Overview
Travel to the Romanesque town of Avignon, where the seat of the Popes was held from 1309 to 1376.
Only about an hour after your driver picks you up from Marseille, you will be in Avignon. The time will fly by as you drive along the docks, between the Rhone River and the battlements, into the majestic City of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This tour includes:- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Avignon
- Saint Bénezet bridge
- Palais des Papes
Welcome to Avignon, the famous city that served as the capital of Christianity when it was moved from the Vatican City during a time of religious war and rebellion in Rome. The Palace of Popes was the center of Avignon, and is still a major focal point of the city.
Stop for a walk on the famous Saint Bénezet bridge, over the Rhône River, of which only four arches out of the initial 22 starting from Avignon remain. Built between 1171 and 1185, it had an original length of nearly 3,000 feet, but suffered frequent collapses during floods. It had to be reconstructed several times, and many of the arches were already missing before the rest was damaged beyond repair in 1660.
Walk along the narrow streets of the city to reach the Palais des Papes, or Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Avignon became the residence of the Popes in 1309, and the Palais was built between 1335 and 1364 on the northern edge of the city, overlooking the Rhône. The majority of the structure is now open to the public, and you will have plenty of time to visit and explore, taking special note of the frescoes and Romanesque architecture that have remained virtually unchanged since the 14th century.
After visiting the Palace, you will have about an hour of free time to do as you please. Head to the Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms, or just wander through the many cobblestone alley ways of Old Avignon.
- Entrance fees to the Palace of the Popes is 12 euro per person.
- No food, beverages, entrance fees, or gratuities are included in the price of this tour.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 5 hours
- 02:00 PM, duration: 5 hours
