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Palace · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Palais des Papes
The popes' residence in Avignon in the 14th century, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe, with ceremonial halls, chapels with frescoes and the Jardins pontificaux. It is the core of the historic ensemble listed by UNESCO.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palais des Papes
The Palais des Papes was the seat of the Catholic Church in the West for much of the 14th century, when the popes swapped Rome for Avignon. Six conclaves took place there, from Benedict XII in 1335 to Benedict XIII in 1394. The palace is both fortress and residence, and is considered the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages.
The complex combines two buildings. The Palais Vieux, built by Benedict XII, is a fortress resting on the Rocher des Doms. The Palais Neuf, by Clement VI, is more sumptuous, with the Grande Chapelle and a facade facing the square. Around the Cour d'honneur, the main courtyard, are the reception rooms, the papal apartments and the chapels.
Little of the original furniture survives, but there are frescoes by painters of the Sienese school, such as Matteo Giovanetti, in the Chapelle Saint-Martial and in the Quarto do Cervo, with hunting and fishing scenes. A tablet or visit app shows how the rooms would have looked decorated in the 14th century.
The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, together with the historic centre and the Pont Saint-Bénézet. In July, the Cour d'honneur becomes the main stage of the Festival d'Avignon. The ticket includes the Jardins pontificaux, which open onto the city.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours for the route including the gardens. With the Pont Saint-Bénézet on the same ticket, half a day.
Best time
Right at opening or late afternoon, when there are fewer groups. July is the busiest month because of the Festival d'Avignon, and access to some rooms may be altered. In summer the stone rooms are cooler than the street. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
From Gare d'Avignon-Centre, walk along rue de la République to place de l'Horloge and then up to place du Palais: about 15 minutes. If you come by car, park outside or on the edge of the ramparts.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket with the Pont Saint-Bénézet or the Avignon City Pass if you plan to visit other monuments. Use headphones for the route's videos and audio. The place du Palais, opposite, has the best view of the facade and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palais des Papes
Why did the popes live in Avignon?
At the start of the 14th century, because of political disputes in Rome, Pope Clement V settled in the region, and his successors built the palace. Seven popes reigned in Avignon until 1377, when Gregory XI returned to Rome. After that, rival popes remained in Avignon during the Great Schism.
Does the ticket include the Avignon bridge?
There is an entry just for the palace and the Papal Gardens and another combined with the Saint-Bénézet bridge. The Avignon City Pass includes both and other monuments. Check the options before buying.
How long does the visit take?
Between 1h30 and 2 hours, covering about 25 rooms and the gardens. If you’re into history, allow extra time for the chapels with frescoes.
Is the palace accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Part of the route includes stairs, since it’s a medieval building. There are adaptations in some sections. Confirm conditions with the palace itself before you go.