Popes'Palace

The Palais des Papes is one of the 10 most-visited monuments in France. The residence of the popes in the 14th century, construction began in 1335 and was completed in less than twenty years; it is primarily the work of two popes known for their architectural commissions, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. It features 25 areas open to visitors: state rooms, chapels, a cloister, and the pope’s private apartments, adorned with priceless frescoes by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. The monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2026–2027: The Palace of the Popes is undergoing a transformation! On May 1, 2026, a new chapter begins for the monument, with the introduction of new interpretive narratives and the opening of rooms never before shown to the public! This tour, which will eventually be organized around three themes, will be accompanied by numerous educational resources: interactive models, documentary films, explanatory panels, new signage… An enhanced visitor experience, designed to help you fully understand both the everyday and grand history of the Palais des Papes! Available as soon as this new chapter begins, the “Keys to the Palace” web app will provide access to all content in six languages from any smartphone. We thank you for your understanding as we carry out this implementation project, which will continue through spring 2027, and we hope you enjoy your visit! Rooms Open to the Public More than twenty rooms are now open to visitors. You can explore the audience chambers, such as the Grand Audience Chamber and the Consistory, where major decisions were once made. The ceremonial halls are impressive for their exceptional size: the Great Clementine Chapel hosted solemn ceremonies, while the Grand Tinel once echoed with papal feasts. The pope’s private apartments reveal a more intimate side of papal life, featuring the Pope’s Chamber and the famous Chamber of the Stag, adorned with secular and naturalistic frescoes that were unique for their time. The Chapels of Saint-Martial and Saint-Jean, meanwhile, offer an exceptional setting thanks to the priceless frescoes by the Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti. Finally, the Palace’s terraces open onto a magnificent panorama, taking in the city of Avignon, the Rhône River, and the entire monument. NEW: THE KEYS TO THE PALACE Discover the Palais des Papes with your smartphone! Throughout your visit, locate yourself on a site map and access all the content: history, architecture, points of interest, captions for audiovisual content… The choice is yours—just use the room numbers to find your way! How does it work? Once you’re there, connect to the local Wi-Fi network named _LesClefsDuPalais Follow the on-screen instructions or go to visite.io You don’t need to download an app or have an internet connection. Good to know: Available in FR/EN/DE/ES/IT/CH/JP/COR We recommend using headphones to fully enjoy the videos and audio THE PALACE GARDENS The gardens of the Palais des Papes offer a relaxing space and provide a better understanding of the entire monument. The 14th-century water system was chosen as the structural element defining the design of the Palace Garden. The Pope’s Garden is an intimate garden that once had direct access from the Pope’s apartments. The renovation has restored its unique character. In 2022, the city of Avignon was awarded the Gold Prize for Remarkable Gardens, placing second in the Victoires du Paysage awards. The gardens are part of the tour of the Palais des Papes. Pets are not allowed. Picnics are not allowed. Numerous guided tours of the monument are offered throughout the year. For information and reservations, visit www.avignon-tourisme.com The gift shop and bookstore are open to the public year-round. Watch a video of the shop: https://youtu.be/17JXNFKn7Cc Pets are not allowed (except for guide dogs). The Palais des Papes has been awarded the “Accueil vélo” certification. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Infants and strollers: Strollers may not be used inside the monument and must be left at the coat check. Baby carriers are available for loan. TICKETING: Avignon Tourisme invites you to book your visit online by selecting your time slot. Book at www.avignon-tourisme.com Tickets may be purchased on-site and at the tourist office for time slots that are not fully booked. ACCESSIBILITY: Exhibition layout adapted for the hearing impaired. Due to the large number of steps, the tour route through the Palais des Papes is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users. However, we are happy to assist you in planning a personalized visit. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with a “tailor-made” experience in the heart of the largest Gothic palace. Your tour will take you through the monument’s main areas. ➮ The tour is available starting October 1 by reservation only, up to 24 hours before the scheduled time slot, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.* * Dates subject to change; please confirm with the Avignon Tourist Office staff ➮ Tour duration: 2 hours A maximum of two people in wheelchairs per tour. ➮ Free admission for you and your companion (guided tour required) ➮ Only one companion is admitted free of charge. If other companions wish to participate in the tour, full rates apply. ➮ Access for the person in a wheelchair and their companion is via the Jardins Entrance / Cours Maria Casarès. For other participants on the tour, entry is through the monument’s main entrance. Reserve by phone at 04 32 74 32 74 or by email: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com Please feel free to let us know about any special needs you may have; our teams are here to help tailor the tour to your requirements. Subject to change.