The Palais des Papes in Avignon, Vaucluse, stands as the largest Gothic palace ever built and served as the seat of Western Christianity during one of the most turbulent periods of medieval history. Between 1309 and 1377, seven successive popes ruled from this fortress-palace rather than Rome, a period known as the Avignon Papacy. The transfer began when Pope Clement V, a Frenchman, chose to remain in France under pressure from King Philip IV; his successors transformed the site from a modest episcopal residence into an immense fortress of power. Construction unfolded in two main phases. Benedict XII erected the austere Old Palace between 1335 and 1342, a severe Cistercian-influenced structure of unadorned stone. His successor Clement VI commissioned the grander New Palace from 1342 to 1352, adding the elaborate Clementine Chapel and the opulent Grand Tinel banqueting hall, whose vaulted nave rivals those of the great French cathedrals. At its height the complex covered 15,000 square metres, housing administrative offices, chapels, gardens, and apartments for the papal court of hundreds. The interiors were once richly decorated with frescoes, many commissioned from painters trained in the school of Simone Martini. Today the Chambre du Cerf (Stag Room), Benedict XII's private study, retains its remarkable 14th-century hunting-scene frescoes, among the finest secular medieval paintings in France. The palace suffered severe damage during the French Revolution when it was used as a prison, then as a barracks until 1906. Systematic restoration began in the early 20th century and continues under French national monuments authority. Visitors move through 25 rooms along a self-guided route, aided by an immersive audio guide available in multiple languages. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1995 as part of the Historic Centre of Avignon. Evening events and summer festivals bring theatrical performances into the Great Courtyard, continuing the tradition of artistic patronage dating to the medieval papal court.
| Admission | €14 adult / approx USD 15; under 8 free; combined with Pont d'Avignon €15.50 / approx USD 17 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:00–19:00 (July–August until 20:00) |
| Address | Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France |
Why it matters
The Palais des Papes was the seat of the Catholic Church from 1309 to 1377, when seven popes governed Western Christendom from Avignon rather than Rome — a period that reshaped European religious politics and left the largest Gothic palace in the world as its legacy.
Location
Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
43.9507, 4.8064 View on map
Highlights
- Grand Tinel banqueting hall with soaring 14th-century Gothic barrel vault spanning 48 metres
- Chambre du Cerf's rare secular 14th-century hunting frescoes — among the finest medieval paintings in France
- Clementine Chapel nave rivalling the scale of great French cathedral architecture
- Panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the Rhône and Pont d'Avignon
- Great Audience Hall with twin-nave vault and original painted ceiling fragments
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online to skip the longest queues, especially in July and August
- The audio guide (multilingual, included or small extra charge) covers all 25 rooms and is well-produced
- Combine with Pont d'Avignon using the discounted combo ticket (€15.50)
- Arrive at opening (09:00) for best light in the Chambre du Cerf frescoes and smallest crowds
- The palace hosts the Festival d'Avignon in July — evening performances in the Great Courtyard are bookable separately
- Comfortable flat shoes are essential; floors are uneven medieval stone throughout
Frequently asked questions
Is the Palais des Papes accessible to visitors who need wheelchair assistance?
The palace has limited accessibility; some rooms are reachable by lift but many galleries involve steep medieval staircases and uneven flagstone floors. The tourist office at Place du Palais can advise on the most accessible route through the monument.
How long does a full visit take?
A thorough visit covering all 25 rooms takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Allowing extra time for the rooftop terrace and courtyard is advisable, particularly in summer when the terrace views are best.
Is the site family-friendly for young children?
Yes — children under 8 enter free, and the scale of the building impresses young visitors. The audio guide includes a children's version that makes the medieval history engaging for younger audiences.
Are guided tours in English available?
Guided group tours in English are offered at scheduled times during peak season. The audio guide covers the same content independently and is available in English at any time.