Popes'Palace

The Palais des Papes is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France.

The residence of the pontiffs in the 14th century, it was built in less than twenty years from 1335 onwards, mainly by two papal builders, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. There are 25 different areas to visit: state rooms, chapels, cloisters and the pope's private apartments, all decorated with priceless frescoes by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.

The monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Babies and strollers: strollers may not be used inside the monument and must be left at the cloakroom. Baby carriers available on loan.

TICKETS: Avignon Tourisme invites you to book your visit online by choosing your time slot.
Reservations at www.avignon-tourisme.com
Tickets can be purchased on site and at the tourist office for slots that are not fully booked.

HISTOPAD: an immersive digital tour to go back in time and see the invisible!
With the Histopad (digital tablet), step back in time and relive the splendors of the pontifical court in the 14th century in multimedia immersion. Thanks to augmented reality, you can visualize many of the rooms in the Papal Palace as they might have been in the 14th century. The Histopad allows you to take a virtual tour of 9 of the palace's main rooms, which have been re-imagined in their 14th-century settings using augmented reality.
Included in the price of admission, until April 2026.

THE PALACE GARDENS
Recently restored, the gardens are a new attraction for visitors, providing a space for relaxation and a better understanding of the Palace of the Popes as a whole.
The Jardin du Pape and the Jardin du Palais join the Verger Urbain V, inaugurated on September 14, 2018, and freely accessible to the public, to complete the triptych of the Jardins du Palais des Papes.
This redevelopment is structured into two zones: the Jardin du Palais (or Jardin Benoît XII, 1250m2) and the Jardin du Pape (662m2).
The 14th-century hydraulic network was chosen as the structuring element for the design of the Palace Garden, delimiting the large rectangles where Mediterranean plant species attested to in the 14th century in these pontifical gardens are planted.
The Jardin du Pape is an intimate garden, with direct access from the papal apartments. The redevelopment of the garden has restored its precious character, with the re-creation of the griffin fountain and the surrounding flower meadow. The famous and imposing Roma building, of which only a trace remains on the ground, has been reconstituted in the form of a monumental pergola, which will eventually be entirely covered with plants.
Restoration work has been undertaken by the City of Avignon and Avignon Tourisme with the support of the French government, the DRAC, the Southern Region, the Crédit Agricole Foundation and the L'Occitane Foundation.
The gardens can be visited on their own, or combined with the Pont d'Avignon or Palais des Papes.
Free for Avignon residents every day of the year, upon reservation and presentation of proof of address.
Tours close 30 minutes before the monument closes.

IH : Due to a large number of steps, the tour of the Palais des Papes is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users.
However, we are happy to assist you with your personalized visit. All our teams are mobilized to accompany you and provide you with a "tailor-made" experience at the heart of the greatest Gothic palace.
Your visit will take you through the main areas of the monument, allowing you to discover the history of the Popes, armed with your Histopad. Bonus: access to the Sant-Martial chapel.
Visits available all year round, by reservation only, up to 24 hours in advance: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm*. Length of visit: 2 hours.
Free admission for you and your companion (guided tour recommended).
Reservations required on 04 32 74 32 74 or by e-mail: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com
* Dates subject to change, to be confirmed with the Avignon Tourist Office team.

Numerous guided tours of the monument are offered throughout the year.
Information and reservations at www.avignon-tourisme.com

The boutique-library is open all year round.
See the store video: https://youtu.be/17JXNFKn7Cc

Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs).

The Palais des Papes has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label.

Subject to change without notice.

See less