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

Discovering Avignon and Villeneuve lez Avignon on a Double-Decker Bus: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a quick, affordable way to get a lay of the land in Avignon, this double-decker bus tour offers a convenient option. With a modest price tag of just over $16 per person, you can enjoy scenic views from four meters high, hop on and off at key landmarks, and learn about the city through multi-language audio commentary. It’s a straightforward, relaxed way to tick off major sights without the fuss of walking or renting a vehicle.

What we really like about this experience is the flexibility it provides. The hop-on/hop-off setup means you can explore at your own pace, spending more time at the spots that catch your interest most—like the Pont Saint-Bénézet or the Fort Saint André. Plus, the audio guide in 10 languages (plus a child-friendly commentary) ensures everyone in your group can follow along comfortably. The bus’s high vantage point promises some fantastic views of Avignon’s rooftops and bridges—something that photos from the ground often miss.

However, a potential snag is that some reviews hint at logistical issues, such as bus schedules not always matching expectations or the stops being less than perfectly planned. For travelers who prefer a very polished, guided experience, the lack of a live guide and the possibility of delays might be disappointing. That said, if you’re after a budget-friendly way to see the outskirts and main sights with minimal fuss, this tour could be just right.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a laid-back, self-directed sightseeing approach, especially those curious about the city’s outskirts and scenic bridges without the hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $16.09 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the scenic views and flexibility.
• Flexible Hop-on, Hop-off: You can explore major sites at your own pace, making the experience feel more personalized.
• Scenic Vantage Points: The elevated double-decker bus gives spectacular views of Avignon’s landmarks and bridges.
• Audio Commentary: Available in 10 languages plus a children’s option, enhancing understanding without a tour guide.
• Varied Stops: From the Pont Saint-Bénézet to the gardens at Fort Saint André, the stops cover highlights and lesser-known gems.
• Potential Logistical Challenges: Some reviews mention scheduling issues, unclear stops, or delays, so plan accordingly.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour’s route is designed to give a rounded glimpse of Avignon and neighboring Villeneuve lez Avignon, with stops at some of the most culturally and historically significant sites. The journey begins at 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, right opposite the Tourist Office, with departures every hour from 10 am to 4 pm, excluding 2 pm. This frequency makes it easy to fit into your day, but it also means you’ll want to plan your timing with care to avoid missing your preferred time slot.

The first stop is the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the iconic bridge immortalized in song. Built starting in 1177, this bridge originally stretched 920 meters with 22 arches—a true marvel of medieval engineering. Today, only a portion remains, but it’s still a must-see. Visitors can walk along the remaining arches and imagine the bustling, pilgrimage-laden route that once crossed here. Many reviewers find it to be the highlight, with one noting that the picturesque views of the Rhône and the bridge itself make for great photos, even if the tour doesn’t include free entry.

Next up, the Museum of Modern Art (the Lambert Collection) offers a contrast with contemporary artworks housed in an 18th-century mansion. While the tour doesn’t include admission, the collection boasts over 350 pieces, mainly from the 1960s onward, making it an appealing stop for art enthusiasts.

The Philippe le Bel Tower, built in the 13th century, stands as a symbol of medieval military architecture. Its role was to control access to the Pont d’Avignon, and it offers a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. The tower’s exterior is striking, serving as a reminder of the city’s royal and papal history.

The Fort Saint-André is a highlight for many, offering impressive gardens considered among the most beautiful in France. The construction began in the late 12th century, and the fort defended the Benedictine abbey nearby in the 14th century. The gardens shine with Mediterranean and Renaissance influences, and visitors have praised their beauty, though some noted that the internal rooms, decorated in the 17th century, are less accessible or detailed.

Finally, the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon stands as an elegant 14th-century mansion once home to cardinals, with architecture reflecting its ecclesiastical and noble past. Its walls and gardens are worth a visit, especially for those interested in medieval residences.

