Avignon is a city that rewards curious travelers with more than just its stunning architecture and historic sites. The landscape around it offers rich opportunities for exploration, whether through wine tasting in renowned vineyards or discovering the charming villages of Provence. When planning your visit, you’ll find a variety of tours that cater to different interests—from full-day excursions into the Luberon to intimate wine tastings at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. One of our favorites is the Provence Highlights Full-Day Tour from Avignon, which combines ancient Roman ruins, hilltop villages, and lavender fields with expert guides. Its value lies in covering so much ground in one day, perfect for first-timers short on time.
Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, or a history enthusiast, Avignon’s tour options make it easy to tailor your visit. We’ve compiled the 15 best tours based on reviews, itinerary richness, and uniqueness. From scenic half-day wine tastings to comprehensive full-day adventures, there’s something here for every kind of traveler eager to experience Provence authentically.
1. Provence Highlights Full-Day Tour from Avignon
At number 1, this full-day Highlights of Provence tour is a standout for its well-rounded itinerary. It includes visits to Senanque Abbey, the Pont du Gard, and the picturesque towns of Gordes, Roussillon, and Les Baux de Provence. The tour starts with a visit to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that’s an engineering marvel from the 1st century AD, and ends with a walk through Saint Rémy de Provence, where Van Gogh painted. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides (like Anna and Natalie) who share insights into the area’s history, architecture, and culture. The highlight for many is a photo stop at Gordes, where the views make for incredible memories. This tour offers a fantastic overview of Provence in just one day, perfect for first-timers or those short on time.
Bottom line: Excellent value for a comprehensive day exploring Provençal highlights, especially if you want a guided experience with local insights.
2. Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour
Ranked second, the Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour is a favorite for wine lovers seeking an immersive experience. Led by guides with a Sommelier diploma, this tour visits four different wine domaines, including private visits and tastings. You’ll learn about the unique terroir—soil, climate, grape varieties—and taste a broad range of red and white wines. The tour also includes a traditional Provencal lunch, making it a full sensory experience. Reviewers often mention the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, noting that the tastings are both generous and educational. The private visits give an intimate look into family-run estates, making this a standout for wine aficionados.
Bottom line: This tour delivers exceptional value for wine enthusiasts who want a behind-the-scenes look at some of the region’s best wineries in a relaxed setting.
3. Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Day Tasting Tour including Lunch from Avignon
At number 3, this full-day wine experience combines vineyard visits with exploring medieval villages like Gigondas and Vacqueyras. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded day of wine tasting and sightseeing, with two-course lunch included. The small-group size ensures personalized attention, and the guide’s deep knowledge helps you understand regional wine production. Guests rave about the variety of wines sampled, the scenic drives, and the delicious Provençal cuisine. The tour is ideal for couples or friends wanting a relaxed day full of learning, tasting, and local culture.
Bottom line: A great choice for wine lovers who want a memorable, intimate experience combined with sightseeing and a delicious meal.
4. The prestige course at Maison Brotte
Number 4 features the Prestige Course at Maison Brotte, which offers a 1-2 hour interactive journey through the art of winemaking. Located in Avignon, this museum-style tour dives into the secrets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhône Valley. You’ll taste five wines and learn about the history and techniques behind their production. The visit is highly rated for its friendly staff and engaging displays, making it suitable even for those with limited time. If you’re interested in understanding regional wines beyond tasting, this is a great educational option.
Bottom line: An affordable, compact experience ideal for wine newbies or those wanting a quick yet insightful overview of Provençal wine.
5. From Avignon: Half-Day Great Vineyards Tour
Ranked fifth, this half-day vineyard tour explores the Côtes du Rhône region. For five hours, you visit prominent village vineyards and sample some of the region’s top Grand Cru wines. It is a good option if your schedule limits a full day but you still want to taste quality wines and learn about grape varieties from an informed guide. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to see different villages along the way. The tour suits those on a budget but eager to get a taste of Provence’s wine scene without spending a full day.
Bottom line: Excellent for wine lovers with limited time seeking a comfortable, educational experience in the Rhône.
6. Taste Avignon – A Full French Culinary Tour by Do Eat Better
Number 6, Taste Avignon culinary tour, offers a delicious walk through the city’s best eateries. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll sample Provençal tapenade, olive oils, fougasse, and local sweets, plus enjoy a glass of wine with a main dish like quiche. Led by a passionate guide, this tour combines food tasting with cultural insights and visits to historic sites. Many reviewers highlight the friendliness of the guide and the quality of the food, which is an authentic taste of Provence. It’s perfect for foodies wanting a relaxed day of eating and exploring.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting both culinary delights and culture in a small-group setting.
