Is the Palace of the Popes accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

The monument is visited at ground level, which makes access easier.

How old is the Palace of the Popes?

The palace was built in the 14th century, when Avignon was the seat of the papacy.

Is the Palace of the Popes a listed historic monument?

Yes, it appears on the very first list of classified historic monuments, established in 1840.

Why is the Palace of the Popes famous?

It served as the papal residence in the 14th century and houses Sienese frescoes along with the remains of one of Europe's largest libraries of that time.

Palais des Papes

Avignon

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Prices: from €16.00
Visit duration: 120 min
Where: Avignon

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Palais des Papes stands in Avignon (Vaucluse), in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century). Adult admission costs 16 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 4, 2026.

The Palace of the Popes rises above the Rocher des Doms in Avignon and forms the largest Gothic complex built during the Middle Ages. The visit leads through two interlocking buildings, the fortress raised for Benedict XII and the sumptuous apartments added under Clement VI, decorated with frescoes by Sienese painters of the period. Visitors pass through the great halls where the pontifical Curia once worked, the chapel that hosted fourteenth-century polyphonic music, and the remains of the library that nurtured the early humanism of Petrarch. It ranks today among the most visited monuments in France.

Written from Palais des Papes

What to know

Access is step-free, without significant stairs to climb.
The building dates from the 14th century and has been a classified historic monument since 1840.
The visit covers a large complex of halls and chapels, so expect a fair amount of walking inside.
The site sits atop the Rocher des Doms, in the historic centre of Avignon.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 1er au 4 janvier: 10h00-18h00
du 5 janvier au 6 février: 10h00-17h00
du 7 au 28 février: 10h00-18h00
du 1er mars au 1er novembre: 9h00-19h00
du 2 novembre au 18 décembre: 10h00-17h00
du 19 au 31 décembre: 10h00-18h00

Annual closures : none: open every day; all year round

Prices

Adult: €16.00
Child: €10.00
Reduced: €13.00

Free for free for children under 10; free access for residents of Avignon and Montfavet every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday (proof of address less than 3 months old and ID required)

Visit duration: 120 min
Wheelchair access: Ground floor accessible
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: Not verified

Due to a large number of steps, the standard visit route is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users; a « parcours confort » leading to the main areas of the monument is offered by reservation only (up to 24 hours before the time slot), on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, duration 2h. Information at 04 32 74 32 74

On site

Toilets
Gift shop
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Avignon · Vaucluse · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 4 32 74 32 74

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.5 / 5from 52,582 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00081941
Period of construction: 14th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is the Palace of the Popes accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: The monument is visited at ground level, which makes access easier.
How old is the Palace of the Popes?: The palace was built in the 14th century, when Avignon was the seat of the papacy.
Is the Palace of the Popes a listed historic monument?: Yes, it appears on the very first list of classified historic monuments, established in 1840.
Why is the Palace of the Popes famous?: It served as the papal residence in the 14th century and houses Sienese frescoes along with the remains of one of Europe's largest libraries of that time.

Information verified on September 4, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website