Festival d’Avignon – France 2026

Background & History

Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Festival d’Avignon is a cornerstone of contemporary performing arts, celebrated for its innovative theatre, dance, music, and interdisciplinary programming. Held annually in Avignon, France, this prestigious event transforms the city’s historic venues, including the iconic Palais des Papes, into vibrant stages for global artists. Initiated with Vilar’s vision to democratize theatre, the festival premiered with bold productions like Shakespeare’s Richard II and Paul Claudel’s Tobie and Sara. Over 79 years, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, hosting 42 shows, exhibitions, films, readings, and debates each July, drawing over 120,000 attendees.

Managed by the Festival d’Avignon Association, it fosters artistic creation through year-round residencies and international tours, showcasing works in countries like Japan and the USA. The Festival Off, launched in 1966 by André Benedetto, complements the main event with over 1,000 independent performances across 140 venues. Recognized for its inclusivity, the festival earned accolades like the 2018 European Festival Award for its accessibility initiatives. In 2026, under its current direction, the festival will continue to champion diverse voices, sustainability, and cultural dialogue, cementing its status as a global leader in the performing arts.

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

The Festival d’Avignon 2026, running from July 1 to July 25, will feature approximately 42 productions across 40 venues, including theatre, dance, music, and interdisciplinary performances. Key stages like the Cour d’Honneur du Palais des Papes (2,000 seats) and La FabricA will host works by renowned and emerging artists, following the legacy of 2025 productions like The Distance by Tiago Rodrigues and Soma – Concert de Clôture. The program includes contemporary plays, experimental dance (e.g., Delirious Night), and music performances like the Laaroussa Quartet, alongside readings, exhibitions, and debates on themes such as identity, migration, and climate change.

The Festival Off, running concurrently, offers over 1,000 shows by independent companies, from avant-garde theatre to street performances, across Avignon’s cloisters, schools, and squares. Additional events include film screenings at Utopia – Manutention, art exhibitions at Collection Lambert, and workshops at Maison Jean Vilar. Family-friendly activities, such as storytelling and creative workshops, cater to younger audiences, while the Rencontres Internationales at La Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon foster artistic exchange. Many performances offer surtitles in French and English, with select shows featuring audiodescription and vibrating vests for accessibility.

Special Traditions or Features

Avignon becomes a theatrical hub each July, with historic venues like the Palais des Papes and Cloître des Carmes transformed into open-air stages. The festival’s commitment to accessibility includes the FACIL’iti website platform for visual and motor impairments and Acceo app support for deaf attendees. Sustainability is prioritized through the Guide du Festivalier Éco-Responsable, promoting eco-friendly transport, reusable water bottles (0.5L, clear only), and zero-waste catering. The Mahabharata Festival Bar serves as a social hub, offering local wines and live music. Volunteers and seasonal staff (recruited via LinkedIn or festival-avignon.com) enhance the community vibe, while the Festival Off’s vibrant street performances create a carnival-like atmosphere.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

The festival’s setting in Avignon’s UNESCO World Heritage site, with its medieval architecture and the Palais des Papes, offers a breathtaking backdrop. Visitors can explore the Festival Bookshop (8 rue de Mons) for signed scripts and memorabilia or shop at the Official Festival Shop (Place de l’Horloge) for merchandise. Off-site, the Carrière de Boulbon, a dramatic quarry venue, hosts immersive performances. Cultural excursions include Avignon’s Pont Saint-Bénézet, Rhône River walks, or guided tours to nearby Provence vineyards via Avignon Tourisme. The Rencontres Internationales at La Chartreuse provide artist talks and exhibitions, while the Festival Off’s pop-up performances in Avignon’s squares add spontaneity.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Thursday, July 1 – Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Future Dates: Friday, July 1 – Sunday, July 24, 2027

Duration

• 25 days, with approximately 42 main festival shows and 1,000+ Festival Off performances.

Opening Hours

• Main Venues: Performances typically 10:00 AM–midnight; box offices open 1 hour before shows.
• Box Office (20 rue du Portail Boquier): Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (from June 21); daily from July 1.
• Official Shop (Place de l’Horloge): Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM (from June 28); daily from July 1.
• Info Desks: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at main venues; phone support (+33 4 90 14 14 14, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM).

