues
The festival also uses picturesque outdoor locations that are not traditional theatres. The Carrière de Boulbon is a former stone quarry near the village of Boulbon, about 15 kilometers from Avignon. Its dramatic, open-air setting stages large-scale productions, but you must plan for a longer journey. Shuttle buses are available for purchase for shows in Boulbon and Vedène.
Another exceptional site is the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon, a former Carthusian monastery located in the adjacent town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, across the Rhône. The venue's address is 58 rue de la République, 30400 Villeneuve lez Avignon. For shows at the Carrière de Boulbon, arrive one hour early to allow time for shuttle and seating. For most other venues, arriving 45 minutes early is the standard advice.
Venues Beyond Avignon Centre: Chartreuse, Vedène, and More
Some festival events are held in surrounding towns, expanding the festival's reach. The Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon and L'Autre Scène du Grand Avignon in Vedène (Avenue Pierre de Coubertin, 84270 Vedène) are two examples. For the touring shows at these locations, the festival reminds that no shuttle bus is chartered for all shows, so carpooling is often recommended. However, for specific shows in Boulbon and Vedène, shuttles can be purchased, as stated on the show's page.
Beyond these, the festival has used venues such as the Cour du château de Vacqueyras, the Archaeological site of Glanum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and even arenas in Vallabrègues and Roquemaure. Since the venue list can vary each edition, it is essential to check the official festival website for the current year's offerings and their specific access instructions.
Practical Arrival Tips: Getting Around and Arriving on Time
To make the most of your festival experience, plan to arrive at each venue 45 minutes before the performance start, as recommended by the festival. For the Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes, Carrière de Boulbon, Cour du Lycée Saint-Joseph, and Opéra Grand Avignon, arrive one hour in advance. Gates close 15 minutes before showtime, and latecomers cannot enter.
Navigating Avignon is best done on foot or by bike, as cars are not allowed in the city centre from 11am to 2am in July. Self-service bicycles are available for convenient travel. For venues outside the centre, like Boulbon or Vedène, shuttle buses may be offered for certain shows, but be sure to purchase tickets in advance. Walking maps and itineraries are available on each venue's page on the festival website and in the mobile app.
How to Choose a Venue and Plan Your Route
Choosing a venue can be based on the type of experience you want. If you prefer grand, historic settings, the Palais des Papes is a must-see. For a more intimate feel, consider the cloisters. For unique outdoor ambience, the Carrière de Boulbon offers an unforgettable backdrop. Whatever your preference, always check the venue's location and plan your route in advance, as the festival map is your best tool.
Given the sheer number of venues and shows, using the official venue pages is key. They provide addresses, maps, and arrival instructions. To help you decide, our guides to the festival can offer additional context. If you are also interested in the many independent productions, don't miss our Festival Off d'Avignon Guide. For a broader look at French celebrations, explore our page on festivals in France.
Plan Your Visit
With over 40 venues, the Festival d'Avignon offers a rich variety of performance spaces. By understanding the location and type of each venue, you can plan your itinerary efficiently and make the most of your festival experience. Remember to arrive early, especially for the grand venues, and use the festival's official resources for the most accurate information.
For further details on tickets and scheduling, check our Festival d'Avignon tickets and dates guide. For year-round cultural events in the city, see Festivals in Avignon year-round. And for a general overview, revisit the essential Festival d'Avignon complete guide to ensure you don't miss any key insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for a show at the Festival d'Avignon?
The festival recommends arriving 45 minutes before the start of the performance. For shows at the Cour d'honneur du Palais des Papes, the Carrière de Boulbon, the Cour of the Lycée Saint-Joseph, and the Opéra Grand Avignon, advise arriving one hour in advance. Last admissions are 15 minutes before the show begins.
Are cars allowed in Avignon during the festival?
No, cars are not allowed to enter the city centre from 11am to 2am in July. Walking and cycling are recommended, and self-service bicycles are available. Be sure to check the festival's parking map for options outside the centre.
Which venues are outside Avignon and require special transport?
Several venues are in surrounding communes, such as the Carrière de Boulbon, L'Autre Scène du Grand Avignon – Vedène, and the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon. For some shows, shuttle buses can be purchased, but not all venues have shuttles. Carpooling is often advised for touring shows. Check the specific show page for details.
What is the Cour d'honneur du palais des Papes?
The Cour d'honneur is the main courtyard of the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the festival's most iconic venue, hosting grand theatrical performances in an open-air setting. Its address is Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, subject to availability, the festival opens a box office at each venue 45 minutes before the show. However, it is not possible to purchase festival cards at the venue. For sold-out shows, return tickets may become available online, but there is no waiting list.
