Visit the Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
The Palace of the Popes is the largest Gothic building in Europe, formed by the interlocking of two papal fortresses. Its route combines historic halls, secret gardens and the Pont Saint-Bénézet for a full immersion into medieval Avignon.
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Prices and conditions
Current and upcoming temporary exhibitions

Relatum: Lee Ufan at the Palais des Papes
July 3, 2026 - November 15, 2026
You can visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon to see the works of Lee Ufan, a major figure in contemporary art. The exhibition offers a chance to view his celebrated pieces.

Palace of the Popes & Pont d’Avignon: Entry Ticket
From 19,50 €.
Get two for one access to two historic locations in beautiful Avignon!.

Palace of the Popes & Gardens: Entry Ticket
From 16 €.
The largest Gothic palace in the world is just waiting to be explored!.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.4/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We visited as a couple and the Grande Chapelle blew us away. The silence of the stones is striking. We used the Les Clefs du Palais app, which loads up details on Guillaume de Machaut. Tip: arrive right at opening time to avoid groups in the narrow corridors."
"Magnificent heritage, especially the Palais Vieux perched on the rock. The view from the Pont Saint-Bénézet at sunset is incredible. A little let down by the bridge crossing being short, but the €19.50 entry fee is fair given the scale of the site. Wear good shoes-there are lots of stairs."
"With my kids, we loved the Jardins Secrets, an unexpected green oasis behind the ramparts. They also enjoyed using the augmented reality tablet included with the ticket. The skip-the-line access was great since there was no queue at the box office despite the heavy August crowds. A lovely family memory."
"As a historian, I was moved by the Salle du Conclave. Knowing that six popes were elected there between 1335 and 1394 gives it a uniquely solemn dimension. The tour through the 25 rooms is well paced. I appreciated the advice to start with the Palais Vieux to better understand the defensive logic before moving on to the grandeur of the Palais Neuf."
"The itinerary is rich, particularly the Bibliothèque Pontificale where Petrarch stayed. The light in the Clementine Chapel is beautiful-perfect for understanding Vitry’s Ars Nova. I found the price a bit steep at first, but the multimedia content justifies the investment. Just make sure to hydrate well before entering, as it’s quite dry inside."
"An exceptional discovery during our getaway. The size of the Palais Neuf, built by Clement VI, is truly staggering. We spent a peaceful moment on the Pont Saint-Bénézet, far from the bustle. The combined ticket is very convenient. I strongly recommend using the mobile app so you don’t miss any of the anecdotes about the library’s volumes."
"I went solo and was able to fully immerse myself in the history. The contrast between Benedict XII’s austere fortress and international Gothic luxury is fascinating. The explanations about the Messe de Notre-Dame were highly informative thanks to the WebApp. Arriving early allowed me to visit the rooms without crowds. An immersive and respectful experience."
"A beautiful historical site; Europe’s largest Gothic construction lives up to its reputation. We enjoyed the views over the Rhône from the bridge, though the walk toward the park is slightly less magical due to nearby road traffic. The skip-the-line ticket saved valuable time. Wear comfortable shoes-the stairs are numerous and narrow."
"Our stay in Avignon would have been incomplete without this palace. The architecture is massive, and the Jardins Secrets provide a welcome break. We photographed the palace from the bridge at dusk-a stunning image. The staff was welcoming and the instructions clear. The heritage value is undeniable for a reasonable price."
"Honestly impressed by the sheer scale of the place. The Salle du Conclave has unique acoustics and atmosphere. The digital app really enhances the visit with visual reconstructions of the rooms. We booked in advance to avoid the 45-minute queue we saw forming ahead of us. An absolute must-see for medieval history enthusiasts."
"A wonderful visit, especially the fortified section of the Palais Vieux. The hidden gardens are a true quiet gem. I would have liked a bit more written information on-site, but the app makes up for that gap nicely. The view from the bridge is superb, even if the wind can be chilly. Remember to drink water beforehand, as advised-it’s a physical effort."
"A monumental monument in every sense. Fourteenth-century international Gothic style is everywhere. We were delighted to discover the Bibliothèque Pontificale, the cradle of humanism. Our reserved time slot let us visit at leisure. Crossing the Pont Saint-Bénézet beautifully wraps up the visit with an open view of the city."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
84000 Avignon, France
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Historic center of Avignon · Bus: Station Palais (lines 1, 2, 3) 2 min walk away.
Opening hours
Hours vary by season (2026-2027). Check the official website for the exact time slot for your visit date.
Fares
Palace of the Popes & Gardens: Entry Ticket : From 16 €
Free child entry depending on age (check variants). .
Visit duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Partial accessibility due to medieval architecture; numerous stairs and uneven floors.
Family
Recommended from age 11 for guided tours; self-guided route suitable for independent children.
Audio guide
French, English
Weather in Avignon
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
The seat of Western Christendom in the 14th century
A papal fortress turned jewel of International Gothic
14th c.
