France · HISTORICAL TOURS IN PROVENCE
The 8 historical tours in Provence below are the ones worth your money, each with what it costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason.
Walk Avignon’s old center with local guide Ana Maria for two hours of stories, architecture, and city lore. See the Popes’ Palace, Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon Cathedral, charming squares, and quiet lanes. A sound device helps you hear clearly, while paid monument entry remains separate.
“This tour was wonderful! Extremely informative and engaging. Highly recommend!”
Travel from Avignon in an air-conditioned minivan with up to eight passengers, visiting Nîmes Arena, Maison Carrée, Pont du Gard, and Orange’s Roman Theatre. Your English-speaking driver-guide provides commentary and handles the driving. The day runs about 8.5 hours and includes admission to three major sites.
“My son and I took this wonderful and informative tour with guide Julian. Since it was during Dec.and we were the only ones booked for that day, it was like a private tour. Julian was an excellent driver and always made you feel safe. The Amphitheater in Nimes was such an incredible sight and although there are many, we were told that this is the best preserved one. On from there we visited the quaint town of Uzes and were given time to just stroll around the town and take in it's quaint beauty on our way to Pont Du Gard. The Aqueduct was the pieces de resistance and was…”
Spend three hours with Fabienne exploring Aix-en-Provence in English, Spanish, or French. Walk through historic squares, visit the Caumont garden, taste calissons and Provençal specialties, and pause at the market for rosé, cheese, bread, charcuterie, or an afternoon pie. Private groups can choose a morning or afternoon start.
“Good overview of the historic section of Aix. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. We had our tour on market day and that added to our experience. Also we enjoyed pastries, cheese, meat, bread and wine from the local area. Really enjoyed our guide.”
Spend three and a half hours tasting Provençal food and wine while walking from the Palais des Papes through Rue Carnot, Les Halles, and the old center to Pont d’Avignon. Guides such as Zahra and Clara add local history and restaurant tips. Expect at least four food stops, generous portions, one alcoholic drink, and a small group of up to 12.
“Nastassja was our guide for this food and wine tour in Avignon, and she made the entire experience genuinely enjoyable. The pace was relaxed, the portions were generous, and you’ll be tasting a surprising variety of local specialties—so come hungry and maybe skip the tight jeans that day. She shared plenty of interesting history and context along the way, which helped us appreciate the city beyond the food itself. Avignon has so much to take in, and this tour was a great introduction. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the city, especially if you want a mix of local insight, regional flavors, and a fun walk through the historic…”
Walk through Avignon with a private blue badge guide in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. See the Palace of the Popes, medieval walls, Old Avignon, and Pont St. Bénezet. Choose two hours for an exterior-focused walk, or three hours for palace entry and a walk onto the bridge.
“Alexia was great. Would def use her for another tour.”
Join Gordana from Provence with Gordana for a five-hour English-language tour from Avignon. Visit two Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries, learn about Rhône wine and local history, then walk around the Roman Pont du Gard. The air-conditioned vehicle holds no more than eight people, and the tour returns to Avignon.
“Gordana was a great guide on our half day trip to two wineyards and the Pont du Gard! She is very knowledgeable about the region, the wines and the history. We had a really nice time with this tour, I would definitely recommend booking a tour with her!”
Walk through Nîmes with private guide Juan, visiting the Roman arena, Jardins de la Fontaine, Maison Carrée, and the Escutcheon quarter. The flexible tour lasts about one to four hours, is offered in English, and lets your group ask questions and shape the pace. Entry tickets, food, and private transport cost extra.
“We enjoyed our 2 plus hour tour with Juan. Though not a native of France Juan served in the French foreign legion for many years and his knowledge of Nimes and its history was very interesting. His English is very good. I would recommend this tour.”
Travel from Avignon in a small, air-conditioned minibus to Nîmes, Pont du Gard, and Orange. You’ll enter Nîmes Arena and Orange’s ancient theater, see the Maison Carrée, and walk beside the Roman aqueduct. English or French guiding is available, with guides such as Ghislain, Joanne, and Rémi leading some departures.
“It was a fantastic day excellent guide Joanne. Very comprehensive enjoyed it all. Lots of walking but it’s worth it. To see the Roman sites and here the history was amazing.”
Pick a monument, a coastline or a cellar.
