Palais des Papes in Avignon: 7 Popes of the 14th Century

The Palais des Papes in Avignon is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and one of the most visited sites in France. Built in the 14th century to house 7 popes, it now contains 25 rooms open to the public, from chapels to private apartments. To plan your visit without straining your holiday budget, camping remains the most accessible accommodation option around Avignon. Our cheap campsite comparison tool offers a selection near the site.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Palais des Papes!

The essentials at a glance

• The Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic palace in Europe, covering 15,000 m².
• Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the monument can be visited all year round.
• 7 popes succeeded one another between 1309 and 1377 in this palace, which became the seat of Christendom.
• The visit lasts around 1.5 hours and covers 25 rooms, from chapels to private apartments.
• Avignon is easily reached by TGV from Paris in 2h40 or from Marseille in 35 minutes.

History of the Palais des Papes: 68 years of Gothic papacy

The Palais des Papes tells the story of 68 years of papacy based in Avignon, between 1309 and 1377. Clement V, the first French pope, chose the city to escape the political turmoil in Rome. 7 popes succeeded him during this extraordinary period, nicknamed the “Babylonian Captivity” by Petrarch. Benedict XII and then Clement VI launched the great building projects: the austere Palais Vieux gave way to the more ornate Palais Neuf. Gregory XI finally brought the papacy back to Rome in 1377, marking the end of Avignon’s golden age.

The site joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995, alongside the Pont Saint-Bénézet and the historic centre of Avignon.

What is there to see at the Palais des Papes?

At the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the visit covers 25 rooms across 4 levels and lasts about 1.5 hours. The highlights fall into 3 groups: the popes’ private apartments, the 2 chapels decorated by Matteo Giovannetti, and the state rooms where the great ceremonies were held.

The popes’ private apartments

In the Tower of the Angels, the Pope’s Chamber and the Stag Room preserve frescoes of exceptional quality. The Stag Room owes its name to its secular paintings of hunting scenes, rare for the medieval period.

The chapels and the Grand Audience Hall

The Grande Chapelle and the Saint-Jean chapel reveal frescoes signed by Matteo Giovannetti, the painter commissioned by Clement VI. The Grand Audience Hall impresses with its vault decorated with prophets, another masterpiece by the Italian master.

The great banqueting hall and the panoramic terrace

The great banqueting hall served as the feasting room for papal festivities, stretching 48 metres long. At the top of the palace, the panoramic terrace offers a unique view over the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Rhône and the Avignon valley.

Practical information

To plan your visit to the Palais des Papes in Avignon, here’s the essential information to know before you go:

• The palace welcomes visitors all year round, from 9am to 8pm in July-August and from 9am to 6.30pm the rest of the time.
• Located at Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, the entrance is in the town’s medieval centre.
• As for prices, budget from €12 for an adult and from €5 for 8 to 17 year olds, free for under-8s.
• On site, a bookshop, an augmented-reality HistoPad audio guide and a public car park nearby round out the services.

Good to know: the Palais des Papes ticket gives free access to the temporary exhibitions held in the Grande Chapelle and the Salle de Jésus. These themed exhibitions change 2 to 3 times a year and add to the visit at no extra cost. Prioritise an early morning visit (before 11am) or late in the day (after 4pm) to avoid school and tour groups.

Visiting the Palais des Papes on a budget

To visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon without blowing your holiday budget, several simple tricks help cut the bill. A cheap campsite in Avignon remains the most affordable accommodation, with sites in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Sorgues or Vedène, reachable in 15 minutes from the medieval centre.

Here are the good habits to adopt to optimise your budget:

• The combined Palais des Papes plus Pont Saint-Bénézet ticket works out cheaper than the two entries bought separately.
• In low season (November to February), visitor numbers drop and accommodation offers up to 40% off.
• Free entry applies to under-8s, and a reduced rate applies to large families on presentation of proof.
• A HistoPad audio guide included in the ticket saves you from a paid guided tour.

Planning a cultural getaway in Provence and looking for accommodation near the Palais des Papes without exceeding your budget? Book your affordable campsite in the Vaucluse now and enjoy a relaxed visit to the largest Gothic palace in Europe.

FAQ — Palais des Papes Avignon