Palais des Papes, Avignon, France

The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) is a historical palace located in Avignon, in the south of France. It served as the residence of the popes during the 14th century, when the papacy temporarily moved from Rome to Avignon. The palace is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Today, the Palais des Papes is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its grand architecture, frescoes, and historical significance.

History

In the early 14th century, political instability in Italy led the papacy to relocate to Avignon. Pope Clement V was the first to settle in the town in 1309. Construction of the palace began under Pope Benedict XII in 1335 and continued under his successor Pope Clement VI, who added the New Palace between 1342 and 1352. Seven popes reigned from Avignon until 1377, followed by two rival popes of the Great Western Schism until 1403, making the city a major religious and political center of medieval Europe.

Later the palace served as a barracks and a prison, and its restoration began after the army left in 1906. Since 1947 its Court of Honour has been the main stage of the Festival d’Avignon, the famous summer theatre festival.

Architecture

The Palais des Papes is an impressive example of fortified Gothic architecture. The palace consists of two main sections:

• The Old Palace, built by Benedict XII, which has a more austere, fortress-like appearance
• The New Palace, built under Clement VI, which includes more ornate and ceremonial spaces

Key features include:

• Grand ceremonial halls used for receptions and councils
• Private papal rooms such as the Stag Room, painted with hunting and fishing scenes, and chapels with frescoes by the Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti
• The Great Chapel, a tall and elegant space used for significant religious ceremonies
• Towers, battlements, and thick stone walls that reflect both defensive needs and symbolic authority

The palace’s roof terraces and the nearby Rocher des Doms garden give expansive views of Avignon and the Rhône River.

Visiting the Palais des Papes

The palace is open every day of the year: from 9:00 to 19:00 between March and 1 November, and from 10:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 in winter, with last entry one hour before closing. Guests can explore grand halls, chapels, towers, and restored living quarters with the Histopad tablet guide, which is included in the ticket.

Admission:
A ticket for the palace costs €16 (reduced €13, ages 10–17 €10), and children under 10 enter free. A combined ticket with the Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) costs €19.50.

How to Get There

By train:
Avignon is well-connected by rail, including high-speed trains from Paris (about 2 hours 40 minutes), Lyon and Marseille. TGVs stop at Avignon TGV station, from where a shuttle train reaches Avignon Centre in about 5 minutes. The palace is located in the old town, about a 15-minute walk from Avignon Centre station.

By car:
Avignon is easily accessible by road. Large car parks lie outside the medieval city walls, including the free Île Piot car park with a free shuttle bus to the old town.

By bus:
Regional buses connect Avignon with surrounding towns and cities in Provence.