Known as the City of the Popes, the historic city of Avignon in Provence, in the South of France, has an abundance of character with ancient landmarks, a vibrant culinary scene and breathtaking waterfront on the River Rhone.

Avignon also draws visitors with its heritage and culture, which can be discovered in the city’s museums and art galleries.

Collect your Avis hire car at Avignon TGV railway station and start your adventure.

You’ll find our friendly team at Avis Avignon TGV (High Speed) Train Station just outside the entrance to the station. To collect your car, you’ll be heading to the car park reserved for rental cars which is in the main car park following the “rental car” signs to reach your car.

The drive from Avignon’s TGV High Speed Station into the centre of Avignon is 5.6km (3.5 miles) and takes around 12min depending on the time of day.

Avignon TGV station lies to the south of the city which is reached via the Charles de Gaulle ring road.

The top recommended places to see in Avignon include the Papal Palace and the neighbouring Avignon Cathedral. Built in the 14th century, the palace is one of the largest medieval buildings in the world. Avignon Cathedral with its intricate stonework and painted domed ceiling dates to the 12th century. Avignon’s old town with its narrow, cobbled streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also be sure to take in the city’s bustling food and flea markets.

Finally, no trip to Avignon is complete without a boat trip down to the River Rhône to see one of the world’s most iconic medieval bridges – the Pont d’Avignon.

From lavender fields and vineyards to historic sights and intriguing cities, you’ve got plenty of options if you are planning a road trip from Avignon. A world-famous sight, the Pont du Gard is just a 30-minute drive from Avignon, nestled in the small, medieval village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard.

Famous for its Roman remnants, the city of Nîmes is around a 40-minute drive from Avignon. As an integral part of the Roman Empire, the grandeur of the city’s history (which spans two millennia) can still be appreciated today.

Other sightseeing opportunities include Nîmes Cathedral, the Maison Carrée Roman temple, and Nimes Fine Arts Museum.

While there is plenty to see in Avignon itself, driving across the South of France is a bucket-list experience. Whether you want to explore the countryside in this part of Provence or stop off in local towns and villages, hiring a car means you can just take to the open road and drive.

If you are driving in Avignon for the first time or haven’t travelled there recently, make sure you familiarise yourself with the country’s driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in France include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that low beam headlamps must always remain on. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds. In built up areas be aware that bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, bicycles and taxis.

If you are driving in rural areas or on secondary roads without road signs, you must give way to drivers coming from the right.

The City authority manages three large underground car parks close to the Palais des Papes, Halles and Railway Station. There are special rates for visitors to the city and a flat rate for parking in the evening (outside July and August).

At the Palace des Papes, you can park for an hourly rate outside the summer holidays while there is a day rate for parking in July and August.

There is free parking at the Ile Piot park-and-ride facility close to the city centre.