Palais des papes

About the museum

When Pope Clement V settled in Avignon in 1309, the papacy left Rome for almost seventy years. John XXII first transformed the former episcopal palace. From 1335, Benedict XII had a fortified, austere building erected, the Palais vieux (Old Palace). His successor Clement VI added the more lavish Palais neuf (New Palace) in the 1340s, which gives the monument its present form. The popes left the city for good in 1376.

After their departure, legates and vice-legates governed the palace in the name of Rome. It was later besieged and altered several times; the gallery known as the Galerie de la Roma was demolished in 1837. The monument was listed as a historic monument in 1840 and opened to the public in 1907. Since 1995, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the historic centre of Avignon.

The visitor route passes more than twenty rooms, including the Grande Chapelle, the Grand Tinel, the chapels decorated with frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti and the pope’s private apartments. A new presentation, including rooms never previously open to the public, has been in place since May 1, 2026; work continues until spring 2027. Every July, the Cour d’honneur hosts the Festival d’Avignon. The palace belongs to the City of Avignon and the Vaucluse département.

Highlights

• Cour d’honneur, setting of the Festival d’Avignon
• Grande Chapelle Clémentine and Grand Tinel
• Frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti in the Saint-Martial and Saint-Jean chapels
• Chambre du Pape and Chambre du Cerf, decorated with murals
• Terraces with views over Avignon and the Rhône

Founded

1907

Operated by

Avignon Tourisme (propriétaires : Ville d'Avignon et Département de Vaucluse)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for residents of Avignon and Montfavet (Spécial Avignonnais)

Prices valid from August 1, 2026. The monument mentions the Avignon City Pass (from €24, access to nine other monuments). Special rates apply to groups, school groups and tourism professionals. Online booking is not mandatory but is recommended; a priority-entry option (accès coupe-file) exists, and bag checks remain compulsory.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The standard route has many steps and is not wheelchair-accessible. A guided comfort route of about two hours is offered by reservation, at the latest 24 hours in advance, departing from the Cour Maria Casarès (two wheelchairs maximum, one companion free of charge). The gardens are step-free. Some information panels are available in large print for visually impaired visitors. The building is neither heated nor air-conditioned.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family tour “Le Palais raconté aux petits et aux grands” (“The Palace, told to young and old”), workshops for children during school holidays and family visit workshops. A baby carrier is lent free of charge; strollers are kept at the baggage storage. Free for children under 10.

Getting there & parking

By car via the Porte de la Ligne, then Rue Rempart de la Ligne and Rue Banasterie. The palace is at most a 25-minute walk from any point inside the old town walls. It lies on the ViaRhôna (“Accueil Vélo” label).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Bookshop on site. Free, supervised baggage storage; strollers must be left there. A local Wi-Fi network (“_LesClefsDuPalais”) allows use of the visit app.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Sixteen characterful rooms for meetings, working lunches, gala dinners and exhibitions, offered by the Avignon Convention Centre.

Plan your visit