Avignon Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms) Tours and Activities

This is an exceptional guided day tour to visit both Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon the city of the Popes. It's only the river Rhône that separates them both, but history indisputably links them. Around 1000 AD Benedictine monks built St André Abbey on Mount Andaon. It's here that we begin our tour with a visit to the Abbey private gardens and Fort. The market town of Saint André became a fortress under the influence of the King Philippe Le Bel, who wanted to control access to the Rhône between Avignon and the Gard following annexation to the French crown. From here we take a walk down to visit La Chartreuse, a former monastery at the centre of the village. Exquisite frescoes connected to the Palais des Papes and an opportunity to explore the site before taking a break for lunch. Then return to Avignon via the Tour Philippe le Bel, once the entrance to the famous Pont d'Avignon. A walk on the bridge before a guided tour of the Palais des Papes, a most spectacular historic monument.

Set out from Marseille on a visit to Avignon, a stunning medieval that once served as seat of the Catholic papacy. This half-day private tour includes a guided walk through Avignon's UNESCO-listed center, taking in sights like the elegant Pont Saint-Bénezet Bridge and the city's restored ancient walls and towers. Learn its fascinating history as you stroll the cobbled streets, then spend some time exploring on your own. The Popes' Palace (own expense) is a definite highlight: with 20 various rooms to explore, including the pope's one-time private quarters.

Enjoy a flexible day trip from Marseille to historic Avignon and visit a local wine estate. Your private excursion begins with a guided walking tour of Avignon—the home of papal power in the 14th century—and then you're free to explore on your own. Visit the Popes' Palace (own expense), peruse the Cathedral Notre-Dame des Domes, or stroll across the Point St-Bénezet bridge, inspiration for a famous French children's song. Stop off at the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine estate on your return for a sampling of two of their best varietals.

See the best of beautiful, medieval Avignon on this 3-hour walking tour with skip-the-line access to Popes’ Palace. Learn the history of this exquisite UNESCO-listed city with ancient Roman roots and celebrity as the 14th-century seat of the Papacy. Admire hilltop views of the Rhône River, breeze into Popes’ Palace to tour the ornate chambers and chapels, and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine near the Place de l’Horloge.