avignon walking tour

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There’s so much to see and understand in the Avignon area. From the cobbled streets of the historic center of the city of the popes to the secret charms of the surrounding villages, a world of discoveries awaits you. Guided tours, fun tours, guided walks, experiential tours… Follow the guide!

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Avignon Walking Tour

• 8 / 10 10 reviews | 217 travellers It has been a very pleasant sight with a guide that has met all our expectations. The experience is highly recommended. Thank you 8 Esther
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts

Tour the beautiful historic city in Provence with this Avignon Walking Tour, including tickets and a guided tour of the symbolic Papal Palace on the banks of the Rhone !

Description

At the indicated time, we'll meet on Rue de la République to begin a guided tour around  Avignon's historic centre .

First, we'll walk along the banks of the Rhone , and see the famous Pont d'Avignon . Only one section of this bridge remains, the footbridge doesn't join the two riverbanks completely. Then we'll climb the steps that lead to the walls of Rochers des Doms .

Next to this place is the famous Papal Palace . We'll visit the interior of this Gothic monument, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . As we walk through the cloister, the chapel and other rooms around the old palace we'll learn about the origins of the  Papacy of Avignon . This includes the debate as to why between 1309 and 1377 seven bishops of Rome took up residence in the south of France.

The tour will then follow on to the Place de l'Horloge . In this central square, we'll see the facade of the City Hall and the Avignon Opera House , which features Greek-Roman-style architecture.

Finally, after 3 hours of exploring, we'll conclude the tour by having a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine in a restaurant in the city centre.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Skip–the–line ticket to the Papal Palace in Avignon

Glass of Côtes du Rhône wine (only for those over 18 years old)

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You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

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Not wheelchair accessible.

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All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

A La Francaise (Avignon) Show more

Corporate name: SAS PROVENCE RESERVATION

Not permitted.

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Meeting point.

Rue de la République, 4

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Avignon Tours

15 Best Avignon Tours

Located along the west bank of the Rhône River in southeastern France, Avignon is a relatively small town that was once one of the continent’s centers of Catholicism. As such, it was chosen as the home of Pope Clement V in the early part of the 14th century.

The region is particularly well-known for its scenic lavender fields, abundant natural beauty, and a wine industry that’s among the country’s most celebrated.

The old portion of the city center is characterized by narrow streets, quaint cafes full of old-world charm, and impressive ramparts left over from the medieval-era.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Avignon and the surrounding countryside.

1. 3-Hour Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

It’s been proven in high-dollar laboratories in far-flung corners of the globe that three hours is the optimum time for tours that include walking and drinking.

This short but value-packed tour of Avignon is an excellent option for visitors working with limited time, as it gives guests a surprisingly thorough overview of what makes the town so special.

You’ll learn about how Avignon was the center of the papacy in the 14th century, and how it’s always been known for natural beauty, wine, and architecture.

Tours include an English-speaking guide, tickets to the Pope’s palace, and wine tasting in a local restaurant.

2. Full-Day Roman and Medieval Heritage Tour

The village of Les Baux de Provence is widely accepted as one of the most beautiful and historic villages in all of France.

Characterized by a massive stone fortress, it’s one of the region’s most popular attractions and is easily accessible by a full-day tour from Avignon.

Guests will learn about the village’s history that pre-dates the Roman-era, as well as exploring its food, culture, history, and economy.

The tour includes olive oil and wine tastings, as well as stops at vineyards, the Alpilles Mountains, and the city of Nîmes before returning to Avignon.

Tours last between 9 ½ and 10 hours and involve walking, so wear comfortable shoes and pack clothes for a variety of weather conditions.

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3. Wine Education with Picnic Lunch at Private Chateau

Did you know that true wine experts and aficionados use all five senses to enjoy the grape-based intoxicant to its fullest?

If that seems odd, fear not; on this wine education tour, you’ll learn how to do just that.

Tours include stops at two wineries in the Alpes Côte d’Azur region, where a wide spectrum of award-winning wines are produced.

Guests will learn about wine, tour the facilities, sample reds, whites, and rosés at a private chateau, and enjoy a delectable picnic-style lunch along with their guide and hosts.

Round-trip transportation to and from your Avignon hotel via air-conditioned minibus are included as well.