7. From Avignon: All Provence in one Day
Coming in at number 7, this full-day trip covers the highlights of Provence, including Fontaine de Vaucluse, Saint-Rémy, les Baux de Provence, and Pont du Gard. It’s perfect if you want to see a variety of landscapes and villages without multiple bookings. The itinerary includes scenic stops and photo opportunities, with a guide explaining the history and significance of each site. The long day (over 10 hours) makes it suitable for those eager to maximize their visit.
Bottom line: Great for travelers with a full day to explore Provence’s diverse scenery and landmarks in one organized tour.
8. Lavender Route – Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon
Number 8 offers the Lavender Route, perfect for summer visits in June and July. The tour focuses on seeing the iconic lavender fields, visiting the Abbey of Sénanque, and exploring Gordes and Luberon villages. Reviewers love the guide’s expertise on lavender and the chance to see the fields in full bloom. The tour also includes stops at lesser-known lavender fields in the Luberon Valley, making the experience more intimate and colorful. It’s highly recommended if your goal is to capture photos and learn about lavender cultivation.
Bottom line: Excellent for nature and flower enthusiasts wanting a carefully curated day in Provence’s lavender country.
9. Highlights of Provence in one day
Number 9, the Highlights of Provence tour, is designed for travelers who want a dense but manageable overview. Led by guide Gordana, it includes visits to Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon, Saint-Rémy, and Pont du Gard. The tour balances scenic stops with cultural insights, and many reviewers praise the guide’s extensive knowledge and friendly approach. It’s a good choice if you want a taste of everything—villages, landmarks, and landscapes—in a single day.
Bottom line: A balanced, practical option for first-time visitors wanting a broad brushstroke of Provence’s highlights.
10. From Avignon: Châteauneuf du Pape Half-Day Wine Tour
This half-day wine tour offers a quick, scenic visit to the iconic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including a photo stop at the Pope’s summer residence ruins and two winery visits. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to experience the region’s top red wines. The guided visits include tastings in two different cellars, with reviews lauding the knowledgeable hosts and quality wines. The shorter duration makes it accessible for travelers with tight schedules.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a compact, informative experience of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s best.
11. Luberon Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon
Number 11, the Luberon Small-Group Day Trip focuses on the most picturesque villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lacoste. The tour emphasizes stunning views, local culture, and history, with a guide providing commentary along the way. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and visitors love the chance to walk through colorful towns and see the famous Pont Julien. It’s a good option for travelers who want an intimate and relaxed day with a focus on scenery.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a quiet but visually rich day exploring Provençal villages.
12. From Avignon: Best of Luberon Guided Tour
Number 12 offers an intimate tour of Luberon, visiting Lacoste, Roussillon, and Gordes. The 5.5-hour trip offers free time in each village and stops at historic sites like Pont Julien. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the well-paced itinerary, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive but manageable day in Provence.
Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure, with plenty of time in each location.
13. The discovery trail at Maison Brotte
Number 13 is a compact, educational discovery trail at Brotte Wine Museum, offering 1-2 hours of immersion into the art of winemaking and regional history. You’ll taste three wines and explore the museum’s exhibits. It’s highly rated for its engaging guides and informative displays, making it suitable for those curious about wine production without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, engaging introduction to Provençal wines and history, especially if you’re already visiting Avignon.
14. Wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and surrounding areas in 1/2 day
Number 14 combines visits to three wineries in different appellation areas, including Beaumes de Venise and Gigondas. With tastings of at least three wines per estate, this tour offers a broad overview of the region’s diversity. The itinerary includes a picnic of local farm produce, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate good food paired with excellent wine.
Bottom line: A comprehensive half-day experience for wine lovers who want variety and a taste of local cuisine.
15. Avignon: City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry
Rounding out our list, this city walking tour focuses on the historic center and the stunning Pope’s Palace. It lasts 3.5 hours and includes a guided inside tour of the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Reviewers appreciate the in-depth narration and the opportunity to explore Avignon’s religious and civic history firsthand. It’s perfect for those wanting a cultural and architectural introduction.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for history and architecture buffs wanting an in-depth look at the city’s most iconic monument.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Avignon
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you want a broad overview with a focus on sightseeing and history, the Provence Highlights Full-Day Tour offers great value. For wine enthusiasts, the Châteauneuf du Pape wine tours and half-day tastings are perfect. Food lovers should look at Taste Avignon, which delivers a mix of culinary delights and cultural insights.
For those with limited time but a desire to taste the region’s best wines, the half-day wine tour packs a punch. If you prefer walking and exploring at a slower pace, the City walking tour with Popes Palace is a perfect fit.
Booking early is recommended, especially during high season in summer, as tours tend to fill up quickly.
In summary, Avignon offers a rich palette of tours that suit every interest—from wine and food to history and scenic villages. For a comprehensive experience, the Provence Highlights Full-Day Tour is hard to beat, while the Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour is perfect for wine connoisseurs. No matter what you choose, booking in advance will ensure you get the most out of your Provençal adventure.