Visiting the Palais des Papes: the complete 2026 guide

The Palais des Papes in Avignon is the largest Gothic palace in Europe: 15,000 sqm of stone, 25 rooms open to the public, seven popes lived here from 1335 to 1403. It’s also the most visited monument in Provence. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

The historical context in 3 minutes

In 1309, Pope Clement V left Rome for Avignon — a political decision, not a theological one. For 68 years, seven successive popes ruled from this city, building two successive palaces here: the Old Palace (1335–1342, plain, defensive) then the New Palace (1342–1352, sumptuous, Italian frescoes).

In 1377, Pope Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome. But Avignon kept a counter-papacy during the Great Schism until 1417. The palace then became a military barracks during the Revolution — which is why most of the interior frescoes are gone.

2026 prices and hours

	Standard	Reduced	Combined Palais + Pont
Adult	€12	€10	€14.50
Ages 8–17	€10	—	€11.50
Under 8	Free	Free	Free

Hours:

• March–June and September–October: 9 AM–7 PM
• July–August: 9 AM–8 PM
• November–February: 9:30 AM–5:45 PM
• Closed December 25 and the afternoon of January 1

⚠️ Last entry 1 hour before closing.

The HistoPad: the feature that changes everything

At the entrance, ask for the HistoPad (a touch tablet supplied free with your ticket). It’s an audio guide enriched with augmented reality: point at an empty room, the screen reconstructs the frescoes, the furniture, the popes in motion.

Without the HistoPad, the palace feels empty and mineral. With it, you literally see Clement VI celebrating Mass in the Saint-Jean chapel. It’s a remarkable teaching tool. Available in 11 languages. Just do it, period.

The visit itinerary (90 min, recommended order)

1. Cour d’honneur — during the Avignon Festival, this is where the legendary main stage is built (Vilar’s mythical scene). Outside the festival, the courtyard is open.

2. Saint-Jean chapel — frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti (Italian school, 1346). Miraculously preserved.

3. Consistory Hall — where popes received ambassadors. 35 m long, the timberwork faithfully rebuilt in the 19th century.

4. Stag Room (Chambre du Cerf) — Clement VI’s private bedroom. Hunts, fishing scenes, secular frescoes (rare for the time). Don’t miss it.

5. Grand Audience Hall — the papal courtroom. Massive vaults, painted prophets.

6. Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral (right next door, on the way out) — not included in the ticket but 30 seconds away on foot. The crypt is free to enter.

Local tips

• When to go: early morning (9–10:30 AM) or late afternoon (4 PM+). Avoid 11 AM–3 PM in high season — it’s full of tour groups.
• Good news: the palace stays cool even in July (thick stones). Ideal for escaping the afternoon heat.
• Bad advice you’ll see everywhere: don’t pay for the standard guided tour unless you’re a serious enthusiast — the HistoPad is better.
• Don’t miss the terrace of the Cour d’honneur: 360° view over Avignon.
• North-side exit: head straight up to the Jardin des Doms via the stairs behind the cathedral. It’s free, flowering year-round, gorgeous view over the Pont and Barthelasse.

What we wish we’d known before our first visit

• The children’s audio guide (HistoPad version 8–12 years) is excellent
• There’s a café-brasserie on the terrace that’s worth a break stop
• The shop sells solid history books (great gifts) and fresco reproductions

Getting there from our apartments

Staying at Lavande Évasion or Lavande Dorée (inside the Avignon walls)? The Palais is 12 minutes on foot: head up through the Teinturiers neighborhood, take a right on rue du Limas, cross Place Crillon, and the Palais is right in front of you.

See our Teinturiers-neighborhood apartments →

And next?

After the Palais, line up:

• The Pont d’Avignon (5 min on foot) — count on 30 min
• The Jardin des Doms — free, view
• The Banasterie neighborhood — antiques dealers
• Rue des Teinturiers for lunch or apéro

For a full itinerary, see What to do in Avignon in 3 days.