Palais des Papes, Avignon

Background

The Palais des Papes stands in the old town of Avignon, in the Vaucluse department of France, on a rocky height above the Rhône. The Old Palace and the New Palace join into a fortress-like complex; the banqueting hall, the papal apartments and the towers are the highlights, and the Stag Room, the private study of Pope Clement VI, keeps 14th-century frescoes of courtly hunting scenes. In 1309 Pope Clement V moved the papal court to Avignon, and it remained the seat of the papacy until the popes left in 1377. Benedict XII (pope 1334–1342) began building the Old Palace in earnest, and Clement VI, Innocent VI and Urban V added the New Palace, with work continuing until 1364. Six papal elections were held in the palace. In 1995 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List as part of the Historic Centre of Avignon.

Local customs

• Follow the visitor route through the banqueting hall, the chapels and the papal apartments to see the 14th-century frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti and other painters
• climb a tower for a view over the old town roofs and the Rhône
• then stroll across the palace square and on to the nearby Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet).

Travel tips

• There are many stairs and a lot of walking inside the palace, so wear comfortable shoes. Summer brings the most visitors, so consider visiting at off-peak times. Tickets and opening hours are subject to the official information. Take a train to Avignon-Centre or Avignon TGV station, then a city bus or a walk into the old town
• the old town core is best explored on foot.
• Spring and autumn, with their mild weather, are the best times to visit. Summer brings strong sunshine and the Avignon Festival, when accommodation and crowds peak. Winter has fewer visitors and a more relaxed pace.