Venue / Location

Primary Venues

The festival spans 40 venues across Avignon and nearby areas, transforming historic sites, cloisters, and schools into performance spaces:

• Cour d’Honneur du Palais des Papes: Iconic open-air stage (2,000 seats) for major productions.
• La FabricA: Permanent festival venue for theatre and dance, with accessibility features.
• Cloître des Carmes & Cloître des Célestins: Intimate cloisters for experimental works.
• Théâtre Benoît-XII: Equipped with hearing loops for accessible performances.
• Carrière de Boulbon: Dramatic quarry venue for immersive shows, 13 km from Avignon.
• Collection Lambert: Contemporary art space hosting exhibitions.
• Maison Jean Vilar: Hub for readings, workshops, and archival displays.

Additional venues include Opéra Grand Avignon, Gymnase du Lycée Aubanel, and L’Autre Scène du Grand Avignon – Vedène, among others. Accessibility features include ramps, hearing loops, and tactile models at key venues. The Festival Off utilizes 140 additional spaces, such as schools, squares, and churches, for independent performances.

Main Location Addresses

• Festival Office & Box Office: 20 rue du Portail Boquier, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Official Shop: Place de l’Horloge, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Festival Bookshop: 8 rue de Mons, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Cour d’Honneur du Palais des Papes: Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• La FabricA: 11 rue Paul Achard, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Cloître des Carmes: Place des Carmes, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Cloître des Célestins: Place des Corps-Saints, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Théâtre Benoît-XII: 12 rue des Teinturiers, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Carrière de Boulbon: Carrière de Boulbon, 13150 Boulbon, France – Google Maps
• Collection Lambert: 5 rue Violette, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Maison Jean Vilar: 8 rue de Mons, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• Opéra Grand Avignon: Place de l’Horloge, 84000 Avignon, France – Google Maps
• L’Autre Scène du Grand Avignon – Vedène: Avenue Pierre de Coubertin, 84270 Vedène, France – Google Maps
• Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon: 58 rue de la République, 30400 Villeneuve lez Avignon, France – Google Maps

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

Tickets are available online at festival-avignon.com from April 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with seat selection via an interactive map. From June 21, purchase at the Box Office (20 rue du Portail Boquier, +33 4 90 14 14 14, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM, Tuesday–Saturday; daily from July 1) or Fnac (19 Rue de la République, fnacspectacle.com). During the festival, venue box offices open 1 hour before shows, subject to availability. The Official Shop (Place de l’Horloge) sells tickets from June 28, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM.

Ticket Exchange

Tickets are non-transferable; refunds are issued only for canceled shows (contact festival@festival-avignon.com within 30 days). Lost tickets can be reissued with proof of purchase. Name changes incur a €5 fee (~$5.50 USD) via the Box Office.

Admission Type

Paid admission for most shows; open to all ages, with under-16s requiring adult supervision (18+). Service dogs permitted with documentation. Select readings and exhibitions are free.

Pricing Range

Based on 2025 rates (~1.09 USD/€):

• Minimum: Single ticket ~$11 USD (€10); free for select family events.
• Maximum: Premium tickets ~$55 USD (€50); Carte Festival pass ~$27 USD (€25).
• Breakdown:
  • Single Show: ~$11–$55 USD (€10–€50), varies by venue (e.g., Cour d’Honneur ~$33–$55 USD, smaller venues ~$11–$22 USD).
  • Carte Festival Pass: ~$27 USD (€25, full price); ~$1 USD (€1) for job seekers, performing arts professionals.
  • Carte 3 Clés Pass: ~$1 USD (€1) for under-26s, students, disabled persons, minimum welfare beneficiaries.
  • Family Events: Free or ~$5–$11 USD (€5–€10).
  • Fnac Members: 5–10% discounts via fnacspectacle.com.
  • Groups (10+): Contact festival@festival-avignon.com for rates.
• VIP Options: Limited premium packages (~$55–$110 USD) include priority seating and access to exclusive receptions at Palais des Papes.
• Booking Fees: €2–€5 (~$2.20–$5.50 USD) per order, depending on platform.

Payment Methods

Online: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal. On-site: Card payments only at box offices and Official Shop. Digital ticketing via the festival app or QR codes.

