Hello,

I am going to Avignon next week and I intend to explore the area with the coach excursions offered by Lieutaud Autocars. Their programs seem interesting but I would feel better if I got some first-hand information (are entrances to monuments included, how is the tour organised etc.). Their webpage is very appealing but you never know.

Thanks in advance.

Hi birdie,
Sorry but I know nothing about Liedtaud but am interested in them as well--more in private driver than bus. Thanks for your post as I will check them out. If you contact them directly, they most probably will answer all your questions.
Happy travels. Oh yes, if you use them, post here to let us know what you thought. Are they like Paris Vision?

I too am going to be there shortly and have the same questions!
The schedule is somewhat limited.
http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/provence-tourism.htm
lists several companies offering minibus/custom tours that look good if your can afford them...same price regardless of # of people so its great if you can get a group together. I also am interested in the bateau trip to Arles. Advice?

It was several years ago. I don't drive and was staying in Villeneuve-lez'-Avignon, and most days I used the
Lieutaud. Thy were outside the main train station which I alwaays used to visit places. The Lieutaud autocar would take you to , an example, St Remy. Les Baux Fontveille(that was on a thursday) Each day was a visit to three places. You were dropped off for an hour to lunch somewhere. I don't know if it has changed but I enjoyed my trip and fun meeting alot of French people who were visiting someone who took them on these excursions.

I was afraid you would only get a very quick taste of each place and it would be frustrating. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
I am also staying in V-A-L, at the Best Western. How long does it take to walk from the BW to the bus depot in the town?
Do you have any restaurant recs? Thanks.

the bus depot and train station are outside the wall by the Hotel Europe.
I don't know the Best Western.

Its La Magnaneraie, I can never spell it so I just referred to it as the best western.

Oh ok, you can take the bus by the stop at the water fountain that goes into Avignon or the water taxi that departs by the tower up th road from the bus stop at the fountain. And many times I walked across the bridge passing the boule court. The boat stops at 7:00 pm and I think 11m for the bus, so often walked home across the bridge if it was later.

P.S. I was staying at the Le Prieuré but walked up to your hotel for dinner one night. Very nice!

Thanks but I dont think the boat will be running in late Sept. How far/difficult is the walk from the hotel to the fountain? Restaurants? Thanks.

For me , I'm a brisk walker, I made it in ten minutes.

In the Spring of 1986, during my first trip to Avignon, I too stayed in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. I stayed at the Atelier. During that trip and on subsequent stays, I ate at both La Magnaneraie and Le Prieure not only excellent food, but beautiful grounds.

Anyway, on that first trip, I found myself unexpectedly alone - (DTC) dreadful traveling companion and I decided to go our separate ways YEAH....

I took three of those mini bus tours during that time. They were very inexpensive and covered a lot of the areas that I would not have otherwise been able to see on my own without a car.

I don't remember the company's name, but I bought my tickets from a little building in front of the train station.

As cigalechanta said, they covered three places each day. The van would stop, the non-English speak hostess would set a clock at the front of the van which told us what time we had to be back. If one does their homework and knows about the places they are being taken to, it is/was a really nice way to spend the day. We stayed longer at some places and of course we got a decent lunch break and time for tea/coffee in the late afternoon. There were maybe 9 or 10 seats in the mini van and I met some lovely people, mostly European and Australian. I hooked up for a lovely dinner one night with the Austrialian couple and one night with an adorable French couple.

I know my spelling will not be correct, but it is late and I am too lazy to look them up. I'm having a senior moment so the only places I remember off the top of my head are - the Camargue, Aigues Mortes, Vaison La Romaine, a seminary, a monestary and a chateau.

I am so glad to hear that those excursions are still available. On subsequent trips with DH, we have had a car.

Mimi, I took enjoyed the walk from Villeneuve and the walk back to my hotel - uphill to my hotel. I don't think I could do that now I also took a bus in both directions and at night a taxi. I too enjoyed watching the men play boule, and have some great pictures.

Bridie and Hellokittie, enjoy your stays in one loveliest parts of France. I wish I was there now.

Nina

Nina, you were on the Lieutaud. I was travelling solo too and had fun with many of the passengers.

bookmark

I just visited the Lieutaud and they say the coach excursions have been cancelled for this year. No explanation given. Does anyone know what's happened?

so hear that. I emailed them tryo\ing to find out why. That was one of my favorite trips because of the Lieutard and people on the car.