Palais des Papes

The Popes' walk

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Avignon
2.3 km
1h
Very easy

  • An urban stroll to discover the Unesco perimeter, starting from the Place du Palais des Papes.
    In just one hour, soak up the history and beauty of Avignon.

  • Breathtaking panoramas, UNESCO World Heritage treasures, hidden spots and strolls through picturesque neighborhoods: a city walk for those who love authentic discoveries!

    Departing from the Place du Palais des Papes, the stroll takes you to the Gardens of the Doms, overlooking the city and offering an exceptional 360° view of the papal rooftops, Mont Ventoux, the Rhône and Fort Saint André on the Villeneuve-lez-Avignon side.

    Climb down the ramparts to the Pont Saint Bénezet, open to...
    Breathtaking panoramas, UNESCO World Heritage treasures, hidden spots and strolls through picturesque neighborhoods: a city walk for those who love authentic discoveries!

    Departing from the Place du Palais des Papes, the stroll takes you to the Gardens of the Doms, overlooking the city and offering an exceptional 360° view of the papal rooftops, Mont Ventoux, the Rhône and Fort Saint André on the Villeneuve-lez-Avignon side.

    Climb down the ramparts to the Pont Saint Bénezet, open to visitors all year round.

    At the end of the tour, turn around and head back to the main esplanade of the Jardin des Doms, which you'll cross to take the Sainte Anne stairs to the Cour de la Manutention, where you'll find relaxation areas and an art-house cinema.

    Then cross the gardens to discover the Hôtel Madon de Châteaublanc, on your left at no. 13 rue Banasterie.

    Continue your stroll to Place de l'Amirande, where you'll find a magnificent mansion housing the 5* Hotel la Mirande, facing the imposing Tour Saint-Laurent, before entering Rue Peyrolerie, one of the most typical streets in the historic center.

    You're back on the Place du Palais des Papes, where you can admire the façade of the Hôtel des Monnaies, take a tour of the Palais des Papes, discover the Basilica of Notre-Dame des Doms and the treasures of the Musée du Petit Palais, before strolling through the Quartier de la Balance, which still boasts some beautiful 15th-century facades.

    Bonus: you can extend your visit with a walk on the Barthelasse island, Avignon's green lung, by taking the free river shuttle at the foot of the Rocher des Doms. Skate park, bike trails, farm sales, numerous leisure activities... And an exceptional view of the historic center and its monuments.
  • Departure
    Avignon
  • Plain text period
    All year round.
  • Environment
    • Town location
    • In the historic centre
  • Spoken languages
    • French
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
Points of interest
1 Popes' Palace Square
It is the heart of the city with a breathtaking view of the Palais des Papes, the Town Hall and the 19th century opera theater
2 The Rocher des Doms garden
English garden which rises 30m above the Rhône and offers a magnificent panoramic view

FREE ENTRANCE. (Hours vary depending on season). Games for children. Refreshment bar.
3 The Saint Bénezet Bridge
The Saint Bénezet bridge, built from the 12th century and a major witness to the history of Avignon, is known throughout the world thanks to its famous children's song “Sur le pont d'Avignon”
UNESCO World Heritage. Accessible for disabled people. Paid entry upon reservation
4 Handling District
District located at the foot of the gardens of the Palais des Papes, a place of relaxation and culture
Jazz club, Utopia associative cinema, Academy of Arts, café-Roma restaurant, café theater...
5 Hôtel Madon de Châteaublanc
17th century private mansion listed as a historic monument. In the interior courtyard: magnificent cobblestone, pebble mosaic created by Henri Barrelet where comets appear.
6 La Mirande
Private mansion facing the imposing Saint Laurent Tower. Recognized worldwide for its Provençal cuisine, its cooking workshops, and its many events during the holidays.
Hotel. Starred restaurant. Tea Room
7 Rue Peyrolerie
From the Provençal word “peyròu” which means “cauldron”: this is the district where the art of boilermaking was honored. Part of this calade is paved by the pebbles of the Rhône.
AT_07329_MD.jpg
8 Hôtel des Monnaies
Baroque facade inspired by Italian-style hotels with abundant decoration: enormous fruit garlands decorated with lion heads on the upper part of the facade.
Facade classified as UNESCO Heritage
9 Popes' Palace
Residence of the sovereign pontiffs in the 14th century, it is the largest Gothic palace of the Middle Ages. Unesco World Heritage

Paid entry upon reservation
10 Metropolitan Basilica of Notre-Dame des Doms
Roman Catholic basilica classified on the list of historic monuments. Built in the 12th century, it houses the tomb of Pope John XXII.
FREE ENTRANCE
11 Petit Palais museum
Classified as a Museum of France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former residence of cardinals and then archbishops which has retained its medieval palace style.
Free entry (open every day except Tuesday)
12 Libra district
One of the oldest streets in Avignon. Located as close as possible to the palace and close to the Rocher des Doms, it was one of the “big streets” of Avignon, it started from the main square and went to the Saint Bénezet bridge.
Services
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
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