Avignon, France - Don't Misses?

Ryan
Great region for Chateau Neuf du Pape. Google wine guides for Avignon. We had one 4 years ago and had a great time - just seeing how they grow the grapes was very interesting. 2 vineyards in one day. Also the region has a newly discovered Roman ruins area with an authentic restaurant (things they grew and made back then ) superb. If interested I might still have the information on the guide (originally from Texas) but do not know if he still does this. If you asked on this site there may be a reccommended RS guide.

The papal palace in Avignon is interesting if you like Gothic architecture, but be warned that the rooms are quite bare: not much furniture.

Not only is Philip correct that the Papal Palace is bare, but their audioguide is the most dry and boring I have ever heard. Tons of information about exactly how much silver was in each fork or how many pounds of apples were used for a meal, but nary a word about the history or intrigues that make it a historically significant place. Definitely one of my sight-seeing lowlights.

Thanks for the info!!

Be sure to dance on the bridge....you'll feel like a kid! At the top of the hill near the bridge is a little park with some cafe type food. Great view, nice relaxing spot and close to the pope's palace.

Fall 2010 my husband and I spent a week in Avignon and the highlight of our time there was a wine tour with Francois of Avignon Wine Tours. We went on a Friday and had a delightful time seeing the Luberon. It is probably the best day tour we have ever been on and if I return to Avignon I will definitely book another tour with them. At that time Francois was the only tour guide but he has since added another guide. He was educational, entertaining and considerate--everything you want in a tour guide.

If you like Roman ruins, the ancient Roman theatre in Orange (north of Avignon) is fantastic. You can also visit Arles (amphitheatre), Nimes (Maison Carree) and the Pont du Gard aqueduct, all of which are relatively close to Avignon. I had a car, which made getting around very convenient. I also stayed overnight in Nimes (en route to other destinations) rather than returning to Avignon, so I don't know how practical it would be to visit all of these places on a day trip.

One place that definitely should not be missed is the Avignon municipal tourism office, at 41 cours Jean Jaures, about half-way between the central train station and the main plaza. It is one of the more useful information offices I have found in France, loaded with brochures and suggestions, including tours, and staffed by helpful local experts. The website is worth exploring in advance: http://www.avignon-tourisme.com/home-1-2.html

Thanks for the ideas. We had a nice time and were able to get out of the city. Olive oil, wine tour - a blast!