Palais des Papes
The monumental residence of the sovereign pontiffs, symbol of the influence of the Church on the Christian West in the 14th century, constitutes the most important Gothic palace in the world!
The Palais des Papes is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France.
The residence of the sovereign pontiffs in the 14th century, built from 1335 onwards in less than twenty years, it is the work mainly of two builder popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. It features 25 places to visit: state rooms, chapels, cloister, private apartments of the pope with priceless fresco decorations by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
The monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2026-2027: The Palace of the Popes is being transformed!
On May 1, 2026, a new chapter begins for the monument, with the introduction of new discovery narratives and the opening of rooms never before shown to the public!
This route, which will eventually be divided into 3 themes, will be accompanied by numerous mediation tools: interactive models, documentary films, explanatory labels, new signage… An augmented visitor experience, to understand everything about the small and great history of the Palace of the Popes!
Available from the opening of this new chapter, the WebApp "the keys to the palace" will allow access from any smartphone to all content in 6 languages.
We thank you for your understanding during this implementation phase, which will continue until spring 2027, and wish you a pleasant experience!
Rooms open to the public
More than twenty rooms are now open to visitors.
You will be able to discover the courtrooms, such as the Grande Audience and the Consistory, where major decisions were once made.
The state rooms are impressive for their exceptional dimensions: the Grande Chapelle Clémentine hosted solemn ceremonies, while the Grand Tinel once resounded with papal feasts.
The Pope's private apartments reveal a more intimate side of papal life, with the Papal Bedroom and the famous Stag Room, adorned with secular and naturalistic frescoes unique for the time.
The Saint-Martial and Saint-Jean chapels offer an exceptional setting thanks to the priceless frescoes of the Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti.
Finally, the terraces of the Palace open onto a magnificent panorama, embracing the city of Avignon, the Rhône and the entire monument.
NEW: THE KEYS TO THE PALACE
Discover the Palace of the Popes with your Smartphone!
Throughout your visit, locate yourself on a map and access all the content: history, architecture, points of interest, subtitles for audiovisual content… The choice is yours, using the room numbers to find your way!
How does it work?
Once there, connect to the local Wi-Fi network called _LesClefsDuPalais
Follow the on-screen instructions or log in to visite.io
You do not need to download an application or have a web 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 space for relaxation and allow for a better understanding of the entire monument.
The 14th-century hydraulic network was chosen as a structuring element in the design of the Palace Garden.
The Pope's Garden is an intimate garden, which had direct access from the Pope's apartments.
The renovation restores its precious character.
In 2022, the city of Avignon was awarded the Gold Prize for Remarkable Gardens, in second place in the Victoires du Paysage awards.
The gardens are part of the visit to the Palace of the Popes.
Animals are not allowed.
Picnics are not permitted.
Numerous guided tours of the monument are offered throughout the year.
Information and reservations on www.avignon-tourisme.com
The bookstore is open to the public all year round.
Watch the store video: https://youtu.be/17JXNFKn7Cc
Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs).
The Palais des Papes is labeled Accueil vélo.
Practical information
Babies and strollers: Strollers cannot be used inside the monument and must be left in the luggage room. Baby carriers are available for loan.
TICKETS: Avignon Tourisme invites you to book your visit online by choosing your time slot.
Reservation on www.avignon-tourisme.com
Possibility of buying tickets on site and at the tourist office on non-full time slots.
IH: Museography adapted for the hearing impaired.
Due to a large number of steps, the Palais des Papes tour route is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users. However, we are happy to assist you in planning your 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 course is accessible from October 1st by reservation only, up to 24 hours before the time slot, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm and on Sundays from 14:30pm to 16:30pm*.
* dates subject to change, to be confirmed with the Avignon Tourist Office teams
➮ Tour duration: 2 hours
Maximum two people in wheelchairs per route.
➮ Free entry for you and your companion (accompanied tour mandatory)
➮ Only one accompanying person benefits from free admission. If other accompanying persons wish to participate in the tour, the full rates apply.
➮ Access for wheelchair users and their companions is via the Gardens/Maria Casarès Courtyard entrance. For other participants, entry is through the monument's main entrance.
Book by phone at 04 32 74 32 74 or by email: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com
Feel free to let us know your constraints; our teams are ready to listen and adapt the route to your needs.
Subject to change.
Certifications & Labels
- World Heritage (UNESCO)
Themes
Location details
Access by Zou! bus lines 902, 905, 906, 907, 915, 924, 705, 707, 708 – PEM bus station stop
Travel time :
Orange to Avignon: 55 min
Carpentras -> Avignon: 45 min
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue -> Avignon: 45 min
Cavaillon -> Avignon: 50 min
- In the city
- Pedestrian zone
Visit
Customers
Language(s) of the visit
Audio guide language(s)
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
- Guided individual tours on request
Group visit services
- Unguided group visits on request
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
Exceptional Closure(s)
- 22/05/2025
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Full price | 16 € | Not disclosed |
| Reduced price | 13 € | Not disclosed |
| Child | 10 € | Not disclosed |
Free ticket (proof will be required at ticket check) for children under 10, people holding a disability inclusion mobility card (CMI) and one accompanying person (proof is required), for residents of Avignon and Montfavet every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday upon presentation of proof of residence and an identity document (Note that the identity card is not proof), for curators-guides, journalists, for holders of a France Travail card (job seekers + RSA beneficiaries) and Avignon residents under 26 years of age holding culture pass cards given by the Avignon Town Hall.
Prices for the Palace + Pont d'Avignon: full price €19,50 / reduced price €16 / child (10-17 years): €12.
Payment methods
Services
Equipment
Services
Activities on site
- Temporary exhibitions
Home animals
Accessible tourism
Hearing impairment
Museography adapted to the hearing impaired.
Physical disability
Due to a large number of steps, the Palais des Papes tour route is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users. However, we are happy to assist you in planning your 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 comfort route is accessible from October 1st by reservation only, up to 24 hours before the time slot, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm and on Sundays from 14:30pm to 16:30pm*.
* dates subject to change, to be confirmed with the Avignon Tourist Office teams
➮ Tour duration: 2 hours
Maximum two people in wheelchairs per route.
➮ Free entry for you and your companion (accompanied tour mandatory)
➮ Only one accompanying person benefits from free admission. If other accompanying persons wish to participate in the tour, the full rates apply.
➮ Access for wheelchair users and their companions is via the Gardens/Maria Casarès Courtyard entrance. For other participants, entry is through the monument's main entrance.
Book by phone at 04 32 74 32 74 or by email: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com
Feel free to let us know your constraints; our teams are ready to listen and adapt the route to your needs.
Linked offers
On the spot…
Place du Palais
Historical site and monument
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Visite atelier : « Décors médiévaux et chimères fantastiques »
Le 21 October 2026
Visite atelier « Histoire et architecture au Moyen Âge »
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Candlelight – concert à la bougie : Musiques de Noël
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