Marseille to Avignon: Palais des Papes, Pont d'Avignon & Old City Walk
Step into the medieval heart of Provence on a private day trip from Marseille to Avignon.
This private shore excursion from Marseille to Avignon offers cruise passengers a rare chance to explore one of southern France's most storied cities, from its towering Gothic palace to its legendary unfinished bridge, all in a single comfortable journey.
Avignon served as the seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century, and that history is still written in stone across its walled old city. The town of around 100,000 inhabitants blends living culture with heritage monuments at every turn.
Your private driver collects you directly from the Marseille Cruise Terminal, making logistics seamless and arrival stress-free. The drive through the Provence countryside takes roughly one hour each way, leaving plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Beyond the headline sites, the old city rewards slower wandering through its market squares, independent boutiques, and shaded cafe terraces. Avignon is compact enough to feel intimate yet rich enough to fill a half-day with genuine discovery.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, built in the 14th century during the Avignon papacy.
Use the museum's Histopads, tablets with VR capabilities that visually reconstruct each room as it appeared centuries ago.
Walk onto the famous Pont d'Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally constructed in the 1100s that never fully crosses the Rhone.
Stroll through the Place de l'Horloge and the surrounding shopping streets for ice cream, a drink, or local souvenirs.
Travel in a private, comfortable vehicle with a dedicated driver from the Marseille Cruise Terminal and back.
Take advantage of combined ticket discounts when purchasing Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon entrance together.
Itinerary
Your private driver meets you at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and you board a comfortable car for the approximately one-hour drive through Provence toward Avignon.
Upon arrival in Avignon, you head directly to the Palais des Papes, the centerpiece of the city and the largest Gothic palace in Europe. You receive a Historipad tablet with headphones at the entrance, allowing you to scan QR codes in each room and view VR reconstructions of how the spaces looked in the 14th century.
After the palace, you take a leisurely walk through the historic old city, passing through the lively Place de l'Horloge and the pedestrian shopping streets nearby. This is a good moment to stop for a gelato or a cold drink at one of the local cafes.
You visit the iconic Pont Saint-Benezet, known worldwide as the Pont d'Avignon and celebrated in the traditional French children's song. The bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, extends only partway across the Rhone River due to repeated flood damage over the centuries.
After your visit, you return to the car and your driver takes you back to the Marseille Cruise Terminal, completing the round trip in time for your ship's departure.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Private vehicle with professional driver
- Round-trip transfer from Marseille Cruise Terminal
- Histopad tablet with headphones at Palais des Papes
Not Included
- Entrance fees to Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon
- Food, drinks, and personal purchases
- Gratuities for the driver
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Avignon Excursion
Secure your private transfer and guided visit to Avignon directly from the Marseille Cruise Terminal. Spaces are limited to ensure an exclusive, personal experience.
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