Cruise port Avignon
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.
