Le Palais des Papes
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Avignon boasts a grandiose urban landscape: dominating the Cité and the Rhône, the Rocher des Doms offers an exceptional monumental ensemble comprising the Pont saint Bénezet, the Remparts, the Petit Palais, the Cathédrale des Doms and the impressive walls flanked by the four gigantic towers of the Palais des Papes. This unique architectural ensemble has been classified by UNESCO as a “World Heritage Site”.
The Palais des Papes is the symbol of the Church’s influence on the Christian West in the 14th century. Built from 1335 onwards, in less than twenty years, it was mainly the work of two papal builders, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. The monument is the largest Gothic palace in the West (15,000 m2 of floor space, equivalent to the volume of 4 Gothic cathedrals), and presents visitors with more than twenty rooms, theaters of events with universal resonance, including the pope’s private apartments and their fabulous fresco decorations by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
Activities at the Palais des Papes in Avignon
The monument also offers visitors regular cultural events throughout the year. Themed and educational exhibitions, themed tours and concerts are organized.
During the summer season, a major art exhibition is held in the Grande Chapelle, while the Festival d’Avignon, created by Jean Vilar in 1947, takes place in July in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais.
The Palais des Papes welcomes 600,000 visitors a year. It is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France.
25 rooms open to the public
The Palais des Papes is the most important building constructed during the Gothic period, and bears witness to the presence of the 9 popes who succeeded each other in Avignon during the 14th century. Construction took less than 20 years, from 1335 to 1352. It was mainly the work of two papal builders: Benedict XII, who built the first papal palace (known as the Old Palace), and Clement VI, who built new extensions (known as the New Palace).
The tour will reveal the stages and techniques involved in the construction of this extraordinary edifice and its fabulous decorations, explain how the temporal and spiritual power of the papacy was exercised, meet the popes and other important figures who left their mark on the site, and relive the cultural influence and splendor of the papal court.
More than 25 rooms are open to the public: audience halls such as the Grande Audience and the Consistory; ceremonial halls of exceptional dimensions, such as the Grande Chapelle Clémentine, and banquet halls such as the Grand Tinel; the pope’s private apartments, including the Pope’s Room and the Deer Room, with secular naturalistic frescoes that were unique at the time; the chapels of Saint Martial and Saint Jean, with their priceless frescoes by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti, and the terraces with their marvellous panoramic views of the Palace, the city of Avignon and the Rhône.
Relaxing break at the Spa Ventoux Provence - Vaucluse
After a visit to our Provence capital, Avignon, with its must-see monuments and rich culture, why not drive to the foot of Mont Ventoux, our Provence giant. Here you’ll discover the Spa Ventoux Provence, the largest balneotherapy center in the Vaucluse region, with over 3500m2 dedicated to well-being, located in Malaucène. A relaxing stopover you won’t forget, a treasure in Vaucluse…
And why not take advantage of the SPA?
When you stay with us, you benefit from a preferential rate to use the Spa.
Spend a day enjoying the heated swimming pool with massage jets and whirlpool baths, sauna, hammam, salt cave, cardio room, outdoor jacuzzi Scottish bath and solarium garden.
