Backpacking Avignon in Summer: Your Practical Guide
What’s It Like Backpacking Avignon in Summer?
Backpacking Avignon in summer means experiencing hot, dry weather and vibrant cultural energy, often with significant crowds. The city is lively with outdoor dining and events, but high temperatures and increased tourist numbers require planning.
What is the Summer Weather and Climate in Avignon?
Avignon experiences a classic Mediterranean summer: hot, sunny, and very dry.
- June: Average high around 28-29°C (82-84°F), low around 16-17°C (61-63°F). Minimal rainfall.
- July: Average high around 31-32°C (88-90°F), low around 19-20°C (66-68°F). Very little rainfall.
- August: Average high around 30-31°C (86-88°F), low around 18-19°C (64-66°F). Very little rainfall. Expect abundant sunshine, often exceeding 10 hours per day.
What are Typical Summer Costs for Backpackers in Avignon?
Summer prices can be higher due to demand. All figures are estimated ranges in Euros (EUR) per person per day:
- Accommodation:
- Hostel dorm bed: €25 - €45 per night.
- Budget hotel/guesthouse: €60 - €120+ per night (single room).
- Food:
- Supermarket groceries for self-catering: €10 - €15.
- Budget meal (e.g., sandwich, bakery item, simple lunch): €5 - €10.
- Casual restaurant meal: €15 - €30.
- Activities:
- Palais des Papes entry: ~€14.50.
- Pont d’Avignon entry: ~€5.50.
- Combined ticket (Palais + Pont): ~€19.
- Many activities, like exploring the city walls or Rocher des Doms, are free. A reasonable backpacking budget could be €60 - €100+ per day, depending on accommodation choice and dining habits.
What Summer-Specific Tips Should Backpackers Know for Avignon?
- Beat the Heat: Hydrate constantly, wear light clothing, use sunscreen, and seek shade. Start sightseeing early in the morning, take a siesta during the hottest part of the afternoon, and resume activities in the late afternoon/evening.
- Crowds & Bookings: Summer, especially July, sees significant tourist crowds. Book accommodation well in advance. Consider purchasing attraction tickets online to skip queues.
- Avignon Festival: If visiting in July, be aware of the world-renowned Avignon Festival. This major performing arts event makes the city exceptionally vibrant but also extremely crowded and drives up accommodation prices. Book months ahead if planning to attend.
What are the Best Summer Activities and Attractions in Avignon?
- Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace): Explore the largest Gothic palace in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Pont d’Avignon (Saint-Bénézet Bridge): Walk on the iconic medieval bridge that famously “sings” in the nursery rhyme.
- Rocher des Doms: Enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Rhône River, and the Pont d’Avignon from this beautiful public garden.
- Les Halles d’Avignon: Visit this covered market for fresh local produce, cheeses, and prepared foods—perfect for a budget-friendly lunch.
- Wander the Old Town: Get lost in the narrow, charming streets within the city walls, discovering hidden squares and boutiques.
For finding free amenities like public restrooms, water fountains, and parks, consider using AllInMap to navigate Avignon efficiently.
