Located on the west bank of the Rhône River in southeastern France, Avignon is a relatively small town that was once one of the Catholic centers of continental Europe. As such, it was chosen as the residence of Pope Clement V in the early 14th century.
The region is known for its scenic lavender fields, abundant natural beauty and the country’s most famous wine industry.
The old part of the city centre features narrow streets, quaint cafés full of old-world charm and impressive city walls from the Middle Ages.
Here are 15 of the best tours in Avignon and the surrounding countryside.
1. 3-hour walking tour with wine tasting
High-paying labs in remote corners of the globe have proven that three hours is the best time for travel, including walking and drinking.
For travelers with limited time, this short but value-for-money trip to Avignon is an excellent option, as it gives visitors a surprisingly comprehensive overview of what makes this town so special .
You’ll learn how Avignon became a papal center in the 14th century, and how it has always been known for its natural beauty, wine and architecture.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, tickets to the Pope’s Palace, and wine tasting at a local restaurant.
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2. Full-Day Roman and Medieval Heritage Tour
The village of Les Baux de Provence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historic villages in France.
Featuring a massive stone fortress, it is one of the most popular attractions in the region and is easily accessible on a full-day tour from Avignon.
Guests will learn about the village’s pre-Roman history and explore its food, culture, history and economy.
The tour includes olive oil and wine tasting, as well as stops in the vineyards, the Alpilles and the city of Nimes before returning to Avignon.
Tours last 9 ½ to 10 hours and require walking, so please wear comfortable shoes and pack for all weather conditions.
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3. Wine Education at Private Winery Picnic Lunch
Did you know that true wine experts and wine lovers use all five senses to fully enjoy grape-based drunkenness?
If this seems odd, fear not; on this wine education tour, you’ll learn how to do it.
The tour includes stops at two wineries in the Alpine Côte d’Azur region, where a variety of award-winning wines are produced.
Guests will learn about wine, tour the facilities, taste red, white and rosé at a private chateau, and enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch with a guide and host.
Also included is round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Avignon by air-conditioned minibus.
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4. Lavender Full Day Tour
Lavender fields in and around Avignon are usually at their peak bloom from mid-June to mid-July.
For tourists who will be in the area by then, experiencing the fields often ends up being one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.
The colors are gorgeous and the aroma wafting in the wind is intoxicating.
The village of Sault is the lavender heart of the region. Guests will have time to admire the amazing sights before heading to other attractions.
The tour also stops at a museum dedicated to lavender, country markets and towering red ocher cliffs.
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5. Les Baux-de-Provence 5 Hours Olives and Wine
Although France is acclaimed for its wines, it is also an important olive-growing region that has been producing some of the best olive oil in the world for centuries.
Les Baux-de-Provence is just a short drive from Avignon. Famous for its wine and olive oil, it is a great day trip option for those interested in gastronomy-based excursions in the countryside.
The 5-hour tour includes stops in multiple towns, wine and olive oil tastings, and historical and cultural commentary from your guide along the way.
Includes hotel transfers and all entrance fees.
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6. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour
Avignon and the surrounding area tend to attract tourists interested in food and wine, medieval history and art.
Thankfully for travelers with a wide range of interests, many tours like this one include aspects of all three.
Nearby Provence lies between the Alpilles and the Rhone. It’s full of quaint charm, idyllic scenery, and lots of delicious food and drink.
The tour focuses on the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for their full-bodied red wines.
Guests will drive through vineyards, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions, and visit the ruins of the Pope’s summer residence.
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7. Avignon Private Walking Tour
Avignon is one of the most charming towns in France, and while a short two-hour tour, it’s a great value for those on a limited time and budget.
Together with their guide, guests will stroll through some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Palais des Papes and the impressive Bridge of San Benezer.
The area is full of medieval walls, monuments to famous historical figures, and tree-lined streets filled with quaint cafés, shops and galleries.
Along the way, tour participants will learn about Avignon’s central role in Christianity dating back to the 14th century, while discovering things they might want to explore on their own after the tour.
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8. Magic Luberon Private Tour
From provincial markets and historic abbeys to stunning lavender fields and medieval villages, Avignon and the surrounding area are truly diverse and spectacular.
