The Avignon Festival, created in 1947, is one of the largest theater and performing arts festivals in the world. Each summer, the city transforms into an immense stage where contemporary creations, revisited classics, and international performances blend. From the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes to the lively streets, art takes over every corner of Avignon. For this 79th edition, the festival will take place from July 5 to 26, 2025, and various events will be held, all in a friendly atmosphere. What’s the festival program? What types of encounters will take place? Discover with us everything the Avignon Festival has to offer for this year 2025!
History and Importance of the Avignon Festival
The Avignon Festival was founded by Jean Vilar, a visionary actor and director who dreamed of making theater accessible to all. From its inception, the festival distinguished itself by its desire to bring together classic and contemporary works in an exceptional setting: the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes. Over time, the Avignon Festival has become one of the most prestigious theater and performing arts events in the world. It welcomes thousands of spectators every July.
A symbol of living, demanding, and popular theater, the Avignon Festival today embodies a major cultural event in France and Europe.
Program and Shows for the 2025 Edition
This 2025 edition offers 44 artistic creations blending theater, dance, music, performances, and visual arts. These shows will be presented in emblematic venues such as the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes, the Cloître des Carmes, the Gymnase du Lycée Aubanel, and the Carrière de Boulbon, offering immersive and varied experiences. The program reflects, as every year, an openness to major contemporary issues, where artistic forms and different cultures intertwine. The festival director, Tiago Rodrigues, places this edition under the sign of creation, dialogue, and inclusivity, with particular attention paid to new voices and innovative formats.
This event is an opportunity for enthusiasts, curious individuals, artists, and professionals to meet and exchange ideas about the artistic and societal challenges of our time: this is the Festival In.
In parallel, the Festival Off animates the entire city: more than 1,000 companies perform in hundreds of venues, offering a kaleidoscope of artistic propositions at various prices. It’s a true melting pot of culture, where the public can attend comedies, stand-up shows, youth theater, magic, dance, and improvisation.
For spectators, it’s a unique immersive experience: stroll through streets covered in colorful posters, meet touring artists, attend previews or public readings, and participate in meetings, workshops, debates, or exhibitions.
The “In” and the “Off” complement each other perfectly, making Avignon a true crossroads of creation, where one can both be moved by a great contemporary work and laugh or be touched in a small venue in the city center.
The 2025 program once again promises great artistic diversity, audacious creations, and facilitated access thanks to discount cards and online ticketing. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or simply curious, the Avignon Festival is an unmissable celebration of live creation.
How to Get Tickets and Organize Your Stay
To access the Avignon Festival, you need to purchase your entry in advance, and the new feature this year: you directly choose your seat. Book your seats:
- From April 5, 11 AM: on the Festival’s official website;
- From June 21: by phone at +33 (0)4 90 14 14 14, at the Festival box offices (at Cloître Saint-Louis, 20 rue Portail Boquier), at the box offices on show sites (only for the day’s performance), and at Fnac store box offices (France, Switzerland, Belgium);
- From June 28: at the Avignon Festival shop (place de l’Horloge).
Several discount cards are available for the Festival d’Avignon; depending on your profile, more information here:
- The Festival Card, for the general public (€25), performing arts professionals (€25), and job seekers (€1).
- The 3 Keys Card, intended for those under 26, students, recipients of minimum social benefits, and people with disabilities (€1).
Both cards are individual, digital, valid for all shows and orders in 2025, and offer a 5% discount in the shop and bookstore.
Both cards are individual, digital, valid for all shows and orders in 2025, and offer a 5% discount in the shop and bookstore.
Our best tips to fully enjoy the festival
Here are some essential tips to fully enjoy the Festival d’Avignon:
- Plan your reservations in advance: The most popular shows fill up quickly. Book as soon as ticket sales open and also think about your accommodation, as the city can quickly become full in July; book it here in one click!
- Prepare your program in advance: With several hundred shows per day, it’s better to plan ahead. Download the programs, identify your favorites, and also leave some room for improvisation!
- Experience the atmosphere beyond the stages: Stroll through the streets, attend parades, interact with artists, enjoy terraces and spontaneous events. The festival is also a unique atmosphere that goes beyond theater walls.
- Explore the region if you have time: Avignon is surrounded by wonders: the villages of the Luberon, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Pont du Gard… A great way to extend your cultural experience.
- Stay in or near the historic center: This will allow you to do everything on foot and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the festival, from morning until late at night. Discover our accommodations available in July here!
Bonus: Follow the festival on social media to stay updated on news, behind-the-scenes, and tips!
Experience the Festival d'Avignon 2025
The Festival d’Avignon is a unique event that brings together theater lovers and transforms the medieval city into an open-air stage every summer. Whether you come to discover the latest theatrical creations or enjoy the unique atmosphere that reigns in the city in July, you will leave amazed by this artistic immersion in the heart of the City of Popes! Do you want to attend several shows and organize a cultural stay under the southern sun? Don’t hesitate any longer, pack your bags and choose accommodation with Provence Plaisir to fully enjoy the Festival d’Avignon!
