Avignon: Around The Palace Tour

If you’re considering a quick yet insightful glimpse into Avignon’s legendary past, the “Around the Palace” tour from Les Noctambules d’Avignon promises just that. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an engaging, well-led walk that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s especially appealing if you’re short on time but eager to understand the city’s history from multiple angles.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines the majestic Palais des Papes with the hidden stories of its gardens and lesser-known sites. Plus, the guides seem to know their stuff and keep things lively. On the flip side, a key consideration is that this isn’t a visit inside the main palace itself, which might be a disappointment if you’re expecting a full-on palace tour. Still, if you want a solid overview with a local flavor, this experience could work well, especially for history buffs or those who appreciate storytelling mixed with sightseeing.

This tour might suit travelers who prefer a walking experience with a focus on stories and context rather than just ticking off landmarks. It’s a good pick for those who value knowledgeable guides and a bit of off-the-beaten-path insight. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Avignon’s historical layers, this one is worth considering.

Key Points

• Focused on the Palais des Papes and its surroundings rather than a full palace visit
• Includes lesser-known sites like the gardens of the sixth pope and Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral
• Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides praised by many travelers
• Offers a variety of stories, from medieval walls to modern festivals
• Accessible for those with limited time, making good use of just two hours
• Not a tour of major landmarks like the bridge or inside the palace (so adjust expectations accordingly)

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the “Around The Palace” Tour

When you jump into this tour, you’re starting at Place de l’Amirande, right in front of some Roman ruins. The tour is designed to give you a broad yet detailed overview of Avignon’s history—from its Roman roots to its medieval prominence as the seat of the Papacy. We love how this approach provides context that makes the city’s sights more meaningful.

Exploring the Palais des Papes

The tour’s star is the Palais des Papes, renowned as the largest Gothic palace in the world. Instead of a typical inside visit, this experience offers a walk around the exterior and the grounds, with explanations about its architecture, significance, and the stories of the Popes who resided here. Multiple reviews emphasize that guides are very knowledgeable, bringing history to life with stories of how the palace evolved over the centuries. One reviewer even mentions, “Guide sympathique, qui connaît très bien son sujet,” which signals warmth and expertise.

Gardens of the Sixth Pope

A highlight for many seems to be the gardens crafted by Avignon’s sixth pope. These peaceful green spaces offer a different perspective on the city’s history. Walking through them, you’ll notice how the walls of the city reflect various periods of renovation and change, adding a visual timeline to your understanding. As one review says, “Notre guide connaît bien sa ville, a été à l’écoute et a répondu à toutes nos questions,” which highlights the importance of a guide who can answer your curiosities on the spot.

The Darker Stories and Local Secrets

A stop in front of the Utopia reveals some of Avignon’s darker or lesser-known stories, giving a sense of the city’s complex past. You’ll also explore the Rocher des Doms, where the tour offers insights into regional history and some unusual tales. This spot is particularly beneficial for those interested in how history and legends intertwine in the city’s landscape.

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Cultural and Artistic Insights

We appreciated that the tour touches on famous festivals like the Avignon Festival and the city’s artistic scene. The guide explains how the city’s cultural identity is shaped not only by its history but also by contemporary events like theater festivals and art exhibits. The mention of Jean Vilar and his influence on the festival adds another layer for those interested in arts and culture.

Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral

As you descend toward Place du Palais, the tour includes a visit to Notre Dame des Doms, with its hidden stories and architectural details. Many travelers enjoy the chance to visit a significant religious site that’s intertwined with the city’s history, even if the tour doesn’t go inside.

Tour Logistics and Practicalities

This two-hour guided walk is designed to be manageable and engaging. Starting at Place de l’Amirande, the group size seems to be small and intimate, fostering good interaction with guides. The tour is conducted in French, so language skills could be a consideration for non-French speakers – but if you’re comfortable with the language, the guides’ passion and knowledge will shine through.

The cost is reasonable for what you get: a focused exploration of key sites, stories, and local secrets rather than a standard sightseeing pass. Since you only pay when booking and can cancel up to 24 hours in advance, it offers flexible planning.

What’s Missing?

A common point of feedback is that the tour does not include the interior of the Palais des Papes or the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. Reviewers note that while the walk around the palace is informative, it’s not the same as a full entry into the palace itself. If visiting the interior or the bridge is a must-do for you, consider supplementing this tour with a separate ticket.

The Review Perspective

Multiple reviewers have praised the guides’ passion and knowledge, calling out their ability to answer questions and keep the story engaging. One reviewer sums it up as “une découverte différente du Palais des Papes et de la ville avec un guide passionné,” which underscores the value of storytelling and local insights.

A couple of reviews mention logistical hiccups, like one reviewer who unfortunately experienced a guide not arriving on time. This highlights the importance of arriving promptly and confirming bookings in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a meaningful overview of Avignon but don’t have the time or desire for an exhaustive sightseeing list. If you enjoy history, stories, and a personal touch from knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s also great for those curious about Avignon’s cultural scene, thanks to the mentions of festivals and arts. However, if your main goal is to step inside the palace or see the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, you might want to look into other tours or combined experiences.

Final Thoughts

The “Around the Palace” tour from Les Noctambules d’Avignon offers a solid, engaging way to understand the city beyond the typical tourist route. The focus on storytelling, combined with the scenic stops and gardens, makes it a worthwhile choice for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

The tour’s biggest strength lies in its knowledgeable guides and the variety of stories they share, making the ancient walls come alive with meaning. Although it doesn’t include inside visits of major landmarks, it provides a well-rounded context that enhances your overall impression of Avignon.

If you’re after a short, informative walk with personal insights and a touch of local color, this experience can be a highlight of your trip. Just keep in mind that for inside visits or the bridge itself, you’ll need to plan additional tickets or tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-French speakers?
The tour is conducted in French, so understanding the language is important for fully enjoying the experience. If you’re not fluent, consider bringing along a translation app or looking for a tour with other language options.

Does the tour include inside visits to the Palace des Papes?
No, the tour does not include interior visits. It mainly involves walking around the exterior and gardens, with explanations about its history and architecture.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable window to explore some of Avignon’s key sites without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

What’s the starting point for the tour?
It begins in front of the Roman ruins at Place de l’Amirande, at the coordinates 43.94986, 4.80741.

Is the tour good for families or children?
While the tour suits most adult travelers interested in history and storytelling, it’s not specifically designed for children. However, if your kids enjoy walking and stories, they might find it engaging.

What are the highlights of this tour?
Expect to see the Palais des Papes’ exterior, the gardens of the sixth pope, Notre Dame des Doms, and hear stories about Avignon’s festivals, legends, and regional history.

How does this tour compare to other options in Avignon?
It’s a focused, context-rich experience that emphasizes storytelling over inside visits. If you want a quick, insightful overview with a local guide, it’s a good choice. For more immersive inside visits, you might consider other tours with palace or bridge entries.

If you’re seeking an authentic, story-driven exploration of Avignon that makes history tangible and fun, this tour might just be the perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: