Visit Avignon and Villeneuve lez Avignon aboard a Double-Decker Bus

If you’re thinking about hopping aboard a double-decker bus tour in Avignon, you’re in for a ride that promises unique vistas and a chance to see the city’s highlights from a comfortable perch 4 meters up. From what we’ve seen in reviews and tour info, this experience offers some good moments, but it’s not without its quirks.

What we genuinely like about this tour is the fantastic panoramic views from the open-air top deck—seeing the city from above really enhances your sense of place—and the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off stops, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Plus, the multilingual audio commentary (in 10 languages plus a kid-friendly option) means you get some decent context during your ride.

However, there’s a catch. Several reviews highlight issues with scheduling and organization—including missed departures, confusing stops, and sometimes limited service on certain days. So, if you’re a traveler who values smooth, well-planned activity, this might be more of an adventure than a seamless tour.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic rides with a bit of flexibility and are okay with some imperfections in execution. If you’re in Avignon for a day and want a quick overview with memorable views, it could be worth a try. But if you’re after detailed storytelling or highly organized stops, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At around $16, it’s a relatively budget-friendly way to see parts of Avignon.
• Great Views: The elevated open-air deck offers a different perspective on the city.
• Flexible Hop-on, Hop-off: You can explore key sites like the Pont d’Avignon and Fort Saint André at your leisure.
• Limited Guide Interaction: Audio commentary is the main guide, with no live guide, so some travelers might find it less engaging.
• Mixed Reviews on Organization: Some users faced scheduling issues, confusing stops, or technical problems with audio.
• Ideal for a Quick Overview: If you’re short on time or want a scenic highlight reel, this can be useful.

A Close Look at the Experience

When you book this tour, you’re paying just over $16 per person, which makes it an accessible option for most travelers. What you get is a convertible double-decker bus that departs every hour from a central spot—40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, right opposite the Tourist Office. The fact that it’s convertible is nice, as you can enjoy open-air sightseeing when the weather’s nice, but it’s also covered if needed.

The tour is officially designed to last from one hour up to an entire day, but most reviews suggest that the core experience involves one or two loops with a few stops along the way. The stops include major spots like the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon), the Museum of Modern Art (Lambert Collection), the Philippe le Bel Tower, Fort Saint-André, the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon, and the Ile de la Barthelasse.

Each Stop in Detail

Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon):
This bridge is probably the most iconic part of the tour—the one people associate with the famous song. Built starting in 1177, it once spanned nearly 920 meters with 22 arches. Today, what remains is a fragment that’s a favorite photo spot. The bridge’s history as a crucial pilgrimage route and its connection to the popes makes it a must-see. Several reviews mention how impressive it is to see it from above, giving a real sense of its former grandeur.

Museum of Modern Art (Lambert Collection):
This stop is more than just a quick glance. The collection was established in 2000 and boasts over 350 works from the 1960s onward. It’s housed in a charming 18th-century mansion and offers a chance to explore some contemporary art, with facilities like a bookstore and restaurant. If you’re an art lover, it’s a worthwhile detour, but some reviewers found the stop to be brief or not well integrated into the overall tour.

Philippe le Bel Tower:
Constructed in the 13th century, this tower showcases medieval military architecture and served as a control point for access to the Pont d’Avignon. It’s a visual reminder of the city’s strategic importance in the past. The tower’s historical significance adds depth to your understanding of Avignon’s defenses and royal authority.

Fort Saint-André:
Built in the late 12th century, it defended the Benedictine Abbey and offers winsome gardens ranked among France’s finest. The fort’s grounds are a peaceful spot, and the gardens are particularly praised for their beauty—an unexpected bonus if you enjoy gardens as part of your sightseeing.

The Abbey of Saint-André and Gardens:
The abbey features 17th-century decorated rooms and Romanesque remains. Its gardens, labeled as Remarkable Gardens, showcase Renaissance Tuscan styles, Mediterranean plants, and rose beds. Reviewers have called the gardens a highlight, making it a good reason to pause and soak in some tranquility amid the busy city.

Ile de la Barthelasse:
This large green island on the Rhone provides a quiet escape from the city buzz. The short stop here offers panoramic views of Avignon’s skyline and the Pope’s Palace. Many travelers enjoy just relaxing and taking photos, with some opting to take a free river shuttle rather than stay on the bus.

