From Avignon: All Provence in one Day

Key Points

• All-in-one Provence experience: Visit multiple iconic sites in just one day starting from Avignon.
• Highlights include Fontaine de Vaucluse, les Baux de Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Roussillon, Gordes, and Pont du Gard.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and engaging guides.
• Expert guides: Guides are knowledgeable in regional history and culture, with reviews praising their friendliness and storytelling.
• Comfortable transportation: Includes entry tickets and scenic drives between stops, with free time at most locations.
• Full day of exploration: Duration is approximately 10.5 hours, with a flexible schedule and optional lunch break.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Avignon to the Heart of Provence in a Day

The “From Avignon: All Provence in one Day” tour offers a comprehensive look at the most captivating parts of Provence, all packed into a 10.5-hour journey. For $186 per person, this guided experience takes you through charming hilltop villages, stunning landscapes, and historic monuments. The tour is designed for those who want an efficient way to see Provence’s highlights without renting a car or planning multiple trips.

With a small group limit of 8 participants, this tour maintains a personal and relaxed atmosphere. Guides are praised for their expertise, friendliness, and ability to share engaging stories about each site. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate mobility, though it involves some walking and stair climbing at certain stops.

The full-day experience includes transportation, entry tickets to Pont du Gard, and a knowledgeable guide who also drives the vehicle. Travelers should be prepared for a long but rewarding day, with plenty of scenic stops and free time to explore each location.

Exploring the Iconic Villages of Roussillon and Gordes

The day begins with a visit to Roussillon, a village built on a striking ochre cliff. Its colorful houses are painted with natural pigments found in the soil, creating a vibrant setting perfect for photos. On market days (Thursday), visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, while on other days, the narrow streets are ideal for wandering and taking in the scenery.

Next, the tour stops at Gordes, regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A panoramic photo stop offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The village’s stone buildings and picturesque streets make it a favorite spot for capturing the essence of Provence.

Both villages are often highlighted as must-see stops for their authentic charm and scenic beauty. The tour provides brief sightseeing at each, with around 20 minutes in Gordes and time to stroll the streets of Roussillon, which is especially lively during market days.

Fontaine de Vaucluse and the Source of the Sorgue River

The tour’s next stop is Fontaine de Vaucluse, a village famous for its spectacular spring. Visitors walk up to the cave where the River Sorgue emerges from underground, offering a fascinating look at this natural phenomenon.

This location is appreciated for its breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to see the source of one of France’s most famous rivers. The stop includes free time for walking around and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the village, making it a peaceful break in the day’s itinerary.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Walk Through History

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a historic town center filled with café-lined streets and local shops. Visitors have time to explore, shop, or simply soak in the Provençal ambiance. This town is well-known for its connection to Van Gogh, but on this tour, the focus remains on its medieval architecture and charming streets.

The ample free time here allows for personal exploration and creative photography, especially of the quaint squares and stone buildings. It is an ideal spot for those who enjoy walking through authentic Provençal towns.

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Les Baux de Provence and the Medieval Fortress

The highlight of the afternoon is the visit to Les Baux de Provence, perched on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains. The village scenery alone draws countless photos, with medieval ruins and narrow streets winding through the hillside.

Visitors get free time to explore the medieval fortress and scenic viewpoints. The scenic drive to Les Baux offers beautiful landscape views, and the scenic stop provides an opportunity for stunning photos of both the village and the surrounding mountains.

Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour concludes with a visit to the Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. Entry is included, and visitors have around one hour to walk along the structure, enjoy the panoramic views, and learn about Roman engineering.

This site is especially praised for its impressive size and historical significance. It offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on ancient ingenuity.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Transportation, and Group Size

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the tourist information center of Avignon at 41 cours Jean Jaurès. The transportation is comfortable and includes entry tickets to key sites. The guide also acts as the driver, making logistics smooth and straightforward.

The group size is kept small, limited to 8 participants, fostering a personal atmosphere and allowing guides to tailor explanations to the group’s interests. The tour runs from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm during winter months, providing an entire day of sightseeing.

Guided Expertise and Customer Praise

The guides on this tour are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Multiple reviews mention guides like Joce, Florian, Sylvia, Martine, Jeremy, and Bastian as engaging, passionate, and eager to answer questions. Their ability to share insights about each stop enhances the experience significantly.

Travelers consistently note the personal touch in the small group setting, making visits more informative and relaxed. Whether it’s learning about local history, architecture, or social customs, the guides’ enthusiasm makes the long day enjoyable.

Pacing and Physical Considerations

While the tour covers a lot of ground, the pacing is generally appreciated. Stops are timed to give enough time to explore without feeling rushed, though the long hours mean those with mobility challenges should be cautious. Walking involves some stairs and uneven surfaces, especially at villages like Les Baux and Gordes.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, water, and a camera. The tour does not include meals, so packing snacks or purchasing local food during free time is recommended.

Overall Value and Suitability

This all-encompassing Provence tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s most iconic sites in a single day. The price of $186 includes entry tickets and guidance, representing good value for the amount of ground covered.

The tour is best suited for those eager to see many places in one day without the hassle of car rentals or complicated planning. It works well for people who enjoy guided walks, scenic drives, and historical sites. However, the length of the day and walking requirements may be less suitable for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or with mobility issues.

Proven Provenance of the Experience: Who This Tour Is For

The “From Avignon: All Provence in one Day” tour appeals most to busy travelers with limited time who still want to experience the diversity of Provence. It caters to those interested in history, architecture, scenic landscapes, and small villages. The small group size enhances the experience for those who prefer personalized attention and engaging guides.

While the tour involves a long day of sightseeing, the well-paced stops and expert narration make it worthwhile for visitors eager to maximize their Provence experience in a single trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, with a comfortable vehicle driven by your guide.

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts in front of the tourist information center of Avignon at 41 cours Jean Jaurès.

Are entry tickets to sites included?
Yes, entry tickets to Pont du Gard are included in the tour price.

How long is the total tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 10.5 hours, from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm during winter months.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is not recommended for children under 4 years or individuals with mobility challenges due to walking and uneven surfaces.

What should I bring on the tour?
Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, water, and a camera.

Does the tour operate year-round?
Yes, but the timing and duration vary slightly during winter from November 1st to March 31st.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What makes this tour stand out from similar options?
The small group size, expert guides, and full-day coverage of Provence’s most famous sites make this experience especially appealing.

Is there time for lunch?
No organized meal is included, but there is free time for lunch during the day, with recommendations to bring snacks or buy local food.

How does this tour compare in value to other Provence excursions?
It offers great value considering the entry fees, guided commentary, and multiple highlights covered efficiently in one day.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the day enjoyable, with some noted for their humor and storytelling skills.

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