View of Avignon from the Gard - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs

Avignon, city of the popes

From its flamboyant past as the capital of Christendom, Avignon has preserved an exceptional heritage, much of which is listed as World Heritage by Unesco. By choosing to settle in this strategic location, at the crossroads of political interests in the 14th century, Popes Clement V, John XXII, and above all Benedict XII and Clement VI (there were 9 in all between 1305 and 1429), contributed to the history and legend of what is now known as… the City of the Popes.

Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs

The Palais des Papes, an atypical building

The monumental residence of the pontiffs, a symbol of the Church’s influence in the Christian West in the 14th century, is the largest Gothic palace in the world!

Drone view of the Pont d'Avignon (or Pont Saint-Bénezet) and the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Julien Audigier

Pont d’Avignon

The Pont Saint-Bénezet, better known as the “Pont d’Avignon”, is a true feat of engineering! Built from the 12th century onwards, it once linked the two banks...

The Palais des Papes and Pont Saint Bénezet (or Pont d'Avignon) from Barthelasse island - Photo credit: 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...

Discover also

Other facets of Avignon

The Festival In d'Avignon invites itself into the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes - Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud / Festival d'Avignon

Avignon, land of festival(s)

Pont d'Avignon from the Pont Daladier. Credit: Frédéric Dahm / Empreintes d'Ailleurs

no image

..

Close