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel: +33 4 90 14 14 14 (Box Office, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, June 21–July 25); +33 4 90 27 66 50 (Admin, Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM)
• Email:
  • General: festival@festival-avignon.com
  • Box Office: festival@festival-avignon.com
  • Accessibility: accessibilite@festival-avignon.com
  • Press: festival@festival-avignon.com (Christopher Bone)
  • Sponsorship: festival@festival-avignon.com (Adrian Lambert, Ruth Thomas)
  • Artists/Proposals: submissions@festival-avignon.com
  • Education: festival@festival-avignon.com (Aine Venables)
  • Catering: festival@festival-avignon.com (Georgie Docker)
  • International (South America): izara@festival-avignon.com
• Website: https://www.festival-avignon.com (English, French, Spanish)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @festivaldavignon
  • Facebook: @festivalavignon
  • X/Twitter: @festival_avignon
  • Hashtag: #FestivalAvignon2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at festival-avignon.com (requires email and terms acceptance).

Key Staff

• Jean Vilar: Founder (1947), pioneered accessible theatre.
• Current Direction: Artistic and administrative team continues Vilar’s legacy of innovation.
• Christopher Bone: Press and Communications (festival@festival-avignon.com).
• Adrian Lambert & Ruth Thomas: Sponsorship and partnerships.

Organization

• Legal Entity: Festival d’Avignon Association
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; priority for accessibility and ticketing. Multilingual support (English, French, Spanish). Job and volunteer applications via festival-avignon.com or LinkedIn (January 2026).

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

The Festival d’Avignon 2026 transforms Avignon into a global stage, blending theatre, dance, music, and visual arts against the backdrop of its UNESCO-listed heritage. The Cour d’Honneur du Palais des Papes hosts epic productions, while La FabricA and cloisters showcase experimental works. The Festival Off’s 1,000+ shows, from street theatre to avant-garde performances, add vibrancy. Surtitles in French/English and accessibility features like vibrating vests ensure inclusivity. Events like Rencontres Internationales and exhibitions at Collection Lambert deepen cultural dialogue.

Community Engagement

The festival fosters community through volunteer programs (apply January 2026), engaging over 500 locals in 2025 for ticketing, ushering, and technical roles. The Festival Off connects independent artists with audiences, while educational workshops at Maison Jean Vilar inspire young creatives. The Mahabharata Festival Bar and street performances create a festive atmosphere, uniting diverse attendees in Avignon’s historic squares.

Culinary and Local Traditions

Food stalls at venues like Palais des Papes and La FabricA serve Provençal cuisine, including ratatouille (~$8–$14 USD), tapenade crostini (~$5–$10 USD), and vegan/gluten-free options like chickpea socca (~$6–$12 USD). Local rosé wines, pastis, and non-alcoholic lavender lemonade (~$3–$8 USD) are highlights. Sustainability includes compostable materials and reusable water bottles (0.5L, clear only). Partnerships with Avignon Tourisme promote local producers.

Local Exploration

Visitors can explore Avignon’s medieval landmarks, like the Pont Saint-Bénézet or Rhône River walks. Guided tours to Provence vineyards or the Roman ruins of Glanum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (25 km) are available via provenceguide.com. The Festival Off’s street performances and Avignon’s vibrant markets enhance the cultural experience.

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

Managed by Georgie Docker (festival@festival-avignon.com), catering emphasizes Provençal flavors and sustainability, with allergen lists and card-only payments. Highlights include:

• Provençal Classics:
  • Ratatouille or bouillabaisse (~$8–$14 USD)
  • Tapenade crostini or pissaladière (~$5–$10 USD)
• Vegetarian/Gluten-Free:
  • Chickpea socca or vegetable tian (~$6–$12 USD)
  • Gluten-free almond calissons (~$3–$7 USD)
• International:
  • Moroccan tagines or Italian arancini (~$8–$14 USD)
• Desserts:
  • Tarte tropézienne or lavender macarons (~$3–$7 USD)
  • Local fig sorbet (~$3–$6 USD)
• Beverages:
  • Provence rosé, pastis (~$4–$8 USD)
  • Non-alcoholic lavender lemonade or herbal infusions (~$3–$5 USD)
  • Coffee from local roasters (~$2–$5 USD)

Dining Logistics

Food stalls operate 10:00 AM–11:00 PM at major venues. Free water stations and recycling bins support eco-conscious practices. Only clear 0.5L water bottles or reusable bottles allowed; no glass or opaque containers.

Getting There

By Air

• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 70 km (~1 hr drive, ~$100–$300 USD flights). Trains to Avignon (~45 min, ~$15–$30 USD).
• Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE): 200 km (~2.5 hr drive, ~$150–$400 USD flights). Trains to Avignon (~3 hr, ~$40–$80 USD).
• Paris CDG (CDG): 700 km (~3.5 hr TGV, ~$50–$150 USD flights). Trains to Avignon (~3 hr, ~$50–$120 USD).