4. Full-Day Lavender Tour

The lavender fields in and around Avignon are generally at the height of their bloom between mid-June and mid-July.

For visitors who’ll be in the area then, experiencing the fields often ends up being one of the most memorable experiences of their trips.

The color is nothing short of spectacular, and the aromas carried by the wind can be downright intoxicating.

The village of Sault is the region’s lavender epicenter. Before heading off to other attractions, guests will have time to take in the amazing sights.

Tours also stop at a museum dedicated to lavender, village markets, and towering cliffs of red ochre.

5. 5-Hour Olive and Wine in Les Baux-de-Provence

Though France is more acclaimed for its wines, it’s also an important olive growing region that has been churning out some of the world’s best olive oils for centuries.

Les Baux-de-Provence is just a short drive from Avignon. It is known for both wine and olive oil, making it a great day-trip option for those interested in a culinary-based jaunt into the countryside.

The 5-hour tour includes stops in multiple towns, wine and olive oil tastings, and historical and cultural narration from the guide along the way.

Hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees are included.

6. Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour

Avignon and the surrounding areas tend to draw tourists interested in food and wine, medieval history, and art.

Thankfully for visitors with a wide range of interests, many tours like this one include aspects of all three.

Nearby Provence is situated between the Alpilles Mountains and the Rhône River. It is brimming with quaint charm, pastoral scenes, and lots of great food and drinks.

This tour focuses on the vineyards at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which are most well-known for their robust reds.

Guests will drive through the vineyards, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions, and see the ruins of the Pope’s summer home.

7. Private Walking Tour of Avignon

Avignon is among France’s most charming towns, and though this two-hour tour is on the short side, it packs a lot of value for those working with limited time and budgets.

Along with their guide, guests will walk amongst some of the city’s most prominent attractions, including the Palace of the Popes and the impressive Pont St. Bénezet Bridge.

The area is full of medieval walls, monuments to prominent historical figures, and tree-lined streets brimming with quaint cafés, shops, and galleries.

While en route, tour participants will learn about the Avignon’s central role in Christianity dating back to the 14th century, while discovering things they may want to explore on their own when the tour is over.

8. Magic Luberon Private Tour

From provincial markets and historic abbeys to stunning lavender fields and villages from the medieval-era, Avignon and the surrounding areas are truly diverse and spectacular.

This nine-hour tour is a bit on the long side, but for visitors with an entire day to spare, it’s a great value.

From downtown Avignon, guests will set out with their guide on the quintessential provincial experience.

Tour highlights include the Fontaine de Vaucluse, the Sénanque Abbey from the 12th century, the historic village of Roussillon, and the amazing lavender fields spread across a nearby plateau.

Lunch is available at midday but isn’t included in the tour’s cost.

9. Private Guided Bike Tour of St. Remy from Avignon

Bicycles are great ways to experience the wonders of Avignon. For fit and activity- minded travelers, bike tours are often one of the most memorable experiences of their time in town.

In addition to burning calories and breathing tons of clean country air, guests will benefit from the knowledge of their local guide, who will impart snippets of local history that those on larger, more impersonal tours might miss.

Tour stops include St. Remy’s mid-week market, the Monastery of Saint Michel de Frigolet, and a number of fantastic landscapes that provided artistic inspiration to Vincent Van Gogh during the late years of his life.

10. Half-Day Alpilles Terroir and Heritage Tour

With such an abundance and variety of significant sites within just a few miles of Avignon, it’d be a shame not to get out into the countryside and experience them for a full or half-day.

This half-day tour option is packed with attractions, including the Alpilles in Baux-de-Provence National Park, the historic town of St-Rémy-de-Provence, and the Alpilles Nature Preserve.

Tours last about five hours and include significant amounts of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers as the weather can change quickly.

Tours include round-trip transportation to and from a central Avignon location in an air-conditioned bus.

11. Luberon Villages and Market Tour

Few places on earth meld the historical, culinary, and cultural as do cities like Avignon.

Though the Luberon Villages are technically outside city limits, they’re close enough to make day-trips convenient.

This Luberon combo tour is a great option for those who prefer to explore attractions that are slightly off the beaten path.