The Ride and the Stops: What’s the Reality?

Most reviewers agree the views from the top deck are impressive, but some also point out that the bus moves relatively fast, making it hard to take photos or fully absorb the scenery. One user said, “you could not take any photos because the bus was going too fast,” which is a fair point if you’re hoping for a leisurely photo session.

The commentary in multiple languages adds educational value, but critics say that the lack of a live guide makes the experience feel a bit impersonal, especially if the audio system doesn’t work properly. Several reviews mention the audio guides failing or being incomplete, which can detract from the overall experience.

Organization and Reliability

Reviews from travelers who booked through Viator report some issues. A few encountered missed departures, confusing stop locations, or even cancellations—notably, the tour doesn’t run on Sundays or Mondays in May 2024, despite some bookings indicating otherwise. One traveler shared frustration over waiting at the wrong spot or waiting for a canceled tour.

This inconsistency means it’s essential to double-check the schedule and confirm your departure times, especially if planning around specific days. The tour’s website and reviews suggest that the organization could be more reliable.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just over $16, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see parts of Avignon without walking or hiring a private guide. The price includes a paper ticket, and you get a self-guided experience with audio commentary. You’re paying mainly for the views and the route, not for a detailed guided storytelling experience.

Some travelers, such as Glenn B. who rated it 5 stars, found the tour thorough and enjoyable, especially when combined with other local experiences like a trolley tour. Others, like John R., felt it was too rushed and lacked photo opportunities for the price paid. Given the mixed reviews, the value depends heavily on what you’re hoping for—if you want quick sightseeing and great views, it’s reasonable; if you expect a more detailed, well-organized experience, it could fall short.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to travelers who prioritize scenic views and flexible stops over in-depth guided commentary. It’s suitable for those with limited time who want a quick overview of Avignon’s major sights. If you’re comfortable with some organizational quirks and are okay with a bus moving at a brisk pace, you’ll probably enjoy the ride.

However, if you’re after a smooth, well-organized tour with reliable scheduling, you might want to explore other options or plan your own walking route. Also, if you’re traveling with young kids or looking for a family-friendly, fully guided experience, this might not be the best fit, as there’s no live guide and some stops are brief.

Final Thoughts

For just over $16, this double-decker bus tour provides a visual introduction to Avignon’s highlights. The panoramic views, combined with stops at iconic sites like the Pont d’Avignon and Fort Saint André, make it a decent option for a quick, scenic overview. The freedom to hop on and off, along with multilingual narration, adds a layer of convenience and educational value.

That said, note that organization issues and the fast pace mean this isn’t a perfect experience. If you’re someone who values detailed guides and flawless scheduling, you might find it a little frustrating. But if you’re open to a lively, somewhat flexible sightseeing ride that leaves you with memorable views, it’s worth considering.

This tour works best for travelers with a relaxed attitude toward organization and who want a cost-effective way to see Avignon from a high vantage point. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a brief but scenic glance of the city’s most famous sights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, it includes a special comment for children and offers headphones, so kids can enjoy the commentary. However, some reviews mention that the stops are brief and bus movement can be fast, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is designed to last from 1 hour to a full day, depending on how many stops you choose to make and how long you stay at each. Most reviews suggest the core experience is about an hour or two.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, directly opposite the Tourist Office, and returns to the same point.

How often does the bus run?
Departure times are hourly at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, and 4pm, with no departure at 2pm. Be sure to check the schedule, especially for specific days.

Is the audio commentary in multiple languages?
Yes, it’s available in 10 languages plus a child-friendly option. Headphones are provided onboard.

What stops are included?
Major stops include Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Lambert Collection, Philippe le Bel Tower, Fort Saint-André, the Chartreuse de Villeneuve, and Ile de la Barthelasse.

Is the tour good value for money?
At its price point, many find it reasonable for the views and overview it provides. But some travelers feel the organization and timing issues reduce the overall value.

Are there any known issues with booking or scheduling?
Yes, some reviews report cancellations, missed departures, or confusion about stops. It’s good to confirm your booking and check the schedule beforehand.

Can I buy tickets last minute?
Yes, tickets are available on-site at the start point, but availability and schedule depend on the day, so it’s wise to plan ahead if possible.

If you’re after a relaxed way to get a lay of the land and enjoy some great vantage points, this double-decker bus tour could be just the ticket—just keep expectations aligned with the organizational quirks.