The Palais des Papes on Place du Palais is the largest Gothic palace in the world and the centrepiece of Avignon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It was built in the 14th century, when seven successive popes resided in Avignon rather than Rome, and it combines the austere Old Palace of Benedict XII with the more ornate New Palace of Clement VI. The honey-coloured limestone walls rise about 50 metres above the square and give the building the look of a fortress rather than a residence. Visitors follow a route through the Consistory Hall, the Grand Tinel banqueting hall, the Pope's Chamber with its floor-to-ceiling foliage frescoes, and the Chapelle Saint-Jean and Chapelle Saint-Martial, which hold frescoes attributed to Matteo Giovannetti. The Grand Court, used for concerts and the Festival d'Avignon each July, is the largest open space inside. Many rooms are sparsely furnished, so a handheld multimedia guide or the augmented-reality HistoPad tablet helps recreate the original interiors. The route ends on the Grand Tinel terrace and the rooftop walkway, which give wide views across the old town, the Rhône and the Rocher des Doms. A full visit usually takes two to three hours. The best vantage points for photographs are the open square in front of the main facade, the Rocher des Doms garden above it, and the narrow Rue Peyrollerie approach, where the walls fill the frame. Crowds peak between late morning and mid-afternoon, particularly in July during the festival and on cruise-ship days, while the first hour after opening and the last two hours before closing are noticeably quieter. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1995 as part of the Historic Centre of Avignon. Combined tickets cover the nearby Pont Saint-Bénézet, which makes a short walk afterwards.
| Admission | EUR 14.50 (~$17); combined Palais + Pont ticket about EUR 17 (~$20); under 8 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; 09:00-19:00 March-early November, 10:00-17:00 late Nov-Dec (last entry 1 hour before closing) |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or late afternoon, outside July festival peak |
| Getting there | Walk from anywhere in the walled centre; 10 min from Avignon-Centre station |
| Address | Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
Location
Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon
43.9508, 4.8075 View on map
Highlights
- Pope's Chamber with its 14th-century foliage and hunting frescoes
- Grand Court, the venue for Festival d'Avignon performances
- Chapelle Saint-Jean frescoes attributed to Matteo Giovannetti
- Rooftop terrace with views over Avignon and the Rhône
- HistoPad augmented-reality tablet recreating the original interiors
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online in advance to skip the main ticket queue, especially in July and August.
- A combined Palais + Pont ticket costs about EUR 17 and is cheaper than buying both separately.
- Arrive at opening or after 16:00 to avoid the busiest tour-group hours.
- Rent the HistoPad or audio guide, as many rooms are largely empty of furniture.
- Last entry is one hour before closing, so allow at least two hours.
- Bring a light layer, as the stone halls stay cool even in summer.
When to visit
Visit at opening time or in the last two hours before closing, ideally outside the July festival peak. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and thinner crowds.
Accessibility
A lift and adapted route give wheelchair users access to much of the visit, though some upper levels and the rooftop may be limited. Visitors with reduced mobility can ask at the ticket desk about the adapted itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Palais des Papes take?
Most visitors need two to three hours to complete the route, including the rooftop terrace. A quicker visit without the multimedia guide can take around 90 minutes.
Is the Palais des Papes worth it for kids?
Yes, the HistoPad tablets and the scale of the fortress engage many children, and under-8s enter free. Some rooms are empty and long, so younger children may tire after about an hour.
Is photography allowed inside the palace?
Photography without flash is generally permitted for personal use in most rooms. Tripods and professional equipment usually require authorisation.
Is it a palace or a fortress?
It is both in appearance, as the thick walls and towers were designed for defence as well as papal residence. It served as the papal seat from 1309 to 1377.