The tour’s market portion gives visitors the opportunity to rub elbows with locals and experience village life as the townspeople do.

Tours are particularly stunning in the spring when wildflowers and poppies are in bloom. The village of Roussillon that sits atop hills of vibrant ochre is another perennial favorite.

12. Treasures of Provence Full-Day Tour

Walking in Van Gogh’s footsteps is an especially popular activity for art lovers and amateur historians who find themselves in Avignon with free time to kill.

On this full-day tour, guests will experience much of what makes the area so unique, charming, and historic.

In addition to seeing sights that inspired Van Gogh, tour participants will explore Roman-era monuments, witness the spectacular Salvador Dali light show at the Carrières de Lumières, wet their collective whistles at two wine tastings, stroll among the vineyards at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and visit the picturesque village of Baux de Provence perched on a rocky bluff amid the Alpilles Mountains.

13. Jewish Heritage in Provence 8-Hour Tour

Jewish communities have been present in and around Marseille and Avignon since well before the Roman era.

This 8-hour tour begins in Marseille and explores villages, cemeteries, and synagogues in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Cavaillon, and Carpentras.

Guests meet their guide at a central Avignon location before setting out on this value-packed tour that includes aspects of history, culture, religion, and science, as well as the mystical and philosophical sides of the Jewish faith.

Tours tend to attract Jews from all over the world. Due to the relatively small size, guests enjoy more personalized service that makes them truly unique and memorable activities.

14. Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Pope’s Palace

Over the centuries, Popes have made it a priority to ensconce themselves in the lap of luxury. For those who want to get a quick glimpse into the good life in years past, this walking tour with a skip-the-line ticket to the Pope’s Palace would be a wise way to spend a few hours.

The palace was incredibly opulent by the standards of the day and is filled with historically significant religious icons and works of art as well.

Guests will also have the opportunity to wander narrow medieval streets, listen to their guide’s narration, and peer down at the Rhône River from the town’s ancient fortified walls.

15. Cooking Workshop with Master Chef

This three-hour cooking class begins at 9:00 am when participants meet their chef-instructor at the Halles d’Avignon Market.

Guests will get acquainted with their guide, learn about the region’s rich food history, and shop for ingredients that will be used later in the kitchen classroom.

For those who aren’t particularly at home in the kitchen, this activity is great: unlike traditional cooking classes, it allows tour guests to get involved in the process from beginning to end without actually doing the cooking.

Instead, you’ll have the chance to watch your instructor, learn about the techniques he’s using, ask questions, and sample the final product.

15 Best Avignon Tours:

• 3-Hour Walking Tour with Wine Tasting
• Full-Day Roman and Medieval Heritage Tour
• Wine Education with Picnic Lunch at Private Chateau
• Full-Day Lavender Tour
• 5-Hour Olive and Wine in Les Baux-de-Provence
• Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour
• Private Walking Tour of Avignon
• Magic Luberon Private Tour
• Private Guided Bike Tour of St. Remy from Avignon
• Half-Day Alpilles Terroir and Heritage Tour
• Luberon Villages and Market Tour
• Treasures of Provence Full-Day Tour
• Jewish Heritage in Provence 8-Hour Tour
• Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Pope's Palace
• Cooking Workshop with Master Chef

• About Avignon
• Meet your Guide
• Taste of Avignon (Morning Tour)
• Afternoon Gourmet Tour
• Food & Wine Day Tour (Package)
• Private Tours
• Contact and Booking

Discover our Walking Tours

Food & Wine Day Tour

Our Food & Wine day Tour offers the perfect combination of food, wine and sightseeing. It will please every food and wine lover: in the morning, join a food tour in Avignon before spending the afternoon in Châteauneuf du Pape where you will learn everything about the famous wine.

Meet Your Guide

Know more about your guide…

avignongourmet

Avignon and Pope's Palace walking tour

The Avignon's Bridge

Visit the impressive Popes' Palace

A glass of Côtes de Rhône to end your walking tour

Join our Avignon morning guided-walking tour including the Popes' Palace entrance ticket and enjoy a glass of wine in the company of your expert and friendly A la Francaise guide!

Guided walking tour of Avignon and the Popes' Palace

At 9.00 am meet your English-speaking local guide who will be ready to share his passion and knowledge of the city and of Provence.

