Palais des Papes
A monumental Gothic palace, once home to seven popes, offering a deep dive into medieval history and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Palais des Papes
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Gothic palace, once home to seven popes, offering a deep dive into medieval history and stunning city views.
"The interactive tablet guide truly brings history to life, making this a must-see in Avignon!"
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself 1-2 hours to explore the Palais des Papes thoroughly. Don't rush this incredible historical site!
🎧 Tablet Guide is Worth It
The interactive tablet guide enhances the visit, showing rooms as they once were. Great for all ages!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall of the Great Audience
Palais des Papes
Imagine medieval banquets and papal pronouncements in this immense, awe-inspiring hall.
Papal Apartments Frescoes
Palais des Papes
Marvel at the vibrant, well-preserved frescoes that once adorned the private chambers of the popes.
Panoramic Views from the Ramparts
Palais des Papes
Ascend to the ramparts for breathtaking panoramic views of Avignon and the Rhône River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
France trip Avignon attractions?
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself 1-2 hours to explore the Palais des Papes thoroughly. Don't rush this incredible historical site!
🎧 Tablet Guide is Worth It
The interactive tablet guide enhances the visit, showing rooms as they once were. Great for all ages!
I’m staying in Avignon for the summer. I’m from Florida, any tips?
Visiting around Avignon?
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs inside the palace. Prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm and muggy inside, especially during summer. Bring water!
First time traveller to Europe, looking for advice on where to visit in the south of France
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself 1-2 hours to explore the Palais des Papes thoroughly. Don't rush this incredible historical site!
🎧 Tablet Guide is Worth It
The interactive tablet guide enhances the visit, showing rooms as they once were. Great for all ages!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs inside the palace. Prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm and muggy inside, especially during summer. Bring water!
🖼️ Check for Art Exhibitions
The Palais often hosts modern art installations, adding a unique layer to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Palais des Papes for its immense historical significance and the engaging interactive tablet guide, which brings the past to life. The stunning views from the ramparts are a major highlight. However, some find certain interior sections less restored than expected, and the sheer size means comfortable shoes are essential.
"This was an amazing self- guided tour using a tablet. Very interesting history. Beautiful views from the top. Lots of stairs, so be prepared for that. It was warm and muggy inside. Some of the inside has not been restored. Which made it that much more interesting. Give yourself 1-2hours."
Laura Steele
"A must-see place if you’r around Avignon. Took us about 1.5h to visit everything inside. With every entrance ticket you’r allowed to take a free pad with interactive activities around the castle (you can see how different rooms looked a long time ago, very interesting for kids)."
Aurora
"Worth a visit and suitable for all the family. Worth using the tablet based guide which allows you to 'see' each room as it would have been when in use and to 'click' on objects on the scene for additional information. The garden is small but a nice break from the crowds inside the Palais. You cant access the lower garden (it has public access to the left when you exit the palais). There was a modern art installation when we visited (shown in the pictures)."
Fauzia Knight
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palais des Papes is centrally located in Avignon and easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from the Avignon TGV station or a short bus ride from the Avignon Centre station. Parking is available nearby, but can be expensive and busy.
Yes, there are several parking garages near the Palais des Papes, such as Parking des Halles and Parking Palais des Papes. Be aware that these can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
The walk from Avignon TGV station to the Palais des Papes is about 20-30 minutes. It's a straightforward route, but if you prefer, you can take a local bus or a taxi.
If you're staying within Avignon, walking is often the easiest and most scenic way to reach the Palais des Papes. The historic center is quite compact.
While there aren't specific guided tours just for reaching the Palais, many local tour operators offer walking tours of Avignon that include the palace. You can also opt for the self-guided tablet tour once inside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, an adult ticket for the Palais des Papes is around €11-€12. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially avoid long queues, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours vary seasonally, typically from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and shorter hours in winter. Always check the official Palais des Papes website for the exact times during your visit.
