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

Visiting Avignon offers a captivating glimpse into France’s medieval past, and this double-decker bus tour makes exploring the city straightforward and scenic. For $16.09 per person, travelers gain access to a 1-hour to full-day experience that covers major landmarks such as the Pont d’Avignon, Fort Saint-André, and the Ile de la Barthelasse. The bus offers unique views at 4 meters high and allows guests to hop on and off freely thanks to designated stops, giving flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour is ideal for those seeking an affordable, accessible way to see Avignon’s key sites without the hassle of navigating by foot or car.

An added plus is the audio commentary in 10 languages, including a special child-friendly channel, delivered through individual headphones. However, reviews highlight some inconsistencies with the stops and scheduling, which are worth keeping in mind. This tour suits visitors who want a quick overview of Avignon’s highlights or who prefer a relaxed, sightseeing approach with panoramic views.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $16.09 per person for a flexible hop-on/hop-off experience
• Multiple stops including Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon), Fort Saint-André, Chartreuse de Villeneuve, and Ile de la Barthelasse
• Audio commentary in 10 languages, with a child-friendly option
• Departure every hour from 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, with no departure at 14h
• Potential scheduling issues and inconsistent stop planning based on reviews
• Suitable for visitors wanting panoramic city views and easy access to main sites

Detailed exploration of the city: Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon)

The tour begins at the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous bridge known from the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Built starting in 1177, the original Romanesque structure stretched 920 meters with 22 arches, until part of it was destroyed during a siege in 1226. The current bridge is about 900 meters long with the same number of arches, and it became vital during the Middle Ages as part of a major pilgrimage route connecting Italy and Spain.

Historically, the Popes used to cross the bridge, stopping at the Bénezet chapel to pray and leave alms. In 1377, the bridge was paved to improve safety after frequent accidents. It remains an iconic symbol of Avignon, and the bus allows for close-up views of this historic marvel, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the admission is not included, the views from the bus provide plenty of photo opportunities of this medieval engineering feat.

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art and Lambert Collection

Next, the bus stops near the Museum of Modern Art, housed in an 18th-century mansion. The Lambert Collection, opened in June 2000, features over 350 works from the 1960s to today. Yvon Lambert, the collector, arranged his personal collection across 5 sectors of the 2000 m² museum, which includes exhibitions and activities for young audiences. Visitors can appreciate a diverse range of contemporary art amid the historic setting, with the museum’s courtyard restaurant offering a chance to relax.

This stop appeals to those interested in modern art, providing a contrast to the city’s medieval landmarks. Entrance fees are not included, but the location offers an insightful pause during the tour.

Fort Saint-André and its remarkable gardens

The Fort Saint-André was constructed at the end of the 12th century and played a defensive role during the 14th century, guarding the Benedictine abbey nearby. Its medieval military architecture is well-preserved, and the gardens are renowned for their beauty, earning the Remarkable Gardens label.

From the fortress, views extend over the surrounding landscape, offering an excellent vantage point over Avignon. The admission is free, and the gardens are especially praised for their Mediterranean plants and Renaissance-style ornaments. The sumptuously decorated vaulted rooms of the abbey are open for exploration, offering additional insight into the region’s history and architecture.

Discovering the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon

The Chartreuse de Villeneuve was established in the 14th century as a residence for cardinals. Built under the influence of Pope Innocent VI, the mansion showcases medieval religious architecture while providing a peaceful setting. The site is on the tour route for about an hour, giving visitors a chance to see its historic interiors and surrounding grounds.

This stop particularly suits those interested in religious history or in exploring former ecclesiastical residences. Entrance fees are not included, but the site’s architecture and history make it a worthwhile visit.

Relaxing on Ile de la Barthelasse

The Ile de la Barthelasse is a 700-hectare island in the Rhône, situated just opposite the city. The bus makes a 10 to 15-minute stop, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views of Avignon’s city walls and the Palais des Papes. The island is perfect for a brief break or a scenic walk.

For those who prefer a more active experience, there is an option to continue cycling or take the free river shuttle back to the city. The admission to the island is free, and this stop offers a chance to relax amid nature while soaking in incredible river and city panoramas.

