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

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

Quick overview:
For just over $16, you can hop onto a convertible double-decker bus that takes you around key sights in Avignon and Villeneuve lez Avignon. With departures every hour from the lively 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, this tour promises high vantage points at 4 meters above street level, offering a fresh way to see the city. The one-hour to full-day options cater to different schedules, and the audio guides in 10 languages plus a child’s commentary make it accessible for most visitors.

What we love:
– The panoramic views from the upper deck give you a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks, especially the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet.
– The freedom to hop on and off at your own pace means you can linger at your favorite spots, such as the Fort Saint André or Ile de la Barthelasse, or simply enjoy the scenic ride.

One consideration:
– Several reviews highlight issues like poor planning of stops, inconsistent operation days, and audio guide malfunctions, so it’s wise to double-check availability and be prepared for possible glitches.

Who will love this?
This experience suits first-time visitors wanting an overview of Avignon’s highlights or travelers who enjoy scenic, flexible sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxed, introductory tour with good views and the ability to explore on your own, this could be a good fit. However, those looking for a highly polished or perfectly scheduled service might find some frustrations.

Key Points

• Great views: Elevated vantage points provide a different perspective on Avignon’s historic sites.
• Flexible schedule: You can hop on and off at stops like the Pont d’Avignon or the Fort Saint André to explore more deeply.
• Multilingual commentary: The audio guide system is available in ten languages, making it accessible for diverse travelers.
• Mixed reviews: While some praise the views and guides, others report logistical issues, highlighting the need to check current operation times.
• Affordable price: At around $16, this tour offers a cost-effective way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout.
• Limited operation days: Be mindful that the tour may not run every day and a few reviews mentioned cancellations or no-shows.

A deep dive into what this tour offers

Starting Point and Schedule
The tour departs from 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, opposite the Tourist Office, with a schedule that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., skipping the 2 p.m. slot. It’s easy to plan your day around these times, but check if the tour is running on the day you arrive, especially in low or shoulder seasons.

The Itinerary in Detail
The first stop, Pont Saint-Bénézet, is famously known from the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” Built in the late 12th century, this bridge was once a vital crossing point and pilgrimage route. Today, you can view the remaining arches from the bus or explore the chapel. Multiple reviews mention how the bridge’s history and scenic beauty are highlights, with some critics noting that the stop at the bridge itself is brief and not always well-organized.

Next, the Museum of Modern Art, Lambert Collection, is housed in a charming 18th-century mansion. While not officially part of the hop-on/hop-off stops, some tours include or mention this site, which boasts over 350 works from contemporary artists. It’s a good option if you’re interested in modern art, but it’s a longer stop and may require an extra ticket.

The Philippe le Bel Tower is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by King Philip IV of France, symbolizing royal power. It controlled access to the Pont d’Avignon and stands as a reminder of France’s medieval military architecture.

Fort Saint-André looms nearby, built at the end of the 12th century. It served defensive purposes and protected the Benedictine Abbey. Its spectacular gardens, recognized as some of the most beautiful in France, offer a peaceful escape and photo opportunities. Reviewers have appreciated the free admission here and noted the gardens’ remarkable design, combining Romanesque remains with Renaissance touches.

The Abbey of Saint-André is a must-see for history lovers. Its vaulted rooms, decorated in the 17th century, evoke a sense of grandeur. The gardens are also highly praised, awarded the Remarkable Gardens label, filled with Mediterranean plants and roses. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Ile de la Barthelasse rounds out the tour with a green escape on a 700-hectare island in the Rhone. It offers stunning views of the Papal Palace across the river. Some reviews mention it as a relaxing stop for photos and possibly a bike ride — the free river shuttle makes it easy to continue exploring or head back into the city.

The Overall Experience
The open-top bus provides a comfortable and scenic ride with audio commentary in multiple languages. Passengers have noted that the bus is clean and well-maintained, which adds to the comfort. The ability to stay on or hop off at stops means you can customize your visit, whether you want a quick overview or a more leisurely exploration.

