City Trips to Avignon

A culinary highlight awaits you with three courses at the L'Oratoire des Papes restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The history of L'Oratoire des Papes dates back to the 19th century. It is particularly famous for its exceptional wines. Immerse yourself in this very special world of culinary delights and embark on a journey of the senses.

Enjoy a culinary experience in the heart of Provence for two. At the Michelin-starred restaurant la Mirande, the pleasure of French cuisine awaits you with a 3-course menu. Dine in the restaurant's oldest room, where popes used to dine, and get closer to Avignon's history in a different way.

A very special culinary experience for two awaits you in the heart of Avignon. Give yourself over completely to French cuisine with a 5-course menu. The Michelin-starred restaurant successfully bridges the gap between tradition and modernity – both, in terms of taste and design.

Discover Avignon in a very special way - on a leisurely tuk tuk ride! Let your driver take you through the time-honored streets and alleyways. The Palais popes palace or the Saint-Bénézeit bridge, known as the Pont d'Avignon, are just a stone's throw away. You decide what you want to see.

Through narrow alleys and past the numerous small city palaces, chapels and churches, this excursion will lead you to the famous Palais du Pape. In the beginning of the 14th century Pope Clemens V settled here, followed by further popes and cardinals. The visit of this fortified site takes you to the great halls, to the chapels, to the private chambers of the Pope and to the terrace with magnificent views of Avignon and the Rhône. Each year in July, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world takes place around the palace. After visiting the palace you will pass the church of St. Agricol and to the ruins of the famous Pont d’Avignon.

In the morning, Avignon is still wonderfully quiet. The perfect time to explore the city and its exciting history by bike. After witnessing the sun rise over the Rhône, you will explore the enormous Pope's Palace and many other sights. The relocation of the Pope's seat to Avignon in the 14th century also provided the city with gothic churches, monasteries and other splendid buildings. The morning light also illuminates the small island Barthelasse with a fantastic atmosphere. Here, you will cycle through lush nature.

Cycle from Avignon, partly directly along the banks of the Rhône, to the world-famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Châteauneuf-du-Pape served as the summer residence of the popes in the 14th century and is known for its first-class wines. A small group of cyclists can gather wonderful historical impressions here - always on the trail of wine.

Get straight off the ship and explore the city at your own pace on an e-bike! With electric assistance, you can easily reach the most beautiful sights. Enjoy the freedom to decide where to stop and what to discover—at your own pace. A relaxed excursion full of impressions and exercise!

Rhône Route Provence A-ROSA LUNA
On the following cruises, bike hire takes place on day 6 in Avignon (instead of day 5 in Avignon):
14 May | 4 June | 11 June | 18 June | 2 July | 16 July | 30 July | 13 August | 27 August | 3 September | 10 September | 17 September | 24 September | 1 October | 8 October | 15 October 2026

Get straight off the ship and explore the city at your own pace on an e-bike! With electric assistance, you can easily reach the most beautiful sights. Enjoy the freedom to decide where to stop and what to discover—at your own pace. A relaxed excursion full of impressions and exercise!

Rhône Route Provence A-ROSA LUNA
On the following cruises, bike hire takes place on day 6 in Avignon (instead of day 5 in Avignon):
14 May | 4 June | 11 June | 18 June | 2 July | 16 July | 30 July | 13 August | 27 August | 3 September | 10 September | 17 September | 24 September | 1 October | 8 October | 15 October 2026

In the 14th century, Avignon was the centre of Christianity. Its cultural richness, as well as monuments and city walls that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have contributed to Avignon becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2000. Avignon's most famous feature is the bridge sung about in the famous children's song. The Papal Palace with its ornate chambers and chapels is also worth a visit. Visit the multifaceted city with your English-speaking tour guide according to your wishes and preferences.

Today you’ll feel like a VIP. Near Avignon you can climb a Cessna or Piper with a maximum of three people. Such small machines can fly particularly low and are very manoeuvrable, making for an exceptional flying experience. During your 30-minute round trip you will enjoy a unique view of the Pont du Gard, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Alpilles and the cities of Beaucaire and Tarascon.

