Avignon Private Walking Tour: A Deep Dive Review

Planning a trip to Provence, and looking at ways you can really get to see the heart of Avignon? A private walking tour might just be what you’re looking for! I went on one recently, and I figured I’d give you the lowdown on what the whole experience is like. Let’s talk about it all, you know, the stuff you really want to know, such as if it is worth the money, time and also energy it takes to experience.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

Now, you could totally wander around Avignon on your own, that’s for sure! After all, that is something lots of people enjoy, too. Yet, a private tour actually brings a different kind of experience. So, instead of just looking at spots, you get stories, facts, and a real feel for the place from someone that knows it. A decent guide really makes a difference, answering any question you might have and sort of adjusting things based on what you’re super keen on seeing, basically ensuring you only see the spots that are important to you.

There is one moment during my own tour where I was asking a little too many questions about the Popes. The tour guide was super insightful, so it really was great that I asked all those questions, too! Turns out the person giving the tour had read all of the important history stuff about the city. Honestly, that’s the great thing when it comes to a private tour: you get a real person giving you their passion and experience. Basically, think of it like this, that it is more like having a very knowledgeable friend show you their town, rather than just going through the motions.

What You’ll See: Highlights of Avignon

The big hitter in Avignon that just about everybody will want to check out has got to be the Palais des Papes, right? It’s a seriously huge palace where the Popes used to chill back in the 14th century, actually, the biggest Gothic palace ever made! We went through so many of its rooms, halls, and secret spots while on my private tour that it almost felt unreal. The guides pretty good too it’s almost like, he knew every single stone and artwork.

And yet, it’s not just the palace either, really! The Pont d’Avignon, that half-bridge sticking out into the Rhône, is an amazing spot for taking pics and getting the story behind why it is unfinished. Honestly, the old town itself, together with its skinny streets and cool buildings, really shows just how old the area is. Also, on the tour I took, we even popped into some little squares and courtyards. So, there were a few of them I would never have found alone that, I can tell you!

Booking Your Tour: What to Look For

Alright, so you’re thinking about grabbing a tour. There are so many that I can’t pretend there is just one! My tip? Look at what other people have to say! Review those sites and booking pages to get a feel if the company knows their stuff or not. Now, lots of the tour companies let you change the tour length, it’s almost always a good idea to ensure it is not too long and yet not too short that it cuts off what you want to see. The main thing to focus on here is to look for that perfect Goldilocks length.

Does the guide have some kind of qualifications that make you feel that you will actually see all the nice stuff, that, you need to think about, too! A lot of guides might say they speak English and a certain language, but very few might claim to be very knowledgeable about history and other background knowledge! So, there are a few different kinds of private tour company. Yet, not all of them can guarantee a qualified guide or that you’ll only see the attractions most interesting to you! In short, shop around, that way, you’ll actually get to enjoy seeing the cool history that the region is rightly well known for.

The Cost Factor: Is it Worth It?

Private tours might make a bit of a dent in your wallet, right? That might seem like a bit too much if you compare it against a DIY walking tour from some blog site! Yet, I do think they’re worth it if you want to go a bit more in-depth. In the same way that when you are lost, you look for someone to give you direct directions. Now, think about it: when you actually pay for a private tour, you get the guide’s undivided focus.

You can take your time when asking questions, and also get info that regular tours might just skip, too. I also think it’s worthwhile if you’re traveling with a crew, such as some older relatives who might find following large tour groups hard. Is that correct? It could well be. The added flexibility and personal touch, in many ways, will really make your trip super special, anyway! When thinking of paying money, it’s often worthwhile thinking about not what is worth it right now, but instead how much the memories of Avignon will be worthwhile in the future. To that end, it’s a good call.

Making the Most of Your Avignon Visit

Alright, I do have a couple of fast tips for you! Now, Avignon actually gets very crowded, especially around July and August, it can actually be a bit chaotic and too crowded at these peak times! Therefore, to get the most of your visit, it really might be a good idea to look into going during the months that bookend those peak months.

One more tip? I found that knowing a tiny bit of basic French can assist when it comes to communicating! Loads of people will speak a second language, that’s for sure, although it is respectful to make some kind of effort to speak French. Doing a little bit of prep actually makes a big difference!

Key Takeaways:

Private tours offer a deeper dive into Avignon’s history with personalized attention.
The Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon are must-see landmarks.
Look for qualified guides and read reviews when booking your tour.
Consider visiting during the shoulder season for fewer crowds.