Spend your first morning exploring the 14th-century Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the most important of Avignon's many medieval attractions. Note that lines can get long here, so it’s a good idea to buy admission tickets in advance to enjoy skip-the-line access—many walking tours include the privilege.

In the afternoon, take a trip to the Avignon countryside. If you want to skip the stress of car, there are plenty of lavender tours that take you to see the region's famous purple fields, often with stops in charming towns of Gordes and Roussillon.

At the end of the day, head back to Avignon for dinner and people-watching at the Place d'Horloge, the city's central square. Here, you'll find a good range of brasseries and restaurants, many with alfresco terrace seating.

On the morning of your second day, visit the 13th-century Avignon Cathedral followed by a trip to the 12th-century St Benezet Bridge (Pont d'Avignon), one of the city's most iconic structures. Then make your way over to the Collection Lambert, a contemporary art museum spread across two 18th-century mansions.

In the afternoon, head out to the Rhône Valley wine country to learn about and sample local wines—if you plan to sample wine vairetals, play it safe by joining a tour or hiring a driver. Most tours stop at Châteauneuf-du-Pape and include visits to wine estates and tastings.

Make your way back to Avignon in the evening to attend a live performance at the Opéra d'Avignon, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century. While opera is naturally the main draw here, there are also ballet and theater performances along with chamber music and even the odd pop concert.