Contents
Key points
Why Avignon
Seat of the papacy in the 14th century, Avignon has preserved an exceptional historic centre: the Palais des Papes, the episcopal ensemble and the Pont d’Avignon have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995. With its TGV station and fast links to Paris, Lyon and Marseille, the city is one of the most accessible corporate retreat destinations in Provence.
Getting there
- Train: 2 h 40 min from Paris, 3 h 40 min from Lille, 1 hour from Lyon by TGV. Avignon TGV station is 6 km from the city centre; Avignon Tourisme states a direct connection to the city centre in 4 minutes from the TGV station.
- Road: 1 hour from Marseille, 2 hours from Lyon, 3 hours from Nice.
- Air: Avignon Provence airport, 8 km from the centre, handles business aviation only. For scheduled flights, go via Marseille Provence.
Facilities
| Venue | Published capacities |
|---|---|
| Palais des Papes convention centre | 16 spaces; from 20 to 536 people for meetings, 700 for receptions; 1,800 m² of exhibition space |
| Avignon Parc Expo | 920-seat hall, including 606 on retractable tiered seating |
For a group of 15 to 150 people, historic mansions in the centre and estates in the surrounding area, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon or towards the Alpilles, offer a more intimate setting.
Published prices
| Venue | Day meeting | Residential | Excl. / incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Prieuré Baumanière, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon | from €125 per person (15 to 50 people) | from €580 per person (10 to 30 people) | not stated |
Recorded from the venue’s official website on 11 November 2026. This venue is not, to date, a partner of Guide Séminaire.
Our venues in Avignon
We are currently visiting the venues in this area. Venue profiles are published after each visit. In the meantime, we pass your request on to suitable venues: describe my event.
Our advice
- Avoid July unless you are attending the Festival: the city is very busy at that time, so book very early or choose another period.
- Choose a venue close to the TGV station or the centre if your participants are arriving by train.
- For a countryside retreat, combine a day in town with an estate in the Alpilles or the Luberon.
Sources and method
Information checked on 11 November 2026.
- Centre historique d’Avignon — UNESCO, Centre du patrimoine mondial : inscribed in 1995
- Comment venir — Avignon Tourisme : TGV and road journey times, station 6 km away, airport
- Avignon destination affaires — Avignon Tourisme : 16 spaces at the Palais des Papes
- Congrès et séminaires — Avignon Congrès Expo : capacities of the convention centre and the Parc Expo
- Vos événements — Le Prieuré Baumanière : published packages
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to Avignon for a corporate retreat?
According to Avignon Tourisme, Avignon is 2 h 40 min from Paris, 3 h 40 min from Lille and 1 hour from Lyon by TGV. The TGV station is 6 km from the city centre. By road, Marseille is 1 hour away. Avignon Provence airport has no scheduled flights and handles business aviation only.
Can we hold a corporate event at the Palais des Papes?
Yes: the Palais des Papes convention centre has 16 spaces and hosts from 20 to 536 people for meetings and 700 for receptions, according to Avignon Tourisme.
How much does a corporate retreat near Avignon cost?
Published example: Le Prieuré Baumanière, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, lists a day meeting from €125 per person and a residential seminar from €580 per person (recorded on 11 November 2026, with no indication of whether VAT is included).
