Free Walking Tours in Avignon

The stunning Provençale town of Avignon boasts a rich history and is filled with beautiful buildings, fascinating museums and important monuments. One of the best ways to explore this ancient papal stronghold without spending a dime through a free Avignon walking tour.

Perched on the eastern bank of the Rhône River, Avignon is ensconced by well-preserved medieval walls, giving the city a decidedly fairytale feel. Although the storied city can trace its roots back to the ancient Greeks and Celts, it rose to prominence with Catholicism — with the first Bishop of Avignon anointed in the 5th century.

In the early 14th century, with political machinations in Rome becoming evermore fractious, Pope Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon. In total, seven popes resided in Avignon, and the city was the center of the Catholic universe from 1309 until 1377. The city remained a papal possession until the French Revolution, with its powerful patrons transforming Avignon into the spectacular sight that it is today.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Avignon.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Avignon have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

Compared to other walking tours in Avignon, these sightseeing excursions are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding the amount you want to tip, consider the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the overall experience.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Avignon?

Although there isn’t a wide variety of free walking tours in Avignon to choose from, Those that are available explore most of the city’s attractions.

Free walking tour through historical Avignon

Avignon is famous as the residence of seven popes during the 14th century, as well as a summer palace for the subsequent Bishops of Rome — until the French Revolution of 1789. During the time of the Avignon Papacy, the Popes constructed stunning buildings and monuments, in an attempt to strengthen the city’s new holy mandate.

You’ll meet your guide at Avignon’s City Hall, from where you’ll set out to explore this storied city. Heading eastwards, you’ll soon encounter the medieval walls and fortifications that surround Avignon. Learn how, even though these walls are eight meters tall, they weren’t considered an effective deterrent, causing Pope Benedict XII to start construction on a palatial residence that’s today known as the Palace of the Popes.

Next, head out of Avignon’s ancient heart towards the River Rhône, where you’ll find Pont d’Avignon, which is also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet. After hearing how a holy vision apparently inspires its construction, you’ll head back to the city center.

Few people know that Avignon far outdates the church and papacy, and the next leg of your tour serves to explore this hidden heritage. You’ll visit a number of sites that date back to a time when Avignon was a small, but important, market town outside of Marseille. After learning how the Ancient Celts, Greeks and Romans laid the foundations for this city, you’ll travel to the sight of its crowning glory — the Palace of the Popes.

Listen while your guide paints a picture of a tumultuous Rome, causing Pope Clement V to move the center of Latin Christianity to Avignon. Learn about the construction efforts that went into the Old and the New Palaces, and why the papacy returned to Rome in 1377. This decision wasn’t universally accepted and led to the Western Schism and the first Anti-Pope, a truly captivating chapter of the church’s history.

In which languages is it operated?

While the sights and glamour of Avignon are seemingly without end, the same can unfortunately not be said about the language options of these tours. Free walking tours in Avignon are only conducted in English, with no other languages available, apart from French, the native language of the tour guide.

Where does it start?

Avignon’s free walking tours generally depart from the same point just outside the city hall. The central location makes it easy to travel to, with the Gare d'Avignon Centre a short walk away.

How long does last?

A free walking tour in Avignon will typically last around 2 hours. This duration will allow you to visit most of Avignon’s main attractions, without becoming too exhausting or tedious. The length also ensures that you’ll be able to combine the free walking tour with another activity, like a visit to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape to maximize your day out in Provence.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Avignon?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Avignon during spring and autumn, when the weather is particularly delightful due to mild temperatures and there are fewer tourists. Early morning or late afternoon tours are ideal to avoid the midday heat and crowds, offering a more pleasant and intimate experience.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Avignon online ensures your spot, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. Spots tend to be limited in order to ensure the quality of the tour— on some tours, the maximum capacity can be as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. That away, you will arrive in Avignon with your tour already booked and be able to make the most out of your time.