The Papal Palace in Avignon – the former residence of popes and anti-popes. Built in the 14th century during the Avignon captivity, when in the years 1309–1377 Avignon temporarily served as the Holy See. Together with the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which adjoins the residence from the west, it creates a monumental architectural complex, complemented by the partially preserved Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge on the Rhône River. All these sites have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As a result of turbulent history: valuable artifacts gradually disappeared from the Palace. However, it was only during the French Revolution that the Palace was almost completely robbed of its treasures and the remaining ones were later sold off. Today, the palace is empty inside, the walls are decorated only with portraits of French popes and tapestries. Some rooms still have original tiles, frescoes and statues.
What’s inside The Palace?
Currently, over 25 rooms are open to the public: the Great Audience Hall and Consistory, where the hearings took place; ceremonial halls of extraordinary size, such as the Great Clementine Chapel, where official ceremonies and services were held, and the Grand Tinel banquet hall; private apartments where the Pope lived, including the Papal Hall and the Knights’ Hall, decorated with frescoes on naturalistic, secular themes, just like at that time; chapels of St. Martial and Saint John, painted with priceless frescoes by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti; rooftop terraces offering stunning views of the Palace, the city of Avignon and the Rhône.
How long does a tour of The Palace take?
A tour of the Palace takes about 1,5- 2 hours and the Papal Gardens 30 minutes. During the season, the Palais des Papes is very crowded. By booking tickets in advance, you will shorten the waiting time for arrival.
Normal Tickets:
Palais des Papes – €12
Papal Gardens – €5
Palace of the Popes + Pontifical Gardens – €14,50
Palace of the Popes + Pont d’Avignon – €14,50
Palace of the Popes + Pontifical Gardens + Pont d’Avignon – €17
Discounted Tickets:
Reduced price Palace – €10
Child rate (8-17 years old) Palace – €6,50
Palace of the Popes + Pontifical Gardens – €11,50
Palace of the Popes + Pont d’Avignon – €11,50
When purchasing a ticket, everyone receives a tablet with a touch screen that allows you to see what the main rooms of the palace might have looked like in the 14th century.
Children up to 8 years old enter for free (they cannot use a tablet).
No sightseeing for disabled people due to the large number of stairs.
What’s nearby?
In the west, on the other side of the Rhône (this is Occitania), there is the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the city of Nimes. It is also worth visiting the castle of Tarascon, which stands halfway between Avignon and Arles.
Hotels with the best ratings in Avignon:
La Mirande – 0.2 km from City center. Address: 4 Pl. de l’Amirande, 84000 Avignon, France.
Hotel de l’Horloge – 0.3 km from: City center. Address: Place de L’Horloge, 1 Rue Félicien David, 84000 Avignon, France.
Saint Louis Cloister – 0.5 km from: City center. Address: 20 Rue du Portail Boquier, 84000 Avignon, France.
Avignon is a beautiful city in the south of France: It is worth starting your tour of Avignon from the Papal Palace. Then you can admire the Avignon Park and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This city is an example of a city combining rich history, tradition and modernity.
