From Avignon: Roman Tour to Pont du Gard, Nîmes & Orange

Key Points

• Discover top Roman sites including the Pont du Gard, Orange Roman Theatre, and Nîmes Amphitheater.
• Guided visits with audio guides in your preferred language enhance the experience.
• Enjoy a regional picnic at Pont du Gard, with locally sourced foods and scenic views.
• Small group sizes limited to 6 participants provide a personalized experience.
• Flexible options available, with a full-day tour from April to October and a shorter winter version.
• All entry tickets to major sites are included in the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Starts at Hotel Le Bristol in Avignon

This tour departs from Hôtel Le Bristol, located at 44 Cours Jean Jaurès, making it easy for visitors staying in Avignon to join. The group size is kept small, limited to 6 participants, which encourages personalized attention from the guide. The tour begins with a prompt pickup, and you’ll be riding in a black Ventourisme vehicle clearly marked, ensuring ease of meeting.

Exploring the Arc de Triomphe in Orange

The first stop is a 20-minute photo session at the Roman Arch of Triumph in Orange. This monument is a striking example of Roman architecture, and the guide offers explanations about its historical significance. This quick stop allows travelers to appreciate the craftsmanship and grandeur of Roman engineering while capturing photos of the impressive structure.

Guided Tour of the Roman Theatre of Orange

Next, the focus shifts to the Roman Theatre of Orange, which the guide leads you through with an audio guide in your chosen language. This ancient theatre is renowned for its remarkable preservation and grandeur. The guided visit lasts about one hour, during which detailed descriptions help understand the theatre’s role in Roman entertainment and its architectural features.

Picnic Lunch with Local Regional Foods

Between April and October, travelers enjoy a delicious picnic lunch set against the backdrop of Pont du Gard. The picnic features local products from farms, giving a taste of regional flavors. The picnic break lasts approximately one hour and provides a relaxing moment to savor regional delicacies while admiring the scenic surroundings.

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Walking Around and Visiting the Pont du Gard

After lunch, visitors walk around and explore the Pont du Gard, a former Roman bridge aqueduct that is among the most impressive Roman engineering feats. The visit lasts about one hour, with opportunities to walk on and around the structure, taking in the stunning views and learning about its historical purpose. This site offers plenty of photo opportunities and insights into ancient construction techniques.

Nîmes: The Maison Carrée and the Amphitheater

The tour then proceeds to Nîmes, starting with a brief 15-minute photo stop at the Maison Carrée, a well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to the grandsons of Emperor Augustus. Following this, the group visits the Nîmes Amphitheater, where audio guides in your preferred language help explain its history as a Roman arena.

Between April and October, the full visit to the Nîmes Amphitheater lasts about one hour. It is famous for its size and preservation, making it an ideal spot to imagine ancient Roman spectacles. For the winter edition (November to March), the itinerary is slightly shortened, and instead of inside the amphitheater, there is a photo stop outside.

End of Tour at Hôtel Le Bristol

The tour concludes with a drop-off back at Hôtel Le Bristol in Avignon, providing a convenient ending point. The entire experience, whether full-day or half-day in winter, is designed to give meaningful access to Roman sites with minimal hassle.

The Logistics and Group Experience

Transportation is included round-trip from Avignon, with small group sizes ensuring a comfortable and personalized journey. The tour features live guides fluent in English and French and includes skip-the-ticket-line access to all major sites, saving valuable time. The full-day option lasts from 5.5 to 8 hours, depending on the season, and is suitable for travelers prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

Value and Pricing

At $128 per person, this tour covers all entry tickets to places like the Pont du Gard, Orange Roman Theatre, and Nîmes Amphitheater, along with the guided visits and a regional picnic lunch (during the main season). This combination offers good value for those interested in Roman history and architecture, especially with the small group setting and knowledgeable guides.

The Experience of the Guide and Reviews

The tour’s strength lies in the expertise and friendliness of the guide, often praised for knowledgeable commentary and flexibility. Multiple reviews highlight Arnaud as a very personable, well-informed guide who makes the experience engaging and informative. Travelers appreciate the local sourced picnic lunch, and the scenic views at Pont du Gard are consistently praised.

Winter vs. Summer Tours

During the winter months (November to March), the tour is slightly shorter, excluding lunch and the inside visit of the Nîmes Amphitheater. Instead, travelers enjoy additional photo stops around the sites. This makes the winter version a more compact experience, suitable for those with limited time or colder weather.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is ideal for history buffs, architecture lovers, and travelers wanting a comprehensive Roman site experience in the South of France. The small group size and interactive guided visits make it perfect for those who prefer a more personalized, relaxed pace. It also suits visitors who want to combine sightseeing with regional food tasting, especially between April and October.

Final Thoughts on the Roman Tour from Avignon

This tour offers a rich exploration of Roman antiquity, from iconic structures like the Pont du Gard to the remarkable theatres and amphitheaters in Orange and Nîmes. The inclusion of guided audio tours in your language and the local picnic are thoughtful touches that enhance the day. The small group setting ensures ample opportunity to ask questions and enjoy a tailored experience.

While the full-day option delivers a more extensive visit, the winter version still covers the key sights in a shorter timeframe, making it flexible for different travel plans. The $128 price point includes all entry fees, guided commentary, and a delicious regional lunch, making it a worthwhile investment for those eager to learn about Roman history in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers round-trip transportation from Avignon, a guide, entry tickets to Pont du Gard, Orange Roman Theatre, and Nîmes Amphitheater, and a picnic lunch during the main season.

How long does the full-day tour last?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 5.5 to 8 hours, depending on the season. The winter version is shorter, focusing on key sites with a photo stop instead of inside visits and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but some walking is involved at each site, especially around Pont du Gard and the Roman theatres. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Are guides available in other languages?
Guides speak English and French, with detailed audio guides in your language during site visits.

What should I bring on the tour?
Travelers should bring sunglasses and hiking shoes for walking around the sites comfortably.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in planning.

Is lunch included?
Yes, during the main season, a regional picnic lunch from local farms is included. In winter, lunch is not included, and the itinerary is slightly shorter.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect to see the Pont du Gard aqueduct, Orange Roman Theatre, Nîmes Amphitheater, and Maison Carrée, with plenty of photo opportunities and engaging history explanations.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. Stops at the Arch of Triumph, Pont du Gard, and theatres are perfect for capturing memorable images.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers interested in Roman history and architecture, seeking a small group experience, and those who want guided insights and regional cuisine will find this tour an excellent choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby