What To Do With 3-5 Hours in Avignon

I was there last summer and used the RS walking tour and also saw both sites. But I had three days so didn't have the time constraits. You could defintely do it, albeit at a quick pace- it depends on the "3 to 5 hours" AND if you have included your mode of arrival and departure in that time frame.

If you are coming by the TGF train, you will need to take a shuttle bus to the old city and allow some time (at least half an hour) for that. If you are driving, you need to find parking and this might depend on when you are traveling- high season or no?
Lastly, (the only other option I can think of!) if you are arriving by regional train the station is across a busy road from the old city. It took me, in the packed Festival days of July, about 15- 20 minutes to walk to the hotel across from the Palais des Papes, and I'm quick!

So factor in the arrival/departure needs, and do you still have at least three hours? The bridge was fascinating and even with reading all the information (there are also excellent audio guides for both sites that would be a boon for you)I would say an hour is more than plenty. For the Palais, sort of the same thing, probably less time, unless you are a serious, serious history or architecture person. The rooms are cavernous and devoid of furnishings until you come to the Pope's own rooms. There is a lot to see walking in the surrounding garden, too.

The RS walk could be done in reverse, if you are coming from the train station- see Les Halles and other attractions on the way to the Pont and Palais. I got "lost" several times, anyway, with his directions, going as he said to, so didn't go exactly in his order anyway- the church he mentions with the carved doors was fantastic. And defintely get something to take away with you to eat from Les Halles! The museum gift shop in the Palais had small gift sets, reasonably priced, of the Pope's favorite wines- excellent gifts; I got two.

Last advice- carefully check opening times/days.

Gary, we were in Avignon a couple of weeks ago and were in a similar situation. It was worthwhile to take advantage of the little tourist "train" that travels around town. It's a 40 minute tour and departs from the square in front of the Palais des Papes. You'll still have time to take in the other sites you mentioned but it's a nice way to relax for awhile and see more of the town than you would otherwise.

My daughter and I were just in Avignon and we too took the small train around the city. It was inexpensive and gave a great "law of the land" as well as some key stops and a history brief.