France

Christmas Markets in Avignon

Avignon's Christmas market sits before the Palais des Papes (the popes' 14th-century palace), with Provençal santons and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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Famous for

The Palais des Papes — the popes' palace — and a Provençal Christmas market in the shadow of it.

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About the Avignon markets

Avignon is the Rhône's papal city — the seat of seven popes in the 14th century, with the enormous Palais des Papes (the largest Gothic palace in Europe) rising above the old town. Its Christmas market, on the Place de l'Horloge and into the Palais square, sells santons (hand-painted Provençal nativity figurines), Calisson d'Aix almonds, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famous wine from just north of here. The broken Pont d'Avignon stretches halfway across the Rhône — you can walk out on it. Most Rhône sailings stop here for a full day.

What to eat

❄ Papeton d'aubergine
❄ Daube provençale
❄ Calisson d'Aix

What to drink

❄ Vin chaud
❄ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
❄ Pastis

Crafts & gifts

❄ Santon figurines
❄ Provençal fabrics
❄ Olive wood

Dates & vibe

Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 31

Dates differ by market and year. Confirm the opening calendar for the day your ship visits; festive lights do not mean the stalls are still open.

Vibe: Provençal and papal — a market square before a palace.

Highlights

Palais des PapesPlace de l'Horloge marketPont d'Avignon (bridge)Santon stallsChâteauneuf-du-Pape tastingRocher des Doms gardens

Local tip

Buy a santon — they're the signature Provençal Christmas craft, and a small one makes a perfect souvenir.

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