53303PSO
Provence, Avignon, TGB, Paris
Routes
Opening days/times, entrance fees, etc. listed on Yellow Pages.
Avignon visit – no entrances
- Use in conjunction with the TGV page. Be sure you are at the station at least one hour before the departure of your TGV
- If your hotel is in Avignon you may prefer to do your city sightseeing on arrival/after supper
- Time permitting, you may want to suggest the group buys snacks for the TGV, as food and drinks are expensive on board and can run out.
- If your driver knows how to get to the panoramic viewpoint across the Rhone, it might worth a stop for photos
Avignon – visit. Sightseeing with TM includes:
- Palais des Papes (outside)
- Gardens on le Rocher des Doms (to the left of the Palais des Papes)
- Place de l’ Horloge
Park bus in St Benezet parking (you have to drive inside the walls (very sharp turn!) through an archway just after St Benezet bridge.
If this parking is full or you have a tall bus there is parking just outside the arch by the river). With the arch behind you, walk the group past the entrance to St Benezet bridge and take the road straight ahead, past the various shops on your left until you see a flight of stairs on your left beyond an archway.
Avignon Bus Parking:
These stairs lead you up to the square on which the Palais des Papes is located (explain papal history of Avignon – see ACIS TM notes). Point out the gardens on le Rocher des Doms (excellent views across the Rhone and a great place for pictures/picnics) and encourage them to explore during free time. Make a rendezvous in the square for 1 ¼ hours later (allow more/less time depending on day’s visits).
Facing the Palais des Papes, to the left is the Italian Renaissance building housing the Musee des Beaux Arts – great fine art museum
Then lead group to Place de l’ Horloge and point out the main street – rue de la République which is straight ahead. Also, the pedestrian area (with the covered food market), which is off to the left at the end of the square. There are plenty of cafés on the Place de l’ Horloge.
FREE TIME IDEAS
Papal Palace: visit takes about 1½ hours
St Benezet bridge: take group onto bridge and sing “sur le pont d’ Avignon” (they pay), or you can get along riverbank beside it for photos (watch busy road).
Shopping: see map (groups love shopping in Avignon!)
Musée des Beaux Arts
Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral
Les Halles Market
Musée Calvet
Sightseeing train from main square by Palace for older pax!! €10 – 1 hour – March to October
Boat ride on the Rhone.
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Advise group to stay Intra muros
Cinemas: check local paper for listings.
Cafes: best atmosphere in the Place de l’ Horloge
Karaoke: in several cafés down rue de la République
Avignon Festival: June/July. Information kiosk in Place de l’Horloge
Sound and Light in the Palais. €12. Amazing. Check with Tourist Office – did not operate in 2024