Known as the City of the Popes, Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture, but also has a youthful energy to it with a buzzing arts scene. The former 14th century papal capital is circled by city walls, home to the magnificent World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhone between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.
Freechoice
Guided walking tour: From the ship, be guided on a walk-through Avignon, to the historic city walls and the Pope’s Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Avignon is filled with cobblestoned streets and the palace comprises numerous steps, so a moderate degree of fitness is required for this tour.
Excursion to Pont Du Gard: Visit the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on a guided tour. Dating to the middle of the first century, this engineering masterpiece was designed to carry water to the city of Nîmes.
Shop with a chef & Scenic Culinaire: Gourmands can join Scenic’s on board chef on a visit to a local food market where you can have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your ship, head to Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought. (Please note: Avignon Market is closed on a Monday).
Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape: The fertile banks of the Rhone are peppered with Côte du Rhone vineyards, including at the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where centuries of wine production make for a fascinating history. Take this opportunity to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.
This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you’re feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms some 30 meters above the Rhone, which provides excellent views over the city and river, as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.
Enrich
Private classical concert at the Pope’s Palace: Be treated to a truly unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself. Upon arrival, be ushered into the grandiose palace for an exclusive concert by a trio of musicians. Be immersed in the beauty of famous classical pieces, which gain a new fascinating dimension inside the palace’s walls.