Practicalities: Departure points and schedule

The tour departs every hour from 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, located opposite the Tourist Office. The scheduled departure times are 10h, 11h, 12h, 13h, 15h, and 16h, with a no departure at 14h. The meeting point is centrally located, making it easy for visitors to access on foot or via public transport.

The duration ranges from 1 hour for a quick overview to full-day options, depending on how many stops guests choose to visit. The paper ticket system is simple, and the tour operates under a free cancellation policy, allowing for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Pacing and commentary quality

The audio-guided tour is delivered in 10 languages, including a child-friendly commentary, providing comprehensive information about each site. However, some reviews point out that audio quality issues or stops not being well-planned can impact the experience. The bus’s speed can sometimes prevent taking photos, especially during the city drive, which may feel rushed.

The guides are noted to be helpful and friendly, and the newly cleaned, high-quality bus makes for a comfortable ride. The informative narration offers a good overview of Avignon’s landmarks, although the lack of a dedicated tour guide means the experience is mainly self-guided via the audio system.

Customer experiences and potential drawbacks

While many appreciate the value and convenience, some reviews highlight inconsistencies. Certain travelers report schedule cancellations—notably on Sundays or Mondays—and poorly coordinated stops. Some find the map inaccurate, leading to long wait times and confusion about where to board.

Others mention the fast pace of the city drive, which limits opportunities for photos or detailed sightseeing. Audio connection issues are also noted, which can diminish the overall experience. These points suggest that while the tour offers a broad overview, it may not satisfy those seeking a more detailed or leisurely exploration.

Additional information on booking and refunds

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. This allows travelers to adjust plans if needed. However, cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable, and bad weather may lead to cancellations, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Because some reviews mention tour cancellations on certain days and no tours during specific times, it’s advisable to verify schedule availability before booking, especially during holidays or off-peak seasons.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

This double-decker bus experience is ideal for first-time visitors seeking an overview of Avignon’s main sights without the effort of walking or driving. The panoramic views and audio commentary make it particularly suitable for families, elderly travelers, or groups with limited time.

However, those expecting a more immersive or guided experience may find the self-guided audio system somewhat limiting, especially if technical issues occur or stops are poorly organized. It’s a cost-effective way to get a feel for the city, but for deeper exploration, additional site visits or guided tours could be worthwhile.

Visit Avignon and Villeneuve lez Avignon aboard a Double-Decker Bus (Summary)

This affordable, flexible tour offers a high vantage point of Avignon’s iconic landmarks, with 10-language audio commentary and the ability to hop on and off at your leisure. The stops encompass key sites like Pont Saint-Bénézet, Fort Saint-André, and Ile de la Barthelasse, giving a broad picture of the city and its surroundings.

While some reviews point out scheduling issues and map inaccuracies, many travelers appreciate the convenience and panoramic views. The high-quality bus and informative narration can make for a pleasant introduction to Avignon, especially for those with limited time or wishing to orient themselves before further exploration.

This tour provides good value for money and accessible sightseeing, but it’s worth being aware of potential timing hiccups and technical issues. It suits casual visitors eager to see the city’s highlights without a guided tour’s constraints, though more dedicated visitors might prefer combining this experience with additional excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $16.09 per person.

What’s included in the ticket?
The ticket grants access to the hop-on/hop-off bus with audio commentary and the ability to explore at your own pace. Admission fees for specific sites are not included.

Where does the tour start?
The departure point is 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, directly opposite the Tourist Office in Avignon.

What are the departure times?
The bus departs every hour at 10h, 11h, 12h, 13h, 15h, and 16h. There is no departure at 14h.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from about 1 hour to a full-day experience, depending on how many stops are visited.

Is the audio commentary available in multiple languages?
Yes, the commentary is offered in 10 languages, including a special child-friendly audio.

Are the stops well-planned and organized?
Some reviews mention poorly planned stops and map inaccuracies, which could lead to waiting times or confusion.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours are not refundable.

Is the tour accessible for all?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those with mobility restrictions, though specific accessibility details are not provided.

Would you recommend this tour?
It’s a cost-effective way to see Avignon’s highlights with panoramic views and flexibility, but travelers should be aware of possible scheduling issues and technical shortcomings. It’s especially good for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed introduction to the city.