Seat of the papacy
6
Conclaves held here
2 000
Volumes in library
25
Visitable rooms
The Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages, the result of the work of Pierre Poisson and Jean de Louvres. It hosted six popes between 1335 and 1394. The combined ticket with the bridge and gardens offers a total immersion in Avignon's history, with opening hours to be checked according to the season.
History and architecture of the Palais des Papes
Built on the Doms rock, the palace results from the merging of two distinct buildings: the old palace of Benedict XII, a true fortress, and the new palace of Clement VI, more sumptuous. This unique structure embodies the style of International Gothic, realized by the best French architects of the time, notably Pierre Poisson, who gave the monument its majestic look and imposing silhouette.
The site was the stage for six historic conclaves, leading to the election of major popes such as Innocent VI and Gregory XI. The Clementine Chapel attracted prestigious musicians such as Guillaume de Machaut and Philippe de Vitry, who developed his Ars Nova there. The exceptional acoustics of the Great Chapel remain today a highlight of the visit, where medieval melodies still resonate.
After the return of the papacy to Rome, the palace housed the pontifical library containing 2,000 volumes, attracting humanists such as Petrarch. Today, the frescoes by Simone Martini and the sculptures testify to this past splendor. The monument has been recently transformed with new rooms opened to the public since May 2026, thus enriching the route for curious visitors.
What to see during your visit
The standard route traverses 25 key rooms, including the Conclave room where cardinals voted and the Great Chapel with remarkable frescoes. Visitors can also explore the secret gardens, protected spaces offering a vegetal contrast with the massive stone of the fortress. These gardens are included in the combined ticket, allowing a complete exploration of the historic sites of Avignon.
Thematic guided tours such as “Behind the Scenes” or “Dark Side” offer unusual angles on the private life of the popes and medieval legends. With an average duration of 1h30 to 1h45, they are suitable for adults and children from 11 years old. Note that these formats are not accessible to people with reduced mobility due to the architectural constraints of the site and its stairs.
The Saint-Bénézet bridge, adjacent to the palace, complements the experience. Although it requires leaving the main circuit, the combined ticket facilitates access. Take the time to photograph the palace from the bridge, ideally at sunrise or sunset, to capture the imposing silhouette of the fortress facing the Rhône and enjoy an exceptional panorama of the city.
Practical information and accessibility
Prices vary according to the period; check current conditions on the official website. Children under 8 often benefit from a reduced or free rate, while students may obtain discounts. The Avignon City Pass includes the palace and other monuments, which is particularly interesting for a prolonged stay in the papal city.
PMR accessibility is limited due to the medieval architecture with its stairs and uneven floors. Strollers are difficult to maneuver. We recommend consulting the latest official information before your visit. For animals, only guide dogs are generally accepted in the historic rooms, in accordance with security and heritage conservation rules.
What Awaits You
Papal fortress, secret gardens and living history
Tips for Visiting the Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
Insider Tips
Arrive at the Start of Your Time Slot
To avoid crowds in narrow rooms like the Grande Chapelle, arrive as soon as your reserved time slot opens. School groups usually arrive after 11:30 AM, so mornings offer the best flow and ideal natural light to admire the frescoes.
Start with the Old Palace
The logical route often begins with the Old Palace, the fortress of Benedict XII, before heading up to the more opulent New Palace. Follow the signage to miss nothing and understand the architectural evolution of the two interlocking buildings that make up the current monument.
Photograph from the Bridge
Take your best photos of the Palace from the Pont Saint-Bénézet, especially at sunrise or sunset. The low light highlights the Gothic ramparts and creates dramatic shadows on the façade, offering much more striking shots than those taken from the public square.
Use the 'Les Clefs du Palais' WebApp
Download the app associated with your ticket to enhance your visit with interactive multimedia content. It helps you understand the frescoes by Simone Martini, symbolic sculptures and the acoustics of the chapel, transforming a simple visit into a complete educational immersion in the 14th century.
Comfortable Shoes Are Essential
The visit involves a lot of walking and several narrow staircases; absolutely avoid high heels or open-toed shoes. Wear flexible sneakers because irregular medieval floors make circulation difficult with rigid shoes, especially when climbing to the upper rooms.
Drink Water Before Entering
There are not always easy access water points in the closed rooms of the palace. Hydrate well before starting your visit because the physical effort of the stairs can quickly lead to dehydration, particularly in summer when heat builds up in the massive stones of the monument.
Check the Validity of the Combined Ticket
Ensure your 'Palace + Bridge + Gardens' ticket covers the exact date of your visit and the desired times. Also check if the temporary exhibition is included, as some tickets only offer permanent access to the tour of the 25 historical rooms.
Listen to the History of the Chapel
Take time to appreciate the frescoes and exceptional acoustics of the Grande Chapelle, the central place of medieval musical life. This is where Guillaume de Machaut composed his famous Mass, and the sound space instantly transports you into the spiritual atmosphere of the 14th century.
