Hi.
I am wondering if a human-guided tour of these sites would be better for some art history-focused travelers than the new tablets (Histo iPads) they provide. (I have Rick's Provence book and he lists some general guides for the city.)
Plus, any recommended restaurants or picturesque areas in Avignon that are not-to-miss?
Thanks,
Lee
when we went to papal palace in Avignon we just did a self guided walk around, which was fine, but we do speak and read French somewhat, and if you do not it might be difficult. We also saw the Pont d'Avignon, which was nice but not terrific. Peter
The bridge is best seen from above - the Rocher des Doms (free) is the best viewpoint. Walking on the bridge itself adds little value.
These are the two biggest non-sights I have ever encountered on all my travels. There’s literally nothing inside the Papal palace. The bridge is just a bridge honestly, with an absurd fee for the museum and to walk out there. Enjoying a coffee in front of the Papal palace is nice though. I absolutely wouldn’t bother getting a tour. I highly recommend breezing through these two sights and using that valuable time for something else.
It may have changed but in 2022 it was not allowed you bring your own guide into PDP. They had guided tours with their own guides you can arrange. But you could not hire your own guide to take you in. But you might contact one of the RS recommended guides. They likely know the current rules.
We were just in Avignon and I would say no to the new tablets. They are confusing and it’s hard to follow the layout with them. I also had Google translate app on my phone and I found it better to point that to the French placards.
I would recommend Violette restaurant in Avignon, small and has a 2 hour window for dinner but it was superb. It was recommended at our BnB and not too expensive.
Hi Lee,
I was also underwhelmed by the palace except that there was a great art exhibit in one of the halls. Perhaps check to see if the current exhibit is of any interest pending when you'll be there. I did not look into human guide options.
Restaurant Acte 2 was a highlight. It's a 16 seat restaurant. Service was great and food was delicious and innovative. https://www.restaurantacte2.com/
I loved the palace and its history, and the tablet enhanced the visit considerably to give you an idea of how it would have looked. We spent about 3 hours inside by ourselves. I'm always in favour of a human guide, but in the case with the palace, I think the guide might get in the way because they'd also want to use a tablet and then you'd have everyone crowding around to see unless it's a private tour. The bridge was underwhelming.
I laughed at the post stating that these were the biggest 'non sites' they had visited. Could not agree more. The Papal Palace while it has an interesting history has all the charm and interest of a parking garage. There is nothing there but walls and if you have visited a bunch of chateaux in Europe this is just less of the same. The bridge -- well why not if you are there but not worth the trip. I don't know what else of interest is in Avignon -- maybe it merits a visit, but we thought it was one of the major duds in our travels. Arles on the other hand was magic for the one night we stopped by:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/quick-stop-in-arles/
Hi Lee,
My husband and I were in Avignon last October and did the self-guided tour of the Pope’s Palace with the tablet and it was not very easy to follow. Fortunately I speak and read a little French so I ended up reading the signs and translating for my husband (he got the gist of what we were seeing even without me telling him). We spent the day in Avignon and it was all underwhelming for us (including the bridge). Compared to other places in Provence, it was our least favorite to be honest. So, realizing that we are all different and you might love it all, I still would say you don’t need a guided tour.
Enjoy your vacation!
Lee,
What Heather, Mel, janettravels44 and awrzesinski said.
I didn't have any interest in entering the Palais du Papas, but the Place du Palais out front was very enjoyable at aperitif hour with the hulk of the edifice as a backdrop for pics. Buskers performed, and people-watching was enjoyable. I agree with others that the Rocher des Doms is a great scenic overlook. The Cathedral Notre Dame des Doms is worth a look into. We encountered a trio of French nuns performing plainsong (in French) in one of the chapels, which was very atmospheric. The rue des Teinturiers with its waterwheels is a great place for an afternoon beer. The Grey Penitents Chapel along this way has an interesting history. The Place des Corps Saints was a wonderful place to enjoy a late night bottle of wine, we fairly closed the place down. It was just us, the trees and the statues, with the ghostly specter of the Eglise des Celestins, where the Avignon popes are buried, nearby. Lawrence Durrell's Avignon Quintet will whet your appetite for the town.
Oh, and the Musee Calvet is a decent, free (not sure if free all the time, or if we hit the free day) museum featuring paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The building itself is pretty cool.
Highly recommend the restaurant Le Vintage in Avignon.
Thank you all so much!!
Now I understand why there are no guides and little focus on these sites. Oh well.
I've been looking into the other side of the river...there is a large park, St Andre Fort/Abbey and Philip Tower.
Might they be more interesting to photographers, art lovers and those who enjoy new things? Or another "snooze?"
I very much appreciate all your suggestions and comments!
Lee
I have a very different take on Avignon than most of the comments above. Our family really loved our time there.
I will say that if what is in your mind's eye for Provence is fields of lavender and the warm hues of sandstone at golden hour, Avignon will not line up. It is more medieval in character. A bit severe, but not less interesting in my view.
Regarding the Pope's Palace, I concede that it's not the best if you are looking for art and decor. But I felt both the architecture and history were worth the time spent exploring. For us it was relatively more engaging than say, the arena in Arles (which we also enjoyed). It's a unique window into the distant past. There are plenty of interior images online. If they look compelling to you, I wouldn't hesitate to include it in your itinerary.
The park across the bridge can be a great place for photography, although if on foot the walk there is not so magical. You will be alongside a busy car bridge. I believe there is also a ferry which may be a nicer way to cross. If this is not an issue for you, my recommendation is to wait for nice light, then head NE of Le Pont to compress the scene.
I will also throw in that our accommodations were one of the most special and characterful places that we have ever stayed. It was a medieval church that was converted into a luxury apartment, right around the corner form a charming square with a bakery and cafe for morning coffee.
Thanks.
Every place has its charms and I'll give the sites a go.
Looking forward to the ferry and other side.
Lee
There's an island in the middle of the Rhône: the ferry just takes you there, not to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon where Tour Philippe le Bel & several other worthwhile monuments are. I think that Villeneuve stays under the radar because it is overshadowed by Avignon, otherwise it would be a popular place to visit in its own right.
The ferry is still worth it for some nice views over the old bridge, if time allows.
