Reservation recommended

Visit the Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon

Largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages 6 conclaves held in the 14th century View current availability Ticket delivered immediately after validation Mobile ticket accepted

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.

Visitor tip:

High-season time slots go fast, especially for thematic guided tours. Book online to secure your date and enjoy flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, with no extra fees.

Ticket options

Prices and conditions

Current and upcoming temporary exhibitions

Relatum: Lee Ufan at the Palais des Papes

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

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

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

TB

Thomas B.

Lyon

"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."

Review submitted on 29 March 2026 via Visit Tickets
Visit declared by contributor · Review moderated before publication
Ref. VT-2026-42967
SR

Sophie R.

Marseille

"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."

Review submitted on 28 November 2024 via Visit Tickets
Visit declared by contributor · Review moderated before publication
Ref. VT-2024-85519
JM

Julie M.

Paris

"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."

Review submitted on 13 June 2026 via Visit Tickets
Visit declared by contributor · Review moderated before publication
Ref. VT-2026-76542

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Practical info

Everything you need to plan your visit

Address

Place du Palais
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

Mon - Sun : 09:00 - 19:00

Hours vary by season (2026-2027). Check the official website for the exact time slot for your visit date.

Fares

Palace of the Popes & Pont d’Avignon: Entry Ticket : From 19,50 €
Palace of the Popes & Gardens: Entry Ticket : From 16 €

Free child entry depending on age (check variants). .

Visit duration

Plan for 1h30 to 2h for the standard tour of the 25 rooms. Add 30 minutes if you include the secret gardens and the bridge. Thematic guided tours last about 1h30.

Photos

Photography is allowed without flash in all rooms. Avoid bulky tripods that obstruct traffic in the narrow corridors. The best exterior views are taken from the Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Audience

Accessible from age 11 for thematic guided tours. The self-guided route suits families with independent children. The medieval architecture involves stairs, not recommended for very young children who cannot be carried.

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

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What Awaits You

Papal fortress, secret gardens and living history

01
Grande Chapelle
Masterpiece of International Gothic where Guillaume de Machaut composed the Mass of Notre-Dame.
Architecture
02
Salle du Conclave
Solemn site where six popes were elected between 1335 and 1394, seat of Western Christendom.
History
03
Jardins Secrets
Protected spaces hidden behind the ramparts, offering an unexpected green haven in the heart of the fortress.
Nature
04
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Emblematic remnant of the medieval bridge, ideal viewpoint for photographing the palace at sunset.
Monument
05
Bibliothèque Pontificale
Former space housing 2,000 volumes, cradle of humanism thanks to the presence of Petrarch.
Culture
06
Palais Vieux
Fortified section built by Benedict XII, set directly on the Doms rock to defend the city.
Fortress
07
Palais Neuf
Sumptuous wing added by Clement VI, illustrating the opulent style of 14th-century International Gothic.
Opulence
08
WebApp Les Clefs du Palais
Digital application included in the ticket, enhancing the visit with interactive multimedia content.
Mediation

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.

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Did you know?

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

1/2 day

Essential Avignon: Palace & Bridge

  1. 9:30 AM: Arrive at the start of the slot to visit the 25 rooms of the Palais des Papes and avoid school groups.
  2. 11:30 AM: Stroll across the Pont Saint-Bénézet to photograph the Gothic façade facing the Rhône.
  3. 12:30 PM: Quick lunch near the Rocher des Doms with a stunning view of the palace and cathedral.
  4. 2:00 PM: Visit the Papal Gardens included in the combined ticket for a green break before heading back.
1 day

Complete Medieval Avignon

  1. 9:00 AM: Themed guided tour “Behind the Scenes” or standard route through the Palais des Papes (duration 2h30).
  2. 12:00 PM: Lunch in the Halles district to discover local Provençal products.
  3. 2:30 PM: Full tour of the Rocher des Doms and visit to the nearby Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms.
  4. 4:30 PM: Discover the Papal Gardens and take a final photo of the palace from above.
  5. 6:30 PM: Walk across the Pont Saint-Bénézet to admire the evening light on the waters of the Rhône.
Weekend

Provençal Cultural Weekend

  1. Day 1 morning: Complete visit of the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon with the combined ticket “Palace + Bridge + Gardens”.
  2. Day 1 evening: Evening at the Festival d'Avignon if the season is open, otherwise a classical concert near the Rocher.
  3. Day 2 morning: Visit the Musée Lapidaire and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms to deepen your understanding of religious history.
  4. Day 2 afternoon: Cruise on the Rhône to see the Palais des Papes from a unique angle on the water.
  5. Optional: Half-day excursion to Arles or Orange to complete the Roman and Provençal circuit.
Good deal

Palais des papes et jardins + Pont du Gard

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

Accommodation

Find a hotel near Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon

When should you visit Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon?