Start your 3.5-hr guided walking tour of Avignon and get ready to see the best sites in the city! Climb to the top of the fortified medieval city walls to reach the " Rocher des Doms " garden and gaze upon the city as it stretches out along the Rhône River. Discover the historical past of Avignon where the papacy was established in the early 14th century. 

Next it's time to visit the Papal Palace for a guided tour (entrance ticket included). Explore the largest gothic-style palace in Europe and begin to imagine the luxurious way of life enjoyed there in the medieval period. Enjoy interesting stories and anecdotes from your local guide as you go.

After the Popes' Palace you'll walk through the cobbled streets of Avignon to the Place de l'Horloge  where you will uncover the secrets of its painted windows. See the town hall topped with its clock tower, and the theatre.

The end of your walking tour in Avignon will be toasted with a  glass of Côtes du Rhône wine  served in a local place close to the Pope's Palace.

Your walking tour will come to an end at 12.30pm. Just in time for lunch!

Please note: You will walk over paved streets, then climb a series of steps to reach the Pope's Palace so please wear good shoes (like sneakers).

A minimum of 4 participants is required to operate this walking tour.

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

• Up to 24 hours in advance: 100% refund
• Under 24 hours in advance: no refund
• A minimum of 2 participants is required for a tour. If only 1 person is booked on a tour, A la Francaise will contact the customer to reschedule or refund the total amount.

Meeting point*

4, rue de la République 84000 AVIGNON

Question about this tour?

Contact us!

Other tours available

Roman sites & historical places

Visit Provence's famous Roman sites and historical places in a day trip from Avignon. This wonderful full day tour invites you to immerse yourself into French history discovering Nimes, Uzes, Orange and the Pont du Gard with a local expert guide.

Lavender Afternoon Tour Luberon

Tour the best lavender fields and Luberon villages in an afternoon from Avignon. Provence in lavender season is one of the most stunning landscapes you will ever have the chance to see! Your guide is an expert in the region and knows where to find the most beautiful lavender fields in Provence! Combine your visit to the lavender fields with another of Provence's beautiful sights: the Luberon villages.

Lavender Afternoon Tour Sault

Spend an afternoon visiting the lavender fields near Sault and get ready to admire one of the most stunning landscapes in the world! Your expert guide will drive you in comfort from Avignon to see the best lavender fields and photo spots in the region! Visit the village of Sault, browse the multitude of charming lavender shops and visit an authentic local producer as he distills lavender oils.

Verdon Canyon and Moustiers Sainte Marie

Spend a day visiting the must-see sites of Provence. Explore the Valensole plateau, visit the village of Moustiers Sainte Marie and get ready to experience the spectacular Verdon Canyon and the Sainte Croix Lake. The perfect day trip from Aix-en-Provence!

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Avignon Walking Tour

Table of Contents

Avignon – The once center of the Catholic World

The rather well-known city of Avignon rests in the southeast of France, bordering the Rhône River. This medieval city holds a fountain of history within its fortified walls. Particularly in relation to the Catholic Church.

During the 14 th century, Avignon had replaced Rome as the center of the Catholic world . Through its reign, seven successive Popes resided in this magnificent city. Even after the seat of the Pope returned to Rome, papal control remained prominent. And this was the case all the way up until 1791 when the city became part of France during the French Revolution. Over time, the papal influence left quite a big impression on the city. Most of which is still very much present today.

The Palais des Papes for example is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in all of Europe . Originally a palace and fortress, this monumental building became home to the reigning Popes. The interior of the palace is adorned in stunning frescoes and murals. And the building is often known to host regular art exhibitions.

Also on the topic of art is the Cathedral of Avignon . Decorated in a series of famous artworks and paintings, the interior of the church truly is spectacular. But most impressive is its gilded statue of the Virgin Mary which sits atop the Bell Tower.

Lastly, you have the Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge). This 12 th century medieval bridge once connected Avignon to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. However, following the bridge’s partial destruction during the siege of King Louis VIII, the bridge now only reaches about a third of the way across the river. The bridge, along with the Palais des Papes and Avignon Cathedral, has been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995 .

