Greater Avignon: 5 festivals to discover around Avignon (spoiler, it's not just the Avignon Festival)

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on April 16, 2025

Photo : Festival Id'ile - © Tristan Pillat

Yes, it's not just the Festival d'Avignon that has people talking about Avignon. Theater, music, biodiversity, trails... there's so much to discover over a weekend or more in the Grand Avignon area (a community of 16 communes spread out around Avignon, between the Gard and Vaucluse departments). Here's a closer look at the best festivals to discover around Avignon!

1. Villeneuve en Scène (performing arts, dance, theater) - July, Villeneuve lez Avignon

Just a stone's throw from Avignon, the Villeneuve en Scène festival takes place at the same time as the Avignon theater festival, a lesser-known but equally cultural event. On the program: music, dance, circus arts, street art, theater... A festival that claims to be slower: a gentler pace, conducive to exchanges and sharing, in the green and friendly setting of the Plaine de l'Abbaye. From Avignon, it's easily accessible by bike (via Velopop'), bus (via the ORIZO network) or carpool (BlaBlaCar, Klaxit...).

© Festival Villeneuve en Scène

When ?

Every year in July.

Where and when to book?

Reservations can be made on site or via the official festival website, from June onwards.

Our tips

• Vary the pleasures! Don't hesitate to combine the two festivals (Avignon and Villeneuve en Scène) for a truly complete experience. Why not book one or two days at Villeneuve lez Avignon for a change of scenery? The advantage: there's no need to change accommodation, since the two are right next door to each other (but be sure to check the dates of the two festivals: the Avignon festival generally covers a slightly longer period than the Villeneuve festival).
• Bring a blanket and a pillow. To get the most out of outdoor shows, it's best to be comfortably seated.

2. Id'ile (music) - June, Barthelasse island

Music, fooding... This festival puts local emerging and established artists in the spotlight, alongside more famous headliners. This unusual event takes place on Barthelasse Island (and more precisely in the park of its leisure center), just a few minutes from Avignon. From electro to pop, contemporary music, hip-hop, rap, Rnb and soul: for two evenings, the island beats to the rhythm of the music, and its peaceful green space is transformed into a dancefloor!

Festival Id'ile - © Tristan Pillat

In practical terms, you can reach the island :

• via a free river shuttle from mid-February to December 31 (bac à traille): crossing the Rhône takes just 5 minutes!
• on foot or by “velopop”, via the cycle path on the Pont Daladier (which allows you to enjoy the magnificent view of the famous Pont d'Avignon).
• by bus: via bus 05 (which can be taken from “Avignon poste” or “Porte de l'Oulle”) direction Villeneuve, or via a free shuttle bus (which can only be taken from “Porte de l'Oulle”), stop “île de la Barthelasse”.

Festival Id'ile - © Tristan Pillat

When ?

Over two evenings in June.

Dates 2025: June 6 and 7, 2025. A few names have already been revealed: La Femme, NTO, Emma Peters, Oxmo Puccino, Madame Benoit (Friday June 6); Deluxe, Synapson, Acid Arab (DJ set), Lize, Zita Les mixeuses solidaires (Saturday June 7)!

Where and when to book?

Reservations can be made on site or via the official festival website.

Our tips

• Why not take the opportunity to visit l’île de la Barthelasse - Europe's largest river island - for a day, before heading back to the festival for the evening?

3. Un Air de Fête (biodiversity, local crafts, traditional music) - May, Roquemaure

Traditional and popular music, local entertainment, regional specialities, nature conservation... In Roquemaure - around 45 minutes from Avignon by bus (LIO 122 and Orizo 26 buses depart from Avignon) or 30 minutes by car-sharing - around the Halles de la Pousterle, you'll be able to enjoy a free festive event focusing on local initiatives and actions to protect nature. The aim? To showcase local artisans and producers, while raising awareness of biodiversity. On the program: environmental awareness shows, biodiversity photo contest, folk ball concert...

Festival Un air de fête - © Cultur'air

When ?

Early May.

Dates 2025: May 4 to 10, 2025.

Where and when to book?

Reservations can be made on site or via the Cultur'air association, from April onwards.

Our tips

• Duration: to get the most out of the festivities, we recommend you plan to spend a full day on site.
• Carpooling: if you want to offer or take advantage of carpooling to the festival, you can do so here and here!
• Bus: you can reach Roquemaure from Avignon by LiO bus (line 122) or Orizo bus (line 27).

4. Eynavay'Trail (Trail) - February, Rochefort

No theater or music here, but an eco-responsible sporting event, Eynavay’Trail! What's it all about? A choice of 8- to 35-kilometer nature trails in the garrigue around Rochefort-du-Gard.

Eynavay'Trail - © Crocq'images

When?

One day in February (usually mid-February), every year.

Where and when to book?

Please note that registration is exclusively online via Endurance Chrono.

Our tips

• At the risk of stating the obvious... Prepare yourself physically!

5. Escapades en Vies Sauvages (nature and biodiversity) - September, Vedène

Calling all nature enthusiasts, photographers and videographers, naturalists, film buffs, enlightened amateurs, the simply curious or citizens concerned by the challenges of biodiversity and global warming: just 30 minutes by bus from Avignon (45 minutes to an hour on foot or by bike) is a festival for all lovers of the wild world.

The Escapades en Vies Sauvage festival in Vedène (organized by the Le Caracal association) features documentary film screenings, photo exhibitions, conferences, educational workshops for the general public...

Festival Escapades en Vies sauvages

When?

Usually mid-September.

Dates 2025: September 12, 13 and 14, 2025 at “L'Autre Scène”, Vedène (84).

Where and when to book?

Reservations can be made on site or via the association's website.

Our tips

• If you're coming with the family, don't hesitate to take advantage of the interactive workshops for kids! It's a fun way for them to learn and understand.

And that's it for this round-up of festivals around Avignon! And if you'd like to take the opportunity to discover the area, don't hesitate to take a look at our guide to our guide to Grand Avignon.