Avignon Cathedral
Church Romanesque cathedral and former papal church in Avignon
Adjacent to the Palais des Papes, Avignon Cathedral offers Romanesque and Gothic architecture, religious art and easy walking access to the Rhône riverfront and the city’s summer theatre festival.
Avignon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon) is a Romanesque cathedral in Avignon, Provence, in southeastern France. The building dates mainly to the 12th century and occupies a prominent position next to the Palais des Papes.
The cathedral’s stone nave, choir and bell tower preserve Romanesque architectural elements, and later medieval alterations added Gothic details. Interior features include carved capitals and liturgical furnishings from the medieval period and later restorations.
The cathedral has served as the episcopal seat for Avignon and has been closely connected to the papal presence in the city during the 14th century Papal residency.
It stands on the Rocher des Doms in Avignon’s historic center, immediately adjacent to the Palais des Papes and overlooking the Rhône valley.
- Proximity to the Papal Palace: Sits immediately adjacent to the Palais des Papes on the upper town (Rocher des Doms) and forms part of Avignon's historic core.
How to Get to Avignon Cathedral #
Avignon TGV station is about 3 km from the city center; local buses and taxis service the city. From the old town the cathedral is an easy walk across the Place du Palais.
Tips for Visiting Avignon Cathedral #
- Stand on the south transept just before sunset; the setting light warms the choir stalls and makes the medieval frescoes easier to read.
- Combine a visit with a walk to the nearby Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon) and the Palais des Papes for a full sense of medieval Avignon.
- Attend a short organ recital if one is listed - the cathedral's 19th-century organ has a resonant, civic sound.
Best Time to Visit Avignon Cathedral #
Visit outside the peak hours of the July festival if seeking quieter contemplation; spring and autumn are excellent for walking the city.
Weather & Climate near Avignon Cathedral #
Avignon Cathedral's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (758 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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