There truly is no better way to discover a city than with a Guided Avignon Walking Tour . Of course, exploring a city at your own pace is always a great option. But you miss out on some of those hidden gems tucked away in the city’s secret corners. So how better to uncover the city’s secrets than with a local and knowledgeable guide ?! Someone who knows the city like the back of their hand. Also, someone who can give you all the best tips and recommendations for making the most out of your stay! It’s one thing to visit the wonderful attractions a city has to offer. And it’s another thing to understand the fascinating tales and history behind them. And believe me, this city has plenty of fascinating stories to share.

But an Avignon Walking Tour isn’t the only way to discover this breathtaking city. Explore Avignon in a new light (literally) with an Avignon Bar Crawl . Experience the city’s wild night scene and visit some of the best venues in town. If one thing is for certain it’s that the French sure know how to party and have a good time! Not only will you enjoy a fun and unforgettable night, but you’ll also get to enjoy great benefits. From free shots to drink discounts and even free entry into the club , having a great night for an inexpensive price has never been easier!

Tours in Avignon

The possibility of tours in Avignon is endless. From Walking Tours that will explore the city’s most historic and religious sights to Evening Tours that may delve a bit more into Avignon’s contemporary history. Or take the tour on wheels by operating Bike or Segway tours upon request. And if you really want to spice up the options, then an Avignon Food Tour would be a great hit! Not only is it a unique way to explore the city, but participants also get to enjoy samplings of delicious local cuisine. After all, French cuisine is renowned all over the world for a reason. Or on that topic, perhaps even a Wine Tour . France and high-quality wine are two things that always seem to go hand-in-hand.

And of course, most importantly as with any tour is to offer Private Bookings . Providing tourists with customizable private tour packages encourages groups to book, wanting to avoid the swarms of other tourists. And this is in regards to all tours and activities, even pub crawls for those looking to celebrate special occasions.

Start your Avignon Walking Tours

At Riviera Bar Crawl & Tours , we have years of experience in providing our visitors with some of the best and most memorable experiences of their lives. While primarily stationed in the south of France, we hope to branch out into as many European cities as possible! With all of the success we’ve experienced and the great feedback we’ve gotten from our clients, we want to share this with even more of the world’s travelers. In regards to both Guided Walking Tours and Pub Crawls.

But who better to run Avignon Tours & Activities than someone who knows the very best of what the city and its culture have to offer! Think that might relate to you? Well get in contact with us and send us your Application Form ! We’re always looking for Franchising partners to help us make our dream a reality. Not only will you enjoy the liberty of working as your own boss , but you’ll also get to experience some of the unforgettable experiences for yourself! Along with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve been able to share your culture with more of the world.

For further enquires and information, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us via our email: [email protected]

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Rail route of the month: vines on the line from Avignon to Lyon, France

Our slow travel expert takes the train through the Rhône’s wine country, hoping for grand cru views and a glass of Condrieu

T rains and wine make natural partners, be it a glass of crisp white over a leisurely lunch in a restaurant car while cruising through the Alps or a rail itinerary that meanders through a region noted for its fine wines. Many of Europe’s most prized wine regions lend themselves naturally to exploration by rail.

Take the train from São Bento station in Porto to Pocinho, for example, for fine views of the estates that have underpinned the port trade. Other classic European wine regions where trains weave through vineyards include Tokay in Hungary, Germany’s Moselle valley, the Ebro valley in Spain (for fine Rioja) and Switzerland’s Lavaux region where one grand cru white, made from Chasselas grapes, even plays up the rail connection: the Massy family’s classy Dézaley is called Chemin de Fer .

North from Avignon to Valence

It is a tempting rail-wine connection that brings me to Avignon on a damp early spring day, to explore the Rhône valley. Few travellers are around. Avignon Centre railway station looks handsome with its yellow and white walls. This is the jumping-off point for the regular slow trains to Lyon (a journey of two and a half hours). This regional rail route once carried grand express trains, but no longer. The TGVs dash north to Paris on a high-speed line that tracks well east of the Rhône valley. Only regional trains stick to the old valley route, along the way taking in a roll call of grand appellations that line either side of the Rhône as one follows the railway upstream from Avignon. The railway passes Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, while later in the journey there are fine views across the river to Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Slipping out of Avignon Centre on the blue-and-white train bound for Lyon, there are views to the left of the city’s ancient walls, then we cross the Canal Crillon. We have barely left Avignon’s suburban sprawl when we pause at a station called Sorgues-Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Not a vine in sight, but a few moments later, the distinctive low hill which is home to Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s classiest vineyards is visible away to the west, while on the other side of the railway the rough Provençal countryside stretches east to the Vacqueyras wine district and, in the distance, the hill country around Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, the latter noted for its aromatic Muscat.

