Things to do in Palais des Papes
Perched atop the Rocher des Doms overlooking the city of Avignon and the Rhône river, the Palais des Papes (or Popes' Palace) is surrounded by the Ramparts, the Petit Palais, the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral and the famous Saint-Bénézet bridge, best known as the Pont d’Avignon.
A major landmark of the 14th century western Christian history, its construction started in 1335 and took less than 20 years to complete, under leadership of two builder popes, Benedict the 12th and his successor Clement the 6th. Flanked by its four stout towers, the palace boasts 15,000 square meters of floor space – that’s four Gothic cathedrals! – making it the biggest Gothic palace in Europe.
Explore the palace’s 20 rooms rich with history such as the papal private chambers and the frescoes by trecento pre-renaissance era Italian painter Matteo Giovanetti.
The Palais des Papes also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. In July, the Honor Courtyard of the Palace hosts performances of the iconic Avignon Theater Festival created by Jean Vilar in 1947.
Having welcomed over 600,000 visitors, it is one of the most visited monuments in France - with good reason, as the entire architectural group making up the historical center of Avignon is ranked on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Our recommendations in Palais des Papes
Self guided tour with interactive city game of Avignon
Discover Avignon as you play an interactive city game on this self-guided tour that leads you to hidden spots around the city. You decide when to start, stop or pause.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 nl
Walking Tour of Avignon and Popes' Palace
Enjoy a walking tour of Avignon and visit the Popes Palace with a professional guide, discover the rich historical past of the city.
en
Provence discovery day tour from Aix en Provence
Book your full day tour in the South of France and admire Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
en, fr
Tour of Avignon, St Remy, les Baux et Pont du Gard from Avignon
Visit Avignon, Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy and discover the history of Provence. See the Roman Aqueduct Pont du Gard and enter the Pope's Palace.
en
Walking Tour of Avignon and Popes' Palace
Enjoy a walking tour of Avignon and visit the Popes Palace with a professional guide, discover the rich historical past of the city.
en
Self guided tour with interactive city game of Avignon
Discover Avignon as you play an interactive city game on this self-guided tour that leads you to hidden spots around the city. You decide when to start, stop or pause.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 nl
Provence discovery day tour from Aix en Provence
Book your full day tour in the South of France and admire Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
en, fr
Tour of Avignon, St Remy, les Baux et Pont du Gard from Avignon
Visit Avignon, Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy and discover the history of Provence. See the Roman Aqueduct Pont du Gard and enter the Pope's Palace.
en
How to get there
Palais des Papes
Avignon
France
Reviews Palais des Papes
“Clair, simple, efficace, fluide.”
“Bien présenté et facile”
“La visita al castello dei Papi è stata molto interessante ed istruttiva.Il biglietto comprendeva anche i giardini ed il ponte.Onestamente i giardini dovrebbero essere parte integrante della visita al castello non ho trovato che fossero un plus.Interessante invece la visita al ponte ed i video.”