
Cruise port Avignon
Info for port Avignon on 4 Jul 2027
Port information & tips for Avignon
Avignon is the cultural jewel of Provence and one of the most fascinating stops on any river cruise along the picturesque Rhône. The former City of the Popes enchants visitors with its impressive medieval architecture, massive city walls, and an incomparable French way of life under the sun of Southern France. Highlights include the majestic Palais des Papes, the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, and the lively Place de l'Horloge in the heart of the old town. River cruise ships usually dock at the central Quai de l’Oulle or Quai de la Ligne, which are located directly in front of the historic fortress walls. Thanks to this prime location, guests can reach the city center in just a few minutes on foot, enjoying direct access to all major sights.
Avignon is a central hub for river cruises on the Rhône and impresses with its excellent accessibility in the heart of Provence. The ship berths are mainly located directly on the banks of the old town at Quai de l'Oulle or Quai de la Ligne, allowing for a convenient transition from land to board.
Car
Travelers can reach the City of Popes directly via the A7 and A9 motorways, with the Avignon-Nord and Avignon-Sud exits providing the quickest access to the city area. Monitored parking garages, such as the central Parking Palais des Papes, are available for the duration of the cruise. Additionally, the spacious Parking Piot park-and-ride lot offers free shuttle services directly to Porte de l'Oulle, in the immediate vicinity of the ship berths.
Train
Avignon TGV station serves as an important stop for high-speed trains from Frankfurt, Basel, or Paris, enabling a relaxed journey from the DACH region without transfers. From there, the La Virgule shuttle train takes just six minutes to reach Avignon Centre station, from where the terminals on the banks of the Rhône can be easily reached after a short walk or a five-minute taxi ride.
Airplane
Marseille Provence International Airport (MRS) is located approximately 80 kilometers away and is served by direct flights from many cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Onward travel to the port is available either by private transfer in about 50 minutes or via regular train connections from the nearby Vitrolles Aéroport station directly to the central Avignon Centre station.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Avignon is a central hub for river cruises on the Rhône and impresses with its excellent accessibility in the heart of Provence. The ship berths are mainly located directly on the banks of the old town at Quai de l'Oulle or Quai de la Ligne, allowing for a convenient transition from land to board.
Car
Travelers can reach the City of Popes directly via the A7 and A9 motorways, with the Avignon-Nord and Avignon-Sud exits providing the quickest access to the city area. Monitored parking garages, such as the central Parking Palais des Papes, are available for the duration of the cruise. Additionally, the spacious Parking Piot park-and-ride lot offers free shuttle services directly to Porte de l'Oulle, in the immediate vicinity of the ship berths.
Train
Avignon TGV station serves as an important stop for high-speed trains from Frankfurt, Basel, or Paris, enabling a relaxed journey from the DACH region without transfers. From there, the La Virgule shuttle train takes just six minutes to reach Avignon Centre station, from where the terminals on the banks of the Rhône can be easily reached after a short walk or a five-minute taxi ride.
Airplane
Marseille Provence International Airport (MRS) is located approximately 80 kilometers away and is served by direct flights from many cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Onward travel to the port is available either by private transfer in about 50 minutes or via regular train connections from the nearby Vitrolles Aéroport station directly to the central Avignon Centre station.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The river cruise docks in Avignon are located directly on the Rhône and, thanks to their central location, provide an ideal starting point for discovery tours.
On Foot
The historic center with the Papal Palace and the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge can be easily reached in about ten to fifteen minutes. The walk leads along the well-preserved city walls and offers direct access to the charming alleys of the Old Town.
Navette Fluviale
The free electric ferry runs regularly between the Quai de la Ligne and Barthelasse Island. This charming connection simultaneously offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city skyline and invites you to a relaxing excursion into the countryside.
Baladine and Taxi
Small electric shuttles called Baladine traverse the narrow streets of the city center and complement the services of the Orizo buses. You will also find taxis at the marked stands near the city wall or at the main train station for a comfortable onward journey into the surrounding area.
It is best to combine the monumental sights directly on the riverbank with a relaxed stroll through the winding alleys of the historical center.
Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
The imposing Gothic fortress and the legendary bridge ruins form the city's impressive landmark and can be perfectly explored during a first tour thanks to their proximity to the pier.
Altstadtviertel & Place de l'Horloge
Inside the ancient city walls, charming squares and elegant boutiques invite you to stroll, while lively street cafes offer the ideal spot for a break with Provençal specialties.
Pont du Gard
This architectural marvel from the Roman era is located in the nearby area and, thanks to the combination of monumental history and its idyllic location on the Gardon River, is a first-class destination for a shore excursion.
Palais des Papes and Rocher des Doms
The impressive Palais des Papes and the adjacent Rocher des Doms garden are located just a short, ten-minute walk from the moorings on the banks of the Rhône and offer a perfect combination of monumental history and relaxed views. The Papal Palace fascinates as the world's largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages and can be explored interactively thanks to modern tablet guides, while the nearby park with its shaded paths and wide panoramic view over the famous bridge of Avignon invites you to linger. The charming cafes on the extensive forecourt also provide the ideal setting for a refreshment in a historical setting. It is best to visit the palace directly at opening in the early morning to enjoy the magnificent halls in peace and quiet, and to stroll back to the ship through the picturesque alleys of the old town in the late morning.
The journey back to the berths on the banks of the Rhône is extremely convenient in Avignon, as the ships are docked directly in front of the historic city walls. This allows you to return to your cruise ship relaxed and on time after your shore excursion.
On Foot
Since the piers at Quai de la Ligne and Quai de l'Oulle are directly adjacent to the old town, you can easily walk back to the ship in just a few minutes. The paths lead through the prominent gates of the city wall and are easy to find thanks to the city's clear layout and proximity to the riverbank.
Taxi
For a direct return trip, you can find taxis at central stands at the Avignon-Centre station as well as at the exits of the pedestrian zone near Place de l'Horloge. Additionally, you can have a taxi conveniently called from one of the major hotels at any time to reach the pier safely and punctually.
Ferry and Public Transport
The free river ferry, Navette Fluviale, comfortably connects the island of Barthelasse with the Quai de la Ligne at the foot of the Palais des Papes. Furthermore, small electric buses of the Baladine line operate in the old town, taking you directly to the exits of the city wall, from where you can reach your ship in a very short time.
In port on 04 Jul 2027