This nine-hour tour is a bit long, but it’s a great value for tourists who have a full day to spare.
From the centre of Avignon, guests will set off with their guide for a typical provincial experience.
Tour highlights include the Fontaine de Vaucluse, the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey, the historic village of Roussillon and the stunning lavender fields that dot the nearby plateau.
Lunch is provided at noon but is not included in the tour fee.
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9. Private Guided Bike Tour of Saint-Rémy from Avignon
Cycling is a great way to experience the wonders of Avignon. For fit, activity-minded travelers, bike tours are often one of their most memorable experiences in town.
In addition to burning calories and breathing lots of clean country air, guests will benefit from the knowledge of local guides who will impart snippets of local history that those on larger, more objective tours might miss.
Tours include the mid-week market in Saint-Rémy, the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Frigolet, and the many wonderful sights that inspired Vincent van Gogh’s art in his later years.
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10. Half-Day Alpilles Terroir and Heritage Tour
With such a rich variety of important sights just a few miles from Avignon, it would be a shame not to experience a full or half day in the countryside.
This half-day tour option is packed with attractions, including the Alpilles in Baux-de-Provence National Park, the historic town of St-Rémy-de-Provence, and the Alpilles Nature Reserve.
The tour lasts about 5 hours and includes a lot of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes and layers as the weather changes quickly.
The tour includes round-trip transportation to and from Avignon city center by air-conditioned bus.
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11. Luberon Village and Market Tour
Few places on earth have a city like Avignon that combines history, gastronomy and culture.
Although the villages of Luberon are technically outside the city limits, they are close enough for easy day trips.
This Luberon combo tour is a great option for those who prefer to explore slightly out-of-the-way spots.
The market part of the tour gives tourists the opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals and experience rural life like a citizen.
The tour is especially stunning in spring when wildflowers and poppies are in bloom. The village of Roussillon on a vibrant ochre hilltop is another perennial favorite.
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12. Treasures of Provence Full-Day Tour
Following in Van Gogh’s footsteps is a particularly popular activity for art lovers and amateur historians who find themselves spending free time in Avignon.
On this full-day tour, guests will experience most of what makes this area so unique, fascinating and historic.
In addition to visiting the sites that inspired Van Gogh, tour participants will explore monuments from the Roman era, witness the spectacular Salvador Dali light show at the Carrières de Lumières, whistle at two wine tastings, and visit the Châteauneuf-du- Wander Papu among the vineyards and visit the picturesque Provencal town perched on the rocky cliffs of the Alpilles.
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13. Provence Jewish Heritage 8-Hour Tour
Jewish communities existed in and around Marseille and Avignon long before Roman times.
This 8-hour tour begins in Marseille and explores the villages, cemeteries, and synagogues of Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Cavaillon, and Carpentras.
Guests will meet their guide at a central location in Avignon before embarking on this value-packed tour, which includes all aspects of history, culture, religion and science, as well as the mystical and philosophical aspects of the Jewish faith.
Tourism tends to attract Jews from all over the world. Due to the relatively small size, guests can enjoy a more personalised service, making their event truly unique and memorable.
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14. Papal Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket Walking Tour
For centuries, popes have made it a priority to place themselves in luxury. This walking tour and skip-the-line ticket to the Pope’s Palace will be a smart way to spend a few hours for those who want a quick look at the good life of the past few years.
By the standards of the time, the palace was remarkably opulent and filled with historically significant religious icons and artefacts.
Guests will also have the opportunity to wander the narrow medieval streets, listen to a guide’s commentary, and overlook the Rhone River from the town’s old ramparts.
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15. Chef’s Cooking Workshop
This three-hour cooking class begins at 9:00 am with participants meeting with their chef instructor at the Halles d’Avignon market.
Guests will get to know their guide, learn about the region’s rich gastronomic history, and purchase ingredients that will be used later in the kitchen classroom.
For those who aren’t particularly familiar with the kitchen, this activity is great: Unlike traditional cooking classes, it lets tour guests participate in the process from start to finish without actually cooking.
Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to watch your instructor, learn about the techniques he’s using, ask questions, and taste the final product.
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