Avignon Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour

Avignon , France

Avignon Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour

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About this experience

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Ensemble which is well preserved inside the formidable walls of Avignon, the charming medieval town nestling on the rock hills on the left bank of the majestic river Rhône, including the atmospheric Clock Square which hosts the July Avignon festival - one of the world's largest carnivals for performing arts, the 14th-century Saint Peter Basilica – an outstanding example of the unique Provencal Gothic style, the Palace of the Popes - the biggest Gothic palace worldwide and also the largest medieval fortress in Europe, the engineering gem of the 12th-century Saint-Bénezet Bridge - one of the most important pilgrimage routes between Italy and Spain in the Middle Ages, and last but not least the spectacular Garden of the Doms high above the city providing breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Available options

Avignon Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour

What's included

Official Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

At the start of the tour, get a feel of Avignon’s vibrant culture at its busy hub of activity, the Clock Square. Taking its name from the 15th-century clock tower, the atmospheric square that hosts the July Avignon festival, one of the world's largest festivals, is an attractive blend between the majestic 19th-century architecture of Opéra Grand Theater and City Hall and the dynamic ambiance of delightful arcade cafes and restaurants.

Continue to pass by the 14th-century Saint Peter Basilica, Avignon’s most beautiful church, to marvel at its intricate façade in the unique Provencal Gothic style, characterized by ornate details in the shape of flames.

The next destination is the Palace of the Popes, one of the most emblematic icons of the city giving a precious glimpse into the eventful history of the Roman Catholic papacy. The seat of Western Christianity where 9 popes resided during the 14th century is the biggest Gothic palace worldwide, and also the largest medieval fortress in Europe with formidable crenellated walls and towers.

Right next to the palace is the 12th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of Doms. Built in the simplistic Romanesque style, the church whose most prominent feature is a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop its looming bell tower creates an interesting contrast to the majestic adjacent fortress.

Proceed to walk through Rhone Gate, one of the most beautiful entrances of Avignon walls which leads you to the beautiful Saint-Bénezet Bridge, resting peacefully on the Rhône River outside the city walls. The 5-kilometer ramparts used to be equipped with moats, drawbridge towers, and iron-studded wooden gates to protect the city from not only armed intrusions but regular floods.

The 12th-century bridge once linking the two banks of the vast Rhône River was a true feat of engineering and one of the most important pilgrimage routes between Italy and Spain in the Middle Ages. Devastated many times by nature and men, only four of its twenty-two arches and the antique tiny Saint-Nicolas Chapel still stand proudly today as a moving testimony to the rich history of Avignon.

At the end of the tour, follow the rock staircase built into the splendid Rock Tower of the walls, ascending to the top of the highest rock in the city, where the well-shading Garden of the Doms stands and overlooks the Rhone plains and Mount Ventoux. Numerous lush trees, exquisite sculptures, fountains, and fish pools frequented by swans and ducks make the breezy green space an ideal spot for pleasant strolls, refreshing breaks in lovely cafes, and savoring breathtaking panoramic views.

What's not included

Entrance fee: Palace of the Popes - 12 € per adult

Private or Public Transporation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of the Saint Jean Tower, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

About Avignon

Avignon, a historic city in southeastern France, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its role as the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century. The city is surrounded by impressive medieval walls and is home to the stunning Palais des Papes, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Palais des Papes

The Palace of the Popes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It served as the papal residence in the 14th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €12-15

Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet)

A famous medieval bridge over the Rhône River, known for the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'. Only four of the original arches remain.

Historical/Architecture 30-60 minutes Free to walk, €6 to visit the museum

Rocher des Doms

A beautiful public garden with panoramic views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside. It's a peaceful escape from the bustling city center.

Nature/Park 1-2 hours Free

Musée du Petit Palais

A fine arts museum located near the Palais des Papes, housing a significant collection of medieval and Renaissance art.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours €8-10

Les Halles Market

A covered market offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. It's a great place to sample the flavors of Provence.

Market/Food 30-60 minutes Free to enter, prices vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with a variety of fish, shellfish, and aromatic vegetables. Often served with rouille, a spicy saffron mayonnaise.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without bread

Tapenade

A savory spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, blended with olive oil. Often served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Contains anchovies, gluten-free if served with gluten-free bread

Ratatouille

A classic Provençal vegetable dish made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs de Provence.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Daube Provençale

A rich and flavorful beef stew made with red wine, garlic, and herbs de Provence. Often served with pasta or potatoes.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten-free if served with gluten-free pasta

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby Luberon Mountains Kayaking on the Rhône River Picnicking in Rocher des Doms Wine tasting at local wineries Visiting the Palais des Papes Exploring the historic center of Avignon Swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes Boat tours on the Rhône River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time of year with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

20°C to 35°C 68°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Provençal (Occitan)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Avignon is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Avignon-Provence Airport • 10 km from city center
Marseille Provence Airport • 100 km from Avignon

By train

Avignon Centre Station, Avignon TGV Station

By bus

Avignon Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and affordable, with frequent services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Intra-Muros Rive Gauche Rive Droite

Day trips

Château de Beaucastel

15 km from Avignon • Half day

A historic winery and château offering tours and tastings of its renowned Rhône Valley wines. The château is also known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.

Pont du Gard

25 km from Avignon • Half day

A remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive ancient Roman structures in France and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

20 km from Avignon • Half day

A charming town known for its canals, markets, and antique shops. The town is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and exploring the picturesque waterways.

Festivals

Festival d'Avignon • July Festival des Lycéens et Apprentis à la Découverte du Cinéma • October Fête de la Musique • June 21

Pro tips

Visit the Palais des Papes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Explore the historic center of Avignon on foot, as many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other
Try local specialties like tapenade, ratatouille, and daube Provençale at traditional Provençal restaurants and markets
Take a day trip to the nearby Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site
Attend the Festival d'Avignon if you're visiting in July, but book your accommodation and tickets well in advance