The Palais des Papes and Pont Saint Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Kos-CreaThe Popes' Palace and Pont Saint Bénezet from La Barthelasse
©The Palais des Papes and Pont Saint Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: Kos-Crea|Kos-Crea

UNESCO heritage treasures

From its flamboyant past as the capital of Christianity, Avignon has preserved an exceptional heritage, much of which is listed by Unesco. Browse the pages of this incredible history book.

Palace of the Popes

Do you really know the Palais des Papes in Avignon? Did you know, for example, that it is the largest Gothic palace? That it was built in just 70 years by successive Popes, and that it boasts 25 visitor attractions? That it was once a military barracks, a theatrical stage and a cultural showcase for prestigious exhibitions?
From the ceremonial rooms, cloisters and private apartments of the Pope to the priceless frescoes, the Palais des Papes can be discovered in an unusual way with the Histopad. Use this tablet to step back in time and experience the Palais as it was in the days of the pontiffs. Augmented reality transports you to the heart of the history of Avignon and the world.

Pont d'Avignon

The Pont Saint Bénezet, better known as the “Pont d’Avignon”, is a true feat of engineering! Built in the 12th century, it once linked the two banks of the Rhône. The bearer of legends and an emblematic monument of the region, today it retains just 4 of the original 22 arches.
This architectural oddity, which has given rise to many questions and interpretations, each more fanciful than the last, has heightened the aura of this bridge, famous the world over thanks to the song “sur le pont d’Avignon” (on the bridge of Avignon). Although listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, it’s not forbidden to dance on it! Open to visitors 7 days a week.

The Petit Palais museum

At the end of the Place du Palais des Papes, take the time to push open the door of the Musée du Petit Palais, one of Europe’s great museums of medieval art. For its intrinsic beauty, first of all? Firstly, for its intrinsic beauty: firstly, as the former livery of Cardinal Arnaud de Via (d. 1335), nephew of Pope John XXII, then as the palace of the Archbishop of Avignon, the building was rebuilt in the late 15th century by Archbishop Julien de la Rovère, the future Pope Julius II.
Then for its rich pictorial collection. A unique collection of paintings from the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance (over three hundred Italian primitives), including the Campana collection, a major collection from the Musée Calvet (Ecole d’Avignon from the 13th to the 16th c.) and medieval sculptures from the 12th to the 16th c. from Avignon and the surrounding area make this Musée de France and UNESCO World Heritage site a must-see in the city.

.

The ramparts

Intra-muros is how Avignonnais refer to life inside the city walls. At 4.3 km long, these walls were designed to repel attackers, but they also protected (and continue to protect) residents from the flooding of the Rhône. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ramparts encircle the old town, giving it a privileged, timeless atmosphere.
Commenced in 1355 under the pontificate of Innocent VI, and completed in 1370 under Urban V, the ramparts can be explored from the Pont d’Avignon entrance up to the Rocher des Doms garden, where you can discover the Rhône and a magical view of the city of the Popes.

.

Notre-Dame-des-Doms Basilica

It almost overshadows the Palais des Papes, the Basilica of Notre Dame des Doms. With its majestic golden-lead Virgin touching the sky, dominating the Rhône valley from the Rocher des Doms, the religious edifice, built in the 12th century and then remodeled in the 15th and 17th centuries, deserves a detailed visit.
After a series of renovation works, the metropolitan basilica offers visitors and faithful a new face.

Provence's 7 UNESCO sites

Yesterday and today are one and the same in Provence: discover with us this rich and unique cultural and architectural heritage, through 7 Unesco World Heritage sites.

SITES UNESCO DE PROVENCE
SITES UNESCO DE PROVENCE
SITES UNESCO DE PROVENCE

Book online

Avignon CitypassBenefit from the destination at the price
Earn more than 50€ on the tourist attractions of the City of Papes, direct access to museums and monuments of Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, discounts on your visiting guides and certain places. Activities, as well as your favorite station 24 or 48 hours!
Close