The Realities: Reviews and Practicalities

While many travelers enjoy the easy way to see outskirts and landmarks, several reviews point out significant flaws. Some complain about poorly planned stops or lack of clear signage, leading to confusion, especially for first-timers. For instance, a review from Susan highlights how the route “was very informative” but “not a typical hop-on hop-off,” suggesting the route feels more like a scenic drive than a flexible sightseeing experience.

Operational issues also show up: the tour not running on certain days, or missed departures. One reviewer, Gerard, shared frustration about cancellations and refund delays, which underscores the importance of confirming schedules in advance. The reviews also mention audio guide malfunctions, which can diminish the experience if you’re relying solely on the commentary to understand what you’re seeing.

Some travelers appreciated the value for money, especially those who used the tour as an introduction, followed by more in-depth exploration later. Others found the speed of the ride too quick for photography or a detailed look, with some noting that traffic congestion eats into the sightseeing time.

In terms of accessibility and convenience, the tour’s central departure point is easy to find, and the multi-language audio system is a plus. The paper tickets and scheduled departures make planning straightforward, but be mindful of weather conditions, since an open-top bus isn’t ideal in rain.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At just over $16 per person, this tour offers great value for those wanting an overview yet are mindful of their budget. Compared to other private or guided tours, it’s a cost-effective way to get a sense of Avignon’s main sites. The ability to hop on and off also means you can spend more time at what interests you most without paying extra.

However, the limitations and occasional operational hiccups mean this isn’t a perfect, stress-free experience. If you’re expecting seamless operation, you might be disappointed, but for casual sightseeing and panoramic photos, it’s a reasonable investment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager for a quick, scenic overview of Avignon and its surroundings. If you’re on a tight schedule but want to see key sights, the hop-on/hop-off format works well. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer comfortable, elevated views over walking or longer guided tours.

However, if you’re looking for a fully organized, punctual experience or prefer in-depth guided commentary, you may want to explore other options or supplement this tour with self-guided exploration.

Final thoughts

In a nutshell, this double-decker bus tour offers an accessible, affordable, and scenic way to get familiar with some of Avignon’s most noteworthy sights. While it has some logistical flaws—like occasional cancellations or confusing stops—many travelers find that the stunning views, informative commentary, and flexibility outweigh these issues. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, overview experience that can be tailored with a few strategic stops.

If you’re prepared for possible hiccups and enjoy breathtaking vistas from above, this could be a good choice for your Avignon visit. Just remember to check the schedule ahead of time, and maybe bring a sense of adventure along with your camera.

FAQ

• How much does the tour cost?
  It’s around $16.09 per person, making it a budget-friendly way to see the city.

• Where does the tour start?
  At 40 Cours Jean-Jaurès, opposite the Tourist Office, with departures every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except at 2 p.m.

• Can I hop on and off at stops?
  Yes, the tour is designed for freedom to hop on and off at various landmarks like the Pont d’Avignon or Fort Saint André.

• Are audio guides available?
  Yes, commentary is provided in 10 languages plus a child’s version, accessible via individual headphones.

• What sights are included?
  Stops include Pont Saint-Bénézet, Museum of Modern Art, Philippe le Bel Tower, Fort Saint-André, the Abbey of Saint-André, and Ile de la Barthelasse.

• Are tickets refundable?
  Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; cancellations less than that are non-refundable.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, a special child commentary is available, and most travelers say it’s appropriate for families.

• What about weather considerations?
  Since it’s an open-top bus, heavy rain might inconvenience your trip. Poor weather could lead to cancellations.

• Is it possible to visit the gardens at Fort Saint-André?
  Yes, the gardens are free to visit and highly praised for their beauty.

• Can I visit the Abbey’s gardens?
  Yes, the gardens are part of the stop, and they’re noted for their Mediterranean plants and roses.

Visiting Avignon via this double-decker bus gives you a unique perspective on a city that’s full of character and history. With some planning and patience, it can be a valuable introduction to the region’s highlights. Just keep in mind the reviews and operational considerations to get the most out of your experience.