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Little-known anecdotes
The largest Gothic construction
The palace is recognized as the largest Gothic construction of the Middle Ages in Europe. The result of the joint work of the best French architects of the time, it embodies the fullness of the International Gothic style. This unique scale makes it an exceptional architectural testimony.
Six popes elected in Avignon
Between 1335 and 1394, six popes were elected in this palace during historical conclaves. This place was thus the official seat of Western Christendom throughout the duration of the Avignon papal adventure. Each conclave marked church history indelibly.
The papal library
The papal library held 2,000 volumes, the largest in Europe at the time. It attracted a group of clerks passionate about belles-lettres from which Petrarch, the founder of humanism, would emerge. These collections crystallized an intense intellectual life around the palace.
The Ars Nova of Vitry
It was in the Clementine Chapel that Philippe de Vitry, guest of Clement VI, could give full measure to his Ars Nova musical. The Great Chapel attracted composers, chanters, and musicians. It was also there that Clement VI appreciated Guillaume de Machaut's Mass of Notre-Dame.
Two interlocking palaces
The monument is the interlocking of two distinct buildings: the old palace of Benedict XII, a true fortress seated on the rock, and the new palace of Clement VI, the most sumptuous. This architectural duality reflects the evolution of papal power in the 14th century.
Centralized administration
The palace enabled a general transformation of the organization of the Church thanks to its spatial structure. The staff of the Curia went from 200 to the end of the 13th century to 500 people in 1316. More than a thousand lay officials also worked there.
Integrate the Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon into your trip to Avignon
Three itineraries depending on available time
Essential Avignon: Palace & Bridge
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at the start of the slot to visit the 25 rooms of the Palais des Papes and avoid school groups.
- 11:30 AM: Stroll across the Pont Saint-Bénézet to photograph the Gothic façade facing the Rhône.
- 12:30 PM: Quick lunch near the Rocher des Doms with a stunning view of the palace and cathedral.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Papal Gardens included in the combined ticket for a green break before heading back.
Complete Medieval Avignon
- 9:00 AM: Themed guided tour “Behind the Scenes” or standard route through the Palais des Papes (duration 2h30).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in the Halles district to discover local Provençal products.
- 2:30 PM: Full tour of the Rocher des Doms and visit to the nearby Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.
- 4:30 PM: Discover the Papal Gardens and take a final photo of the palace from above.
- 6:30 PM: Walk across the Pont Saint-Bénézet to admire the evening light on the waters of the Rhône.
Provençal Cultural Weekend
- Day 1 morning: Complete visit of the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon with the combined ticket “Palace + Bridge + Gardens”.
- Day 1 evening: Evening at the Festival d'Avignon if the season is open, otherwise a classical concert near the Rocher.
- Day 2 morning: Visit the Musée Lapidaire and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms to deepen your understanding of religious history.
- Day 2 afternoon: Cruise on the Rhône to see the Palais des Papes from a unique angle on the water.
- Optional: Half-day excursion to Arles or Orange to complete the Roman and Provençal circuit.
Palais des papes et jardins + Pont du Gard
Discover the best of Provence on a full-day excursion departing from Avignon.
From 22,32 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Avignon
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms
5 min walk
Gothic masterpiece overlooking the city, offering a stunning view of the Rhône and the Palais des Papes from its belvedere.
Musée Lapidaire
10 min walk
Exceptional collection of medieval and Roman sculptures displayed in a remarkable architectural setting from the 12th century.
Marché aux Halles
15 min walk
Ideal for an authentic Provençal lunch with fresh produce, local cheeses and regional specialties such as the tarte tatin.
Berges du Rhône
10 min walk
Pleasant riverside stroll for a relaxing break after your visit, with a direct view of the Pont Saint-Bénézet and its arches.
Théâtre antique
12 min walk
Well-preserved Roman monument, often used for summer performances during the Festival d'Avignon, founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar.
Jardins du Palais
On site
Hidden green spaces integrated into the circuit, offering a soothing botanical contrast with the medieval fortress of the 14th century.
How to get to the Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Centre Station (12 min walk) Bus : Aubanel (5 min walk)
- From Gare Centre 0,9 km → 8 min
- From Avignon TGV 3,6 km → 15 min
- From Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue Station 11,0 km → 32 min
- From Avignon Provence Airport 9,0 km → 28 min
- From Centre Station 0,9 km → 12 min
- From Avignon TGV 3,6 km → 23 min
- From Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue Station 11,0 km → 52 min
- From Avignon Provence Airport 9,0 km → 44 min
- From Centre Station 0,9 km → 6 min
- From Avignon TGV 3,6 km → 15 min
- From Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue Station 11,0 km → 40 min
- From Avignon Provence Airport 9,0 km → 33 min
- From Centre Station 0,9 km → 6 min
- From Avignon TGV 3,6 km → 19 min
- From Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue Station 11,0 km → 53 min
- From Avignon Provence Airport 9,0 km → 43 min
- From Centre Station 0,9 km → 12 min
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