Self guided audio tour in Avignon

Beyond our audio tour through the historic center of Avignon, there's much more to experience in and around this Provençal gem. Each activity perfectly complements your discovery tour with CityAppTour. Let yourself be inspired by the following top activities:

• Palais des Papes: Visit the largest Gothic palace in Europe. The guide inside the palace reveals fascinating stories about papal life and medieval power struggles. Book here!
• From Avignon: full-day tour of the best of Provence: Journey through the sun-kissed landscapes of Provence on a full-day excursion from Avignon. Visit the Fontaine de Vaucluse and hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon while wandering through lavender fields (mid-June to July), learning about distillation, and marveling at the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Book here!
• Les Halles Food Market: Explore this covered market where locals shop for Provençal specialties. Sample olives, cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh produce while soaking in authentic daily life.
• Cruise on the Rhône River: See Avignon from a different perspective as you glide past the famous bridge and city walls. Sunset cruises offer particularly magical views as the stone glows golden.
• Festival d'Avignon: If visiting in July, experience one of the world's most renowned performing arts festivals, when the entire city transforms into a stage for theater, dance, and music.
• From Avignon: Half-day tour of the major vineyards: Journey through the Côtes du Rhône vineyards on a half-day tour from Avignon, visiting Gigondas, Séguret, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape while learning about winemaking and tasting Grand Cru wines. Book here!
• L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Antique Market: Visit this charming town known as the "Venice of Provence" for its canals and famous Sunday antique market, one of the largest in Europe.
• Pont du Gard: Skip the line at Pont du Gard with your priority ticket, explore the majestic Roman aqueduct up close, stroll beneath its soaring limestone arches, and uncover the engineering marvels of this ancient UNESCO site. Book here!

Best time to visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for exploring Avignon, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. July brings the famous Festival d'Avignon with its vibrant atmosphere but also peak crowds. Winter visits provide a more authentic experience of local life, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Accessibility and local transport
Avignon is easily reached by high-speed TGV trains from Paris (2h40), Marseille (30min), or Lyon (1h). Within the city, everything in the historic center is walkable, but free shuttle buses circulate if you need a break. For exploring the region, consider renting a car or booking organized excursions, as public transportation to surrounding villages can be limited.

Opening hours and holidays
Most museums and the Palais des Papes are open daily from 9:00-19:00 in summer and 9:00-17:00 in winter. Many shops close for lunch between 12:30-14:30, especially outside tourist areas. Restaurants typically serve lunch 12:00-14:00 and dinner from 19:00. Be aware that many attractions have reduced hours on Mondays, and shops are generally closed on Sundays.

Comfortable on the go
Wear comfortable walking shoes as Avignon's streets are often cobblestoned and uneven. The mistral wind can make it feel cooler than expected, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Carry a water bottle, especially during hot summer days when temperatures can exceed 35°C. A hat and sunscreen are essential in summer months.

Local customs and etiquette
Greet shopkeepers with "Bonjour" when entering and "Au revoir" when leaving—this is considered basic politeness. The pace of life is relaxed in Provence; embrace longer meals and don't rush service. During lunchtime (12:00-14:00), many locals take time for a proper meal rather than a quick bite.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Avignon?
Plan a full day for our Avignon city tour. The complete route takes about 3-4 hours of walking time, but you'll want additional time to visit the Palais des Papes (at least 1.5 hours), enjoy a Provençal lunch, or explore museums along the way. The compact historic center makes it possible to see the highlights in one day.

What makes Avignon different from other cities in Provence?
Avignon stands out for its exceptional papal heritage and complete medieval ramparts. Unlike Aix-en-Provence or Arles, Avignon served as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century, leaving behind the monumental Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in Europe. The city's well-preserved 4.3km defensive walls create a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from other Provençal towns.

Why choose an audio tour instead of a guided tour in Avignon?
An audio tour gives you the freedom to explore Avignon at your own pace. During the busy summer season when temperatures can reach 35°C, you can start early, take a long lunch break in a cool restaurant, and continue when the heat subsides. You won't miss information if you pause to take photos of the stunning papal palace or browse a local artisan shop.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, once you've downloaded the tour, everything works offline. All maps, navigation, and audio content are stored on your device, making it perfect for international travelers avoiding roaming charges. This is particularly useful in Avignon's narrow medieval streets where internet connection can sometimes be spotty.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the tour, especially the stories about the Bridge of Avignon and medieval life. The compact size of Avignon's historic center means shorter walking distances between points of interest—ideal for younger visitors. We recommend supplementing the tour with a visit to the interactive exhibitions at the Palais des Papes for families.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! We offer attractive group discounts for families and friends traveling together. Everyone can listen simultaneously on their own devices, making it easy to stay together while each person controls their own audio experience.

What are other nice things to do in Avignon?
Beyond our audio tour, you can attend a performance during the Festival d'Avignon in July, take a day trip to the Luberon villages, visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct, enjoy wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, or explore the colorful Provençal markets. Check our "What to Do in Avignon" section for more inspiration.

Is there a free tour in Avignon?
There is no free tour of comparable quality and comprehensiveness. While some basic free walking tours operate during high season, they cover only limited highlights and operate on specific schedules. Our audio tour offers premium content, professional narration, and the freedom to explore Avignon thoroughly at any time that suits you.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of historians, local experts, and storytellers passionate about bringing Avignon's rich history to life. Our content is created through meticulous research in local archives and collaboration with Avignon historians. We go beyond basic facts to share the fascinating stories of papal intrigue, artistic movements, and Provençal traditions that have shaped this extraordinary city over centuries.

"The stories about the papal schism and life inside the palace were fascinating! I loved being able to sit in the shade of Place de l'Horloge with a pastis while listening to the history of Avignon." -- Martin, United Kingdom

"We discovered so many hidden courtyards and charming spots we would have missed otherwise. The navigation was flawless even in the maze-like streets of the old town." -- Claire, United Kingdom

"Learning about the Bridge of Avignon while actually standing on it was magical. The tour perfectly balanced historical facts with entertaining stories about Provençal life." -- Jessica, Canada