The Art of Traveling Together: Avignon for Every Generation

 
 

Last month our family took a trip from New Orleans to Avignon, France. It was a multi-generational trip that included my two year old son, husband, mother, mother in law, and bonus father in law. It was a trip that involved two flights, a two hour transfer, and a six bedroom villa that we rented site unseen. The trip could’ve gone awry, but there is something about the south of France in December that just makes everything magical.

Here’s everything that you need to know about traveling to Avignon, France:

Avignon in December offers a quieter, more intimate version of Provence, one where medieval streets glow under festive lights, local life slows to a refined rhythm, and travelers experience the region as insiders rather than spectators. For those seeking culture, cuisine, and atmosphere without summer crowds, December is one of Avignon’s most rewarding months.

 
 
 

Is December a Good Time to Visit Avignon?

Yes! December is ideal for travelers who value authenticity, space, and seasonal charm. While it’s considered low season, the city feels alive with holiday markets, winter gastronomy, and cultural programming. Hotels are more available, reservations are easier to secure, and iconic sites can be explored without lines.

December is especially appealing for:

  • Couples and multi-generational travelers

  • Food and wine enthusiasts

  • Culture-focused itineraries

  • Travelers combining Avignon with Christmas markets across Provence

What Is the Weather Like in Avignon in December?

Avignon experiences cool but manageable winter weather. I overpacked sweaters and thermals and could have gotten by with much of what I wear in New Orleans in the winter.

Average temperatures

  • Highs: 50–55°F (10–13°C)

  • Lows: 35–40°F (2–4°C)

Rain is possible, but snow is rare. The famed Mistral wind can make some days feel colder, so layering is essential. Crisp mornings often give way to clear afternoons, which are perfect for walking the historic center. We had a couple of rainy days, but no worse than New Orleans in December.

What to pack

  • A tailored wool coat or insulated trench

  • Scarves, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes

  • Breathable layers for indoor dining and museums

 
 

What to Do in Avignon in December

Explore the Historic Center Without the Crowds

December is one of the best times to visit Avignon’s UNESCO-listed old town. Wander the Palais des Papes, stroll the Pont d’Avignon, and explore cobblestone lanes without summer congestion. Museums and monuments remain open, often with shorter hours but far fewer visitors.

Visit Avignon’s Christmas Market

From late November through December, Place de l’Horloge hosts Avignon’s Christmas market. Expect artisanal gifts, Provençal santons (handcrafted nativity figures), mulled wine, and regional specialties. The atmosphere is festive but refined, definitely more local than touristic.

Experience Provençal Winter Cuisine

December is a highlight for food lovers. Seasonal menus focus on:

  • Truffles from nearby Vaucluse

  • Game meats and slow-braised dishes

  • Rich stews and winter vegetables

  • Thirteen Desserts of Christmas (Les Treize Desserts), a Provençal tradition

  • And let’s not forget the Vin Chaud (mulled wine)

Restaurants are easier to book, and chefs often have more time to engage with guests, creating a warmer, more personal dining experience.

Take Day Trips Across Provence

Avignon is an ideal base for winter day trips:

  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape for intimate wine tastings

  • L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for antiques and canals

  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for art, history, and boutiques

  • Villages du Luberon, which feel especially authentic in winter

Perspectives Travel can arrange private drivers, cellar access, and seasonal experiences not available to casual visitors.

 
 

Where to Stay in Avignon in December

December offers excellent value at high-end properties, many of which feel particularly atmospheric in winter.

Luxury & Boutique Options

  • Historic boutique hotels within the city walls

  • Restored convents and private townhouses

  • Countryside estates just outside Avignon for a quieter stay (we went this route, and it did not disappoint!)

Fireplaces, cozy lounges, and attentive service make winter stays feel indulgent rather than quiet.

 
 

What Is Avignon Like at Christmas?

Avignon embraces Christmas with understated elegance. Churches host special services and concerts, shop windows glow with seasonal displays, and the pace of life slows. Unlike larger French cities, Avignon’s celebrations feel intimate and deeply rooted in tradition rather than spectacle.

Practical Travel Tips for December

  • Getting there: Avignon is easily reached via high-speed TGV from Paris (about 2.5–3 hours). You can also fly into NCE and it’s a 2.5 hour drive from the airport.

  • Hours: Some attractions and shops may close earlier; planning ahead is key.

  • Reservations: While easier than summer, Christmas week still requires advance planning.

  • Language: Learning a few words in French will be very beneficial. Many business owners speak English, but it’s helpful to start your conversation in French.

Is Avignon Worth Visiting in Winter?

Absolutely. December reveals Avignon at its most genuine, less polished for tourists, more lived-in and soulful. For travelers who value culture over crowds and atmosphere over itineraries, winter in Avignon feels like being let in on a secret.

Perspectives Travel’s Insiders’ view:

Avignon in December isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about lingering over meals, walking ancient streets in winter light, and experiencing Provence as it truly is. With thoughtful planning, it becomes a deeply rewarding destination that feels both timeless and personal. Reach out when you’re ready to start planning your next Provence getaway!

Amina Dearmon