The Ile de la Barthelasse offers a tranquil escape, a sprawling 700-hectare green space across the Rhône. Travelers can relax here for 10–15 minutes, take in panoramic views of Avignon’s historic cityscape, or enjoy a bike ride or free shuttle, as some reviews recommend.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

• Duration & Flexibility: The entire loop lasts about an hour if you stay on, but the hop-on/hop-off feature allows you to extend your visit by exploring stops more thoroughly.
• Timing & Frequency: Scheduled departures every hour, with no departures at 2 pm, so plan accordingly.
• Transport & Comfort: The double-decker bus is clean, high quality, and equipped with individual headphones, which many travelers appreciated for clarity and ease of understanding.
• Language & Commentary: Commentary is available in 10 languages plus a child-friendly option, making it accessible for international visitors and families.
• Group Size: Limited to 73 travelers, so it’s sizable but not overly crowded.

Insights from Travelers’ Experience

While the majority of reviews highlight the good value and scenic views, some caveats deserve mention. Several travelers experienced issues with scheduling, with one reporting that the tour did not run on certain Sundays or Mondays in May 2024, and others finding the stops poorly planned or the audio guides malfunctioning. One reviewer pointed out that the bus driver was very fast, leaving no time for photos or detailed exploration, which might frustrate photography buffs or those wanting a deeper dive into each site.

Conversely, many reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides, friendly staff, and the high-quality buses. A particularly glowing review noted the helpfulness of the female guide and the comprehensive information provided during stops, which helped visitors understand Avignon’s layered history.

The Value Proposition

At just over $16, this tour offers an accessible way to see the outskirts and highlights of Avignon without the cost or complexity of a private tour. It’s especially handy for travelers who enjoy self-led exploration but want some background and structure. However, if your priority is a seamless, professionally guided experience, you might find this tour a bit lacking in live interaction or detailed storytelling.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a flexible, scenic overview of Avignon and Villeneuve lez Avignon. It’s ideal if you prefer to set your own pace and enjoy panoramic views from a double-decker bus. It also works well for families, especially with its child-friendly commentary and relatively short stops.

However, travelers seeking a highly organized, guided narrative or expecting flawless logistics might want to consider other options. The mixed reviews about scheduling and stop quality suggest that this tour is better as an introductory overview rather than an in-depth or fully polished experience.

Final Thoughts

This double-decker bus tour becomes a practical, affordable way to get a taste of Avignon’s highlights, especially if you value scenic viewpoints and the flexibility to hop on and off at your leisure. The stops at iconic landmarks like the Pont Saint-Bénézet and the Fort Saint-André are both picturesque and historically intriguing, making for memorable photo opportunities. The audio commentary adds educational value, and the comfort of the bus makes the journey relaxing.

That said, the experience isn’t without its glitches—scheduling issues, some uninspired stops, and the absence of a live guide could detract from the overall enjoyment. Reviewers’ comments suggest that the tour might be a bit rushed or disorganized at times, so managing expectations is key.

For those wanting a cost-effective, scenic overview of Avignon with the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour is worth considering. If you’re looking for a quick, light introduction to the city’s outskirts and main sights, it offers genuine value. But if you crave a more guided, seamless experience, you might want to explore other options or combine this with a more in-depth walking tour later.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the audio commentary includes a special version for children, making it family-friendly. The open-air bus also provides clear views for kids and adults alike.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full loop takes about an hour if you stay on the bus, but with hop-on/hop-off stops, you can extend your exploration as long as you like.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, tickets can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

What time does the tour depart?
Departures are scheduled hourly at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm, with no 2 pm departure. Be sure to arrive early to avoid missing your slot.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, the ticket price covers transportation and commentary. Entrance fees for sites like the Museum of Modern Art or the gardens are separate.

What should I do if the bus doesn’t show up or I face schedule issues?
Some reviews mention scheduling problems, so it’s wise to confirm the latest status locally or consider alternative plans. Contact the operator directly if problems arise.

To sum it up, this double-decker city tour offers a practical, scenic, and budget-friendly way to get an overview of Avignon. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy independence, panoramic views, and a bit of historical flavor without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that some logistical hiccups might occur, so flexibility and patience will help you get the most out of the experience.