The Festival d'Avignon is the reason the city becomes a theatre capital every July. It is not simply a summer events calendar attached to a historic town; its origin story is tied to Jean Vilar and to the use of the Palais des Papes as a democratic public stage after the Second World War.
Jean Vilar's 1947 Experiment
In September 1947, Jean Vilar organised Une Semaine d'Art dramatique in Avignon after an invitation connected with the city's post-war cultural programme. Maison Jean Vilar records that the first week used three venues: the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes, the municipal theatre and the Verger Urbain V. Shakespeare's Richard II, then little known to French audiences, was staged in the palace courtyard.
In, Off and the City
The official festival, often called the In, remains the prestige programme. Around it, the Off programme fills smaller theatres, chapels, courtyards and improvised venues across the old town. This two-layer structure is why July Avignon feels so different from the rest of the year: performance spills into posters, streets, restaurants, rented rooms and late-night queues.
Planning Around July
Festival weeks are thrilling but crowded. Accommodation inside the ramparts sells early and prices rise sharply. Travellers who want heritage without theatre crowds should consider April, May, September or early October instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Festival d'Avignon?
Jean Vilar founded the event from a 1947 dramatic arts week that used the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes and other Avignon venues.
What is the difference between In and Off?
The In is the official curated festival programme. The Off is the independent parallel programme spread across many smaller venues in and around the old town.
Sources: Festival d'Avignon - Jean Vilar • Maison Jean Vilar - the festival • BnF - Avignon, histoire d?un r?ve