Immerse yourself in the comic world of Spirou & Fantasio and meet various park mascots, such as Spirou himself or Lucky Luke. Unique attractions for young and old, specially designed for Parc Spirou, await you. Discover various roller coasters, such as the Free Fall Tower or test the ingenious invention of perfectionist Gaston. We wish you lots of fun!

Only takes place on the following dates, if the minimum number of participants is reached before departure: 19.07. | 02.08. | 16.08.2026

Visit the impressive and traditional Château La Nerthe with its old, venerable wine cellar and learn what makes the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region so special. After the tour, an exclusive 3-course menu awaits you in the rooms of the château, accompanied of course by various rarities from the wine cellar.

From Avignon, we head east into the heart of Provence, to the mountain villages of Gordes and Roussillon. Their old houses nestle against majestic ochre rocks and seem to merge with them. Then discover the "ochre nature trail" - the rocks here offer the visitor a special play of colours. Where the ochre industry once flourished, you will find a landscape in a wide variety of ochre shades - from a radiant yellow to a bright red. Numerous nuances of the ochre tone as well as the play of light and shadow make the sight unforgettable. After a walk through the impressive landscape, we return to the ship.

Anyone who is even minimally involved with wine has heard the name before. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous wine-growing towns in the world. After a short bus ride, you will reach the centre of the small town, see some of the famous wineries and then enjoy a sample of this great grape juice. You will learn interesting facts about the region and its wines. You will return directly on board in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where your A-ROSA crew is already waiting for you.

From the ship, you will go by coach to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will receive a brief introduction to the history of this famous wine village. At Maison Ogier, you will be welcomed in the boutique and learn more about the winery. This is followed by a guided tour of the historic wine cellars, where you will gain insights into traditional wine production. Finally, enjoy a 3-course lunch accompanied by matching wines from the house before returning to the ship.

In the market hall you will experience the daily life of the locals. Even the country's top chefs are often seen here. After a ten-minute walk through the city's cosy lanes, your A-ROSA chef will take you to the huge building with its uniquely planted outside facade. Your chef will put together the best delicacies for you to taste.

After a 45-minute drive, you will arrive in Nîmes. Your tour will take you to the Jardin de la Fontaine, Europe's first public garden, which combines classic 18th-century garden architecture with Mediterranean elements. You will then stop at the Musée de la Romanité, which vividly illustrates the city's Roman history. Use your free time to visit the museum or explore Nîmes on your own before returning to the ship.

Whether through winding alleys, along the city palaces or past churches and chapels - in Avignon all roads lead to the Papal Palace. Pope Clement V settled here at the beginning of the 14th century, followed by other popes and counter-popes. The tour also takes you past the church of Saint-Agricol and the ruins of the Pont d'Avignon.

Whether through winding alleys, along the city palaces or past churches and chapels - in Avignon all roads lead to the Papal Palace. Pope Clement V settled here at the beginning of the 14th century, followed by other popes and counter-popes. The tour also takes you past the church of Saint-Agricol and the ruins of the Pont d'Avignon.

The 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard is an extraordinary ancient structure. It proudly overlooks the tortuous Gardon Valley, bearing eternal witness to the power of the Roman Empire. Even today, it’s impossible to take in its breath-taking size and impressive architecture without feeling completely awestruck. After a short drive you’ll reach this imposing natural site and visit the impressive aqueduct first. You’ll then have plenty of time to look around the museum, where there is lots to see and discover – even for our youngest guests.

Through narrow alleys and past the numerous small city palaces, chapels and churches, this excursion will lead you to the famous Palais du Pape. Get in the mood on the way there with a view from the little train. In the beginning of the 14th century Pope Clemens V settled here, followed by further popes and cardinals. The visit of this fortified site takes you to the great halls, to the chapels, to the private chambers of the Pope and to the terrace with magnificent views of Avignon and the Rhône. Each year in July, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world takes place around the palace. After the Palace, a short walking tour takes you back towards the ship.

The excursion is not bookable on the cruise Rhône Wine & Gusto 2025 on 16 May 2025.