The Palais des Papes is Europe's largest Gothic palace (about 15,000 m²), built during the Avignon Papacy (1309-1377) when seven popes resided here after leaving Rome; it forms part of the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Avignon. A fortress-like Old Palace flows into the more ornate New Palace, and its Great Chapel, the frescoes of the papal apartments, and the rooftop terrace views are the standouts. From 1 May 2026 the monument is rolling out a redesigned visitor trail with rooms never before shown to the public and a smartphone webapp, 'Les Clefs du Palais' (Keys to the Palace), as part of works running into spring 2027, so some areas may be temporarily off-limits and advance online booking plus a check of the official site are recommended. Note that each July the Cour d'honneur hosts the Avignon Festival, which changes the visit.
The Chambre du Cerf (Stag Room): Clement VI's study, painted in 1343 with hunting and fishing scenes — a rare, remarkably intact example of secular medieval fresco.
The Great Chapel (Grande Chapelle Clementine): a soaring Gothic chapel 52 m long and 20 m high, the centrepiece of the New Palace.
The Saint-Martial and Saint-Jean chapels, adorned with the delicate 14th-century frescoes of the Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti.
The Great Audience Hall with Giovannetti's Prophet frescoes on the vault, and the vast kitchens crowned by a distinctive octagonal chimney.
The rooftop terraces, offering sweeping views over the Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Benezet), the Rhone, and the rooftops of the medieval city.
Good to know
RulesFrom 1 May 2026 a new visitor trail opens and renovation works continue into spring 2027, so certain rooms may be closed off at times. Check current openings on the official site (palais-des-papes.com) just before you go.
SeasonDuring the Avignon Festival (4-25 July 2026, its 80th edition) a stage is built in the Cour d'honneur, altering the route and atmosphere; the whole city is packed and lodging, trains and tickets sell out early, so book summer visits well ahead.
RulesTickets are sold on site, but queues are long in high season, so online booking is advised. Last entry is usually one hour before closing, and prices/hours may change with the 2026 revamp — verify the latest before booking.
SafetyPickpockets operate in Avignon's old town and near the stations, especially in festival crowds; wear your bag in front and split up your valuables.
MannersThe route includes former chapels and religious spaces — keep noise down, and respect signs banning flash or tripods where frescoes are being protected.
SafetyThe palace has many stairs and uneven floors and is not wheelchair-friendly; wear comfortable shoes and, if needed, arrange assistance in advance (+33 4 90 27 50 50).
CautionOfficial sales channels are palais-des-papes.com and avignon-tourisme.com. Third-party resellers that top search results often add a markup, so check the domain and the total price before paying.
Practical info
The palace stands on Place du Palais in the heart of Avignon's old town, about a 10-15 minute walk from Avignon Centre station; from Avignon TGV (6 km south) take the short shuttle train to Avignon Centre (about 6 min) and walk. It opens daily year-round, broadly 09:00-19:00 (Apr-Oct) and on shorter hours in winter (e.g. 09:30-17:45, Nov-Mar), but the 2026 overhaul may shift times, prices and the route, so confirm the latest on the official site and book ahead.
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