Expected crowds by day - click a date to book

Quiet Normal crowds Busy

Peak crowds in July–August and during the Avignon Festival (June–July). Choose Tuesday morning outside school holidays for a calmer experience in the narrow halls.

Annual recap : JPG PDF

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before your visit

Booking

The combined ticket includes physical access to the Pont d'Avignon and the Jardins Pontificaux in addition to the 25 rooms. The single ticket covers only the indoor route and the gardens. Choose the full package if you have more than 3 hours and want to see everything; otherwise, the single ticket is sufficient for a quick 2-hour visit.

Online booking is strongly recommended, especially in high season (July-August) and on weekends. It guarantees entry without queues and allows you to choose a precise time. In low season on weekdays, it is still possible to buy on site, but availability may be limited.

Yes, the Avignon City Pass includes the Palace, the Bridge and the gardens, as well as nine other monuments with discounts. It is worth it if you plan to visit several sites over 2 to 3 days. For a single visit of the Palace only, the direct ticket is often more economical than the pass.

Conditions vary depending on the type of ticket and the booking period. Most online tickets allow free modification up to 24h before the visit. Always check the specific terms of your ticket before confirming, as some promotional offers are non-refundable.

Visit

Allow 1h30 to 2h for the standard tour of the 25 rooms, taking into account queues and reading the plaques. Add 30 minutes for the bridge and gardens if you take the combined package. A thematic guided tour lasts about 1h30 to 1h45.

Yes, two main formats exist: 'Côté coulisses' to discover usually closed rooms, and 'Côté obscur' to explore historical legends and plots. These tours last about 1h30 and are aimed at adults and teenagers from age 11. Book these special slots in advance.

The circuit includes the Grande Chapelle, the salle du Conclave, the private apartments of the popes and the medieval kitchens. You will also pass through the secret gardens and see the famous frescoes of the Sienese school. Each room offers unique architectural details of international Gothic, explained by the signage and the WebApp.

Accessibility is limited due to the medieval architecture with numerous stairs and uneven floors. Some rooms are not accessible due to a lack of modern facilities. Partial alternatives exist, but please check the latest information on the official website before your visit to know the current accommodations.

Practical

Children under 8 years old enter free of charge all year round. From August 1st, free entry extends to those under 10. Students generally benefit from a reduced rate, but conditions vary depending on the period. Check the exact rates on the official website at the time of your booking.

The bridge is geographically adjacent but requires you to leave the main circuit of the palace to physically access it. The combined ticket 'Palace + Bridge + Gardens' includes this access, while the Palace-only ticket does not. Allow a few minutes' walk between the two sites.

Pets are not allowed inside the monument, except for guide dogs or assistance dogs. This rule applies to all types of tickets and guided tours. Owners must leave their animals outside during the visit.

As the city center is pedestrianized, prefer the P+R relay parking located 10-15 minutes away on foot. Paid public parking lots also exist in the immediate vicinity, but they are often saturated in high season. Bus transport (lines 1, 2, 3) is the most practical option to avoid parking difficulties.

Accessibility

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is partial due to medieval stairs and uneven floors. Some levels and rooms are not accessible due to a lack of suitable elevators. Specific facilities exist to facilitate the visit, but it is essential to check the latest information on the official website before your arrival.

Strollers are difficult to maneuver due to multiple stairs and uneven paved floors. They are not formally prohibited, but their use is discouraged for safety and comfort reasons. Plan for a baby carrier or leave the stroller outside if you have young children.

Yes, the WebApp 'Les Clefs du Palais' included in the ticket offers multimedia content in French and English. Other languages may be available depending on application updates. Download the app before your visit to fully enjoy the audio and visual mediation.

Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon on video

A preview of this exceptional place before your visit

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