Avignon tours

Things to do in Avignon

Welcome to Avignon, where the echoes of papal splendour merge with the warmth of Provence, crafting a rich tapestry of culture and history. As you wander near the imposing Palais des Papes, let your local guide take you off the beaten path. Avignon tours become a medley of experiences: from leisurely walks through sunlit streets to food and wine tours that entice with the region's distinct flavours. Your guide shares not just facts, but insider tales and hidden secrets, breathing life into each landmark. With skip-the-line access, explore at your own rhythm, immersing yourself in Avignon’s unique tempo and forging a connection to its storied past. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Avignon. Explore Avignon your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Avignon tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Avignon for every interest, including: History tours: Explore the Palais des Papes with your guide to see frescoed chapels and private apartments, then stroll to the Pont Saint-Bénézet to learn why only a few arches remain. Your history tour can also follow the city ramparts and visit the quiet cloister at Église Saint-Pierre for close-up Gothic details. Food and Drink tours: Start with a market tour at Les Halles d’Avignon, tasting tapenade, fougasse, goat cheeses, and seasonal produce while meeting friendly vendors. Continue to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a cellar visit and guided tasting, or visit an olive mill in the Alpilles to compare oils and hear how AOP rules shape flavour. Nature and Wildlife tours: Head into the Camargue to watch greater flamingos and free-roaming horses from the boardwalks at Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, with time in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. If you prefer hills, hike limestone trails in the Alpilles near Les Baux or paddle the clear Sorgue from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The walled centre is very walkable, and the Orizo buses and tram make short trips simple. For vineyards, hill villages, or the Camargue, public transport is limited, so you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Avignon inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Wander through Avignon with a private walking tour, and you'll uncover the vibrant neighborhoods that make this city special, all with a local guide who knows the ropes. Here are some areas to consider for your tour. - Le Palais des Papes: A must-visit for cultural tourists, this area is home to the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Walking through its halls, you'll step back into history and experience the grandeur of the papal era. - Rue des Teinturiers: Known for its picturesque setting along the Sorgue River, this neighborhood is perfect for families and those seeking a leisurely stroll among quaint cafes and historic waterwheels. - Les Halles: Food enthusiasts will love exploring this indoor market filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and vibrant stalls. It’s a lively spot for a morning visit, and your guide can help navigate the best bites. Day trip ideas from Avignon From Avignon, reach Roman landmarks, vineyards, and hill towns in under an hour, so you can stack day trips into your stay or plan a focused tour around wine, history, or markets. Pont du Gard and Uzès: Walk alongside a towering Roman aqueduct, then head to Uzès for stone lanes, a shady main square, and a well‑known market on set days. Your tour can keep the pace gentle with riverside views, or spend more time in town for food shops and local flavours. Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape: Vineyards spread over rounded river stones, cellars pour structured reds, and village lanes climb to castle ruins with Rhône views. If wine is your thing, centre the day on tastings and terroir, or add a short countryside drive for photos. Arles: Roman arenas and theatres sit near the river, Van Gogh sites are easy to spot, and quiet side streets lead to small cafés. This suits you if you like layered history and simple urban wandering, and your tour can balance monuments with time in the historic core. Luberon villages, including Gordes and Roussillon: Stone houses stack up a hillside in Gordes, while Roussillon shows off ochre cliffs and colour‑washed lanes. Choose more stops for broad views and short walks, or slow it down with one village and a farm visit. Les Baux‑de‑Provence and Saint‑Rémy: A rocky perch with fortress ruins, olive groves across the Alpilles, and Roman remains near Saint‑Rémy give you a tight mix of scenery and history. Your tour can keep to viewpoints and village time, or add a light countryside hike. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Avignon most travellers miss.