Visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon: tickets, prices, timetables, access

Did you plan to stay in Avignon? Don't miss the Palace of the Popes! Here is our information on this site both fortress and palace!

On the Place du Palais d’Avignon, in Provence, is the largest of the Gothic constructions of the Middle Ages, now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Le Palais de Papes. Sustained on the Rocher des Doms , in the center of the city, it is a must to do when you are passing through this top tourist city.

Serving both fortress and residence for the popes, there are no less than six conclaves held at the Palais des Papes in the space of 9 years (1335-1394). With 600,000 visitors a year, it is now one of the most visited historic buildings in France, and where many cultural and artistic events are organized: exhibitions, concerts, thematic visits and even some performances during the Avignon Festival in the courtyard of honour of the Palais des Papes.

So if you ask that during your stay in Avignon, I can only advise you one thing: visit the Palace of the Popes to pierce all his mysteries.

The History of the Palace of the Popes

The history of the Palace of the Popes is already starting with the strategic choice of its location, because nothing has been left to chance! Compared to the Christian world of the time, Avignon had a much more central position than Rome , and was more conducive to business: its famous Avignon bridge allowed to connect the city to Spain, Provence and Italy. Then the idea of building it on the Rocher des Doms was also reflected because this geographical situation allowed the Palais des Papes to be visible from the city and the summit of the Alpilles , but also to overlook the Rhone and thus escape the floods.

It is under the influence of the King of France Philippe le Bel that the city becomes the residence of the popes in 1309, with the installation of Pope Clement V . The construction of the palace of the Popes then took place in less than 20 years (from 1335 to 1352). It is mainly the work of two builder popes: Benedict XII (which builds the first papal palace, says old palace), and Clément VI (which builds new extensions, says new Palace).

After 1417, once the papacy returned to Rome, the palace became the residence of the Legates, cardinals representatives of the pope until the French Revolution. Then the palace of the Popes is disaffected by its religious functions and becomes a military barracks. It was only in 1906 that the State recovered the palace of the Popes and began to renovate it. The magnitude of the work is so great that they will last 1 century...

What to see and do at the Palace of the Popes?

But what to see and do at the Popes' Palace? Know that the Palace of the Popes is the world’s largest Gothic palace with its 15,000 m2 of floor, the volume equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals! In addition to its size, many elements of its architecture deserve to be addressed. Visit the Palais des Papes will allow you to discover more than 20 places – including the private apartments of the pope and their incredible frescoes made by the artist Matteo Giovannetti - the steps and techniques of building the Palace of the Popes and finally to understand how the power of the papacy has been exercised over time.

Through the two buildings of the Palais des Papes, Le Palais Vieux and the Palais Neuf, you can discover:

• The Consistory: It was here that the Popes and cardinals met to discuss the various cases under way. She's adorned with frescoes Simone Martini, and houses the Chapel of Saint John
• The Chamber of the Camérier
• La salle du Trésor Bas : This is where the safe was located where only the Pope, the Treasurer and the Camérier could access it. In this room are caches arranged under the pavement. The gold and silver bags could then be protected
• The Court of the Cloister of Benoit XII
• La salle du Grand Tinel : It was in this large room that the feasts were organized
• La Chapelle Saint Martial
• The rooms : The Newfoundland Chamber of the Camérier, the House of Notaries, the House of Parliament, the Chamber of the Pope, the Chamber of the Deer... These last two rooms are decorated with splendid frescoes and a ceiling Eleven
• La Terrasse des Grand Dignitaires, where a magnificent view of the city, Villeneuve-les-Avignon and the region awaits you!
• La salle de la Grande Audiencewith 52 meters in length and 11 meters in height
• The Tour of the Pope
• The Cour d’Honneur : This is where the population gathered to receive the Pope’s blessing and the Avignon festival has been organized since 1947.
• The Great Chapel: It was here that the crowning and funeral of the popes was carried out among other things.

How to get to the Popes' Palace?

If you would like to visit the Palace of the Popes, know that it is at the following address: Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon.

You can go to the Palace of the Popes:

• By plane: You can fly to Avignon if you want to visit the Palais des Papes. Marseille-Provence Airport is 1 hour away, Nîmes Garon Airport is 35 minutes away, or land at Avignon Caumont Airport. If you choose this means of transport, you can rent a car to reach Avignon.
• By car: You can reach Avignon by car with the A7 motorway. With regard to parking, you can park in the parking lot of the Palais des Papes, just a few meters away.
• By train: You can take the train to visit Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes. The intra-muros and TGV station distance is 15 minutes and you can take the TGV shuttle to Avignon train station.
• By bus: You can take lines 5, Citizen (CZen) and Baladine to visit the Palace of the Popes

Visit the Palace of the Popes: Prices and Schedules

HORARI

The Palace of the Popes is open every day throughout the year.

• From 1 September to 1 November: 9h00 - 19h00
• From 2 November to 29 February: 9h30 - 17h45
• March: 9h00 – 6h30
• 1 April to 30 June: 9h00 - 19h00
• July: 9h00 – 20h00
• August: 9h00 – 20h30

RATES

(VISITE LIBRE + TABLETTE HISTOPAD INCLUSE)

• Full rate: 12€
• Reduced price: 10€
• Free for under 8 years

There is also a formula that allows you to visit the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon . You can also book your guided tour!

You can find more information about the rates, the application conditions for the reduced fare and the free one by clicking here .

BON TO KNOW: - The last admission to the boxes is 1 hour before the monument is closed. – September 21 and 22 : Heritage Days – free admission subject to availability.