Avignon Sights

Palais des Papes

#1 of 95 things to do in Avignon

#78 of 49063 things to do in Europe

3 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • place du Palais
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 04 90 27 50 00
  • Price
    • adult/child incl audioguide €6/3
  • Hours
    • 9am-7pm

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Lonely Planet review for Palais des Papes

This Unesco World Heritage Site, the world’s largest Gothic palace, was built when Pope Clement V abandoned Rome in 1309 and settled in Avignon. The immense scale of the palace, with its cavernous stone halls and vast courtyards, testifies to the wealth of the popes; the 3m-thick walls, portcullises and watchtowers emphasise their need for defence.

Today it takes some imagination to picture the former luxury of these vast bare rooms. You can catch whispering glimpses in the wonderful 14th-century chapel frescos painted by Matteo Giovannetti; in the dark-blue walls of the Pope’s apartment, threaded with dusky red flowers; and in the superb Chambre du Cerf, alive with medieval hunting scenes. Visit at lunchtime to avoid group tours.

 

Traveller reviews for Palais des Papes (3)

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    Excellent hacky-sack spot

    colonelplink recommends this,

    If you're hacking across Europe, why not in the former papal palace gardens at Avignon? Overlooking Pont d'Avignon, the gardens provide tucked-away nooks to hack in the privacy of the arbors and visited only by the sauntering sight-seers. Top-flight hack spot!

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    Very nice gardens all arround

    beautifultrip recommends this,

    The palace of Popes has to be visited but also gardens on the top (nice view on the Rhône and the city) and also the hudge place with its animation.

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    Not bad for a few year's work

    melyuan recommends this,

    The Popes weren't here for long, but they made it count. Although lacking a lot of its original interior details, the palace is still pretty spectacular.

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