By Train

• Avignon TGV Station (3 km): TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon (~2.5 hr, ~$50–$120 USD), Marseille (~45 min, ~$15–$30 USD). Shuttles to city center (~$2–$5 USD).
• Avignon Centre Station: Regional trains from Marseille (~1 hr, ~$10–$20 USD). Walk or bus to venues (~10 min).

By Bus

• FlixBus from Paris (~10 hr, ~$30–$70 USD), Marseille (~1.5 hr, ~$10–$25 USD). Festival shuttles from Avignon-Poste (Cours du Président Kennedy) to venues like Carrière de Boulbon (~$5–$10 USD round-trip, book via festival-avignon.com).

By Car

• From Paris (A7, ~7 hr, 700 km), Marseille (A7, ~1 hr, 100 km). Parking outside city center (~$11–$22 USD/day, e.g., Parking des Italiens); limited access 12:00 PM–2:00 AM (disability card holders exempt). PRM parking via avignon.fr or parking.handicap.fr.

By Bike/Walking

• Bike rentals (~$11–$22 USD/day) via Avignon Vélopop. Secure racks at venues. Most venues within 10–15 min walk from city center. Rhône River paths offer scenic routes.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Hôtel de l’Horloge (0.2 km from Palais des Papes): 4-star, city views, ~$130–$300 USD/night; hoteldelhorloge.com.
• La Mirande (0.1 km): 5-star in historic mansion, ~$250–$600 USD/night; la-mirande.fr.
• Hôtel d’Europe (0.3 km): Elegant 5-star, ~$200–$500 USD/night; heurope.com.

Mid-Range

• Hôtel Le Cloître Saint Louis (0.5 km): Historic cloister, ~$80–$200 USD/night; cloitre-saint-louis.com.
• Hôtel de Garlande (0.3 km): Boutique, ~$70–$180 USD/night; hoteldegarlande.com.
• Hôtel Central (0.4 km): Modern, ~$60–$160 USD/night; hotelcentral-avignon.fr.

Budget

• Hôtel Alizéa (0.5 km): Simple, ~$40–$100 USD/night; hotelalizea.com.
• Auberge de Jeunesse Avignon (2 km): Dorms (~$20–$50 USD/night), private rooms (~$40–$80 USD/night); hifrance.org.
• Camping du Pont d’Avignon (2 km): Tent pitches, ~$20–$60 USD/night; campingdupontdavignon.com.
• Airbnb: Apartments/homes, ~$50–$200 USD/night; book 6–12 months early.

Camping Notes

Campsites offer showers, toilets, and food stalls. Book via ot-avignon.fr or provenceguide.com. No open fires; tents in designated areas only.

Accessibility

Overview

The Festival d’Avignon 2026 prioritizes inclusivity, adhering to French accessibility standards and W3C WCAG 2.1 A/AA. Applications open spring 2026 via festival-avignon.com; contact accessibilite@festival-avignon.com or +33 4 90 14 14 14.

Accessible Tickets

Standard tickets with free companion passes (1+1 policy) or reserved seating for disabled attendees. Apply with evidence (e.g., disability card, minimum 80% disability proof). Contact the Box Office early for priority.

Venue Accessibility

• Cour d’Honneur & La FabricA: Ramps, accessible toilets, tactile models, hearing loops. Vibrating vests for select shows (e.g., Delirious Night).
• Théâtre Benoît-XII: Hearing loops; BSL/surtitles available.
• Other Venues: Limited accessibility (e.g., cloisters with stairs); contact for arrangements.
• Paths: Mostly flat; temporary trackways for wheelchairs. PRM assistance at venue entrances.

Transport Accessibility

• Parking: PRM spaces near venues (~$11 USD/day, pre-apply via avignon.fr).
• Shuttles: Wheelchair-accessible from Avignon-Poste to Boulbon/Vedène (~$5–$10 USD).
• Orizo Transport: Accessible service for 80%+ disability card holders (0 800 456 456).

Digital Accessibility

FACIL’iti adapts the website for visual, motor, or cognitive impairments (e.g., dyslexia, Parkinson’s). Acceo app offers communication for deaf/hard-of-hearing via video, transcription, or sign language (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM). Contact accessibilite@festival-avignon.com for issues.

On-Site Support

Accessibility team at info desks (10:00 AM–7:00 PM) provides multilingual support (French, English). Audiodescription, tactile tours, and vibrating vests available for select shows. Service dogs permitted with ID.