Palais des papes d'Avignon

The palace's history is closely linked to the transfer of the papal seat to Avignon in 1309, when Pope Clement V chose the city as his residence. He was followed by six other popes and five antipopes who guided the church's destiny from here. Construction of the current palace began in 1335 under Pope Benedict XII, who had the existing bishop's palace demolished and replaced with a new, four-winged structure, known as the Old Palace. His successor, Clement VI, doubled the size of the complex starting in 1342 through extensive additions to the south and west, forming the New Palace. Pope Innocent VI completed and secured the work after 1352. The palace served as a papal residence until 1430 and today stands as a testament to this significant era.

The Palais des Papes is located in the historic city of Avignon in the Vaucluse department, nestled in the picturesque Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 51 meters above sea level, dominating its surroundings with its imposing appearance.

Visitors can explore the Papal Palace today and discover its extensive premises. Although many of the original art treasures and furnishings were lost over the centuries, the preserved frescoes and impressive architecture offer deep insights into the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace also serves as a venue for regular exhibitions.

• Avignon City Walls (Fortification), approx. 0.3 km away
• Tour Philippe le Bel (Fortress), approx. 1.1 km away
• Fort Saint-André (Fortress), approx. 1.7 km away
• Château de Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Castle), approx. 12.0 km away