Absolutely! The interactive tablet guide is particularly engaging for children, allowing them to visualize the palace's past. It's a great family-friendly attraction.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help manage crowd flow and ensure entry, especially during peak season. It's a good practice to check when booking your tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Palais des Papes. This allows time to use the tablet guide and enjoy the views from the ramparts.
The tablet guide is a fantastic tool that uses augmented reality to show you how rooms looked in their prime, offers historical context, and includes interactive elements, making the visit more engaging.
While the primary way to explore is with the self-guided tablet, there might be occasional guided tours offered. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for availability.
You'll see magnificent halls like the Grand Hall of the Great Audience, papal apartments with frescoes, chapels, kitchens, and ramparts offering stunning views. Some areas are unrestored, adding to the historical feel.
The Palais des Papes has many stairs and uneven surfaces, which can make it challenging for those with mobility issues. Some areas may be inaccessible. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Palais des Papes for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the frescoes.
The ramparts offer incredible panoramic shots of Avignon. The courtyards and grand halls also provide dramatic backdrops. Don't miss capturing the exterior architecture from different angles.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical monuments like the Palais des Papes due to safety and preservation concerns. Always check local regulations.
A versatile camera that handles low light well is ideal for the interiors. For exterior shots and panoramic views, a wide-angle lens can be very useful.
Yes, the Pont d'Avignon offers a classic viewpoint for photographing the Palais des Papes, especially during sunset or sunrise. The riverbanks also provide excellent perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to use the tablet to 'explore' the rooms and discover hidden details. The vast halls can also be fun for imaginative play. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of walking and stairs involved. Staying hydrated is also key, especially during warmer months.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for any combination tickets or passes that might include other Avignon attractions if you plan to visit multiple sites. Walking is the best way to get around Avignon and to the Palais, saving on transportation costs. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated tourist prices within the palace.
🏛️ History Buffs
Utilize the tablet guide to its fullest, as it provides in-depth historical context and details about the popes who resided here. Consider researching the Avignon Papacy beforehand to enrich your understanding of the site's importance in European history. The unrestored sections offer a raw glimpse into its past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Papal History
Constructed in stages, the palace is essentially two palaces joined together: the older Palais Vieux built by Pope Benedict XII and the larger, more ornate Palais Neuf built by Pope Clement VI. It was designed not only as a residence but also as a fortress, reflecting the turbulent political climate of the era. Inside, you'll find grand halls, private apartments, chapels, and extensive fortifications. The sheer scale and architectural ambition of the Palais des Papes are breathtaking, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal period in European history.
While some interiors are stark, the remaining frescoes and the sheer grandeur of the architecture speak volumes about its past. The tablet guide is crucial for visualizing the original splendor and understanding the historical context of each space. Visiting the Palais des Papes is like stepping back in time, offering a unique perspective on the power dynamics and cultural shifts of the medieval period.
Exploring the Palais with the Interactive Tablet
Beyond the visual reconstructions, the tablet provides detailed information about the art, architecture, and historical events associated with each part of the palace. You can 'click' on objects within the virtual scenes to learn more, making it a truly immersive and educational experience. Many visitors rave about how this tool significantly enhances their understanding and appreciation of the site.
It's highly recommended to dedicate time to using the tablet guide effectively. It transforms a potentially dry historical visit into an engaging journey through the papal past. The tablet is usually included with your entrance ticket, making it an excellent value addition to your Palais des Papes visit.
Views and Art Installations
In addition to the historical architecture and stunning vistas, the Palais des Papes frequently hosts contemporary art exhibitions. These installations often interact with the historic setting, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. Seeing modern art within the ancient walls adds an unexpected and often thought-provoking dimension to the visit, making each trip potentially unique.
These art exhibitions are a great reason for locals to revisit the Palais, and they offer visitors a chance to experience the site in a dynamic, evolving way. Always check the Palais des Papes' official website before your visit to see what exhibitions or cultural events are scheduled during your stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit