See Avignon with an Actor Guide. Pope Joan: Fact or Fantasy?
Highlights
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Listen as your guide tells you of the best –or worst – kept secret of the medieval Church
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Judge on its merits the case for or against the reality of the legends of a female pope
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Admire the beauty of the Papal Palace, its understated opulence and grandeur
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Thrill to inner workings of the papal court in the time of its greatest crisis: the Schism
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Enjoy the Jardin des Doms, the Pont d’Avignon of the song, et la Grande Chartreuse
Summary
Learn all about the legends of Popess Joan - could she have really existed? Hear the evidence for a female pope and judge for yourself within the very walls of Avignon’s papal palace.
Tour info
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Adult:
(18-99 years)
€69.90
Child:
(4-10 years)
€34.90
Youth:
(11-17 years)
€49.90
Infant:
(0-3 years)
€0.00
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
Admire the flawless profiles and gothic details of Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, all blond stone and arches, as you listen to the names of these heirs to Saint Peter: Urban and Clement and Innocent and….Joan? Surely the guide meant to say “John!” How in heaven’s name could there ever be a female pope? How would society at the time have allowed a woman that kind of intellectual training or theological expertise? How could she have managed to infiltrate the man’s world of bishops and cardinals to be elected to the papal throne?
Yet the legend has come down through the centuries that there was a Joan who braved scandal and fooled everyone to become the greatest pontiff of all Christendom. A feminist fantasy? Or a scuttled truth? You decide, as your guide presents you with the evidence, the for and the against, by turns playing the devil’s advocate or again Joan the Popess’s confidant. You will be judge and jury to the truth of these long-lived tales: did Pope Joan exist or not?
All this in charming Avignon, where the whole medieval papal court fled the anti-popes and violence of Rome for the more peaceful beauty of Provence. The Princes of the Church chose well and with taste, you’ll observe, privy to the breathtaking Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO world heritage monument. Learn about the daily lives of the highest ranking members of the clergy, their untold power and influence, thus luxury and splendor. You will hear too about the flipside of existence as Vatican refugees, their fears and failures during their years of French exile, far from their Roman homeland.
The tour will conclude as your guide gathers you in the Grand Tribunal, with your pronouncement on whether Joan lived and reigned,crowned with the papal tiara or whether it is a mass of medieval tall tales to titillate the masses. What will you say of her once you return home?
What’s included?
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Fully guided walking tour with a professional actor-guide -
Limited groups of 15 people or fewer -
Hotel pick up/drop off
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Gratuities
Things to know
Before you book
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Duration: 1h 30m
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Instant confirmation
Before you go
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Mobile tickets accepted
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Not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Redemption information
Please note this tour requires a reasonable amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
About operator:
Memories France is a small, experienced team, working together to offer our guests unforgettable experiences in and around Paris. Living and working in Paris, we are a truly local company! We work with the very best guides, professionals who are fully accredited, fluent in English and passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of their city. We source first-rate local partners, uncover hidden treasures and put together unique tours that allow our guests to experience world famous sites in the most relaxed and memorable way possible, and to discover the authentic, local aspects of our beautiful city. We are committed to quality, to ensuring that each experience is special, and to sharing the very best that our city has to offer, so that our heritage becomes your memories.
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