Our train loops slightly west to serve Orange, after which we have our first real encounter with the main channel of the River Rhône. It isn’t all pretty – we pass cement works, graveyards of abandoned cars and nuclear power plants.

Halfway through the journey, I stop for lunch in Valence where the elegant design of Valence Ville railway station recalls the architectural idiom of the Grand Trianon at Versailles. I know this route well, and in either direction a stop at Valence is mandatory. Coming from the north, it’s the first town that embodies the energetic vitality of the scented south of France, and heading north it’s a chance to bid the south adieu . And embrace the famous vineyards that lie ahead.

Beyond Valence, the valley sides close in and the countryside, now a little greener, hosts vineyards from which come powerful red wines made from the Syrah grape, and many opulent whites, the best of which reflect the finesse of three very contrasting grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. The latter brings the prospect of a heady perfume of orange blossom, apricots and almonds.

Northern Rhône vineyards

Leaving Valence, there’s a view over the Rhône to Cornas, renowned for its assertive, peppery reds. Then we cross the River Isère and soon we are cruising past a litany of celebrated vineyards. Signs mark the prized parcels of land owned by illustrious winemakers like Chave, Chapoutier and Jaboulet.

There’s a neck-craning view of a chapel high on a slope above the railway. Not any chapel but the one which dominates a parcel of land in Hermitage known as La Chapelle, associated with revered red wines that develop gently over decades in the bottle.

To the left, the slow-flowing waters of the Rhône and to the right the gentle slopes draped with vineyards of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. Across the river is Saint-Joseph. But the best is yet to come. For lovers of the Viognier grape, and I count myself among their number, the high point of this journey is Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet. The steep slopes of both appellations are visible on the other bank of the river as we approach the station at Saint-Clair-Les Roches where I stay overnight in the Hotel Bellevue (doubles from €115, room only).

It wins no prizes for architectural ambition, but among the hotel’s many redemptive qualities are a Rhône view as fine as its name implies, good food, and access via a bridge over the river to the Condrieu vineyards on the west bank.

“We call that Guigalville,” says the waiter at the hotel gesturing to the vineyards over the river and referring to the family who have done so much to promote the wines of Condrieu and neighbouring Côte-Rôtie. So the next day, I take a local bus to Ampuis to visit the Guigal estate and taste some local wines.

The Condrieu is a star, with its perfect balance of acidity and fruit. Then it’s back to Saint-Clair and the onward train north up the valley to Lyon. There’s a tantalising view across the river to the turreted Château d’Ampuis, home of the Guigal family. Our train pauses at Vienne, a riverside town famous for its Roman remains. Then we run non-stop to Lyon, a hop of 20 minutes, passing through Seyssuel where ambitious young winemakers are buying up land amid rumours that its wines could offer all the finesse of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Now the last of the vineyards are gone and we enter Lyon, passing factories and oil refineries, power stations and sewage works. I note that the train I am on continues beyond Lyon to Mâcon, giving the option of extending my wine tour north to include Beaujolais and the southernmost portion of the Mâconnais.

I am tempted, but Swiss whites beckon, so I alight at Lyon and make tracks for the Lavaux region on the north side of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) where I have an appointment with a glass of Luc Massy’s grand cru Dézaley Chemin de Fer.

Travel details

There are 11 direct regional trains each weekday from Avignon Centre to Lyon. The service is less frequent at weekends with nine direct trains on Saturdays and seven on Sundays. The one-way fare from Avignon Centre to Lyon Part Dieu via the Rhône valley is €40.70. Purchase at the station before departure or in advance via Rail Europe for £36 (tickets priced in sterling no longer carry a booking fee).

Nicky Gardner lives in Berlin. She is co-author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide (Hidden Europe, £18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy of the 17th edition from guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply.

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