The Palais des Papes is a medieval Gothic palace located in the historic centre of Avignon, France. This guide provides current information on opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit.
To skip the explanation and just book tickets, head here. If planning to visit several Avignon attractions, an Avignon City Pass could save you money.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the current prices and opening times. Other guides may contain outdated information.
Palais des Papes quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 09:00 – 19:00 (most of the year) |
| Ticket prices | €12.00 (Adult), €6.50 (Child 8–17) |
| Address | Place du Palais des Papes, 84000 Avignon |
| Nearest transport | Avignon Centre SNCF station (15-minute walk) |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Palais des Papes opening hours
The Palais des Papes is open every day of the year, with hours varying according to the season. During the main period from 1 March to 1 November, the monument is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.
The full 2026 schedule for the palace is as follows:
- 1 March – 1 November: 09:00 – 19:00
- 2 November – 18 December: 10:00 – 17:00
- 19 December – 31 December: 10:00 – 18:00
- 1 January – 4 January: 10:00 – 18:00
- 5 January – 6 February: 10:00 – 17:00
- 7 February – 28 February: 10:00 – 18:00
The last entry to the palace is permitted until one hour before closing. Entry to the pontifical gardens closes 30 minutes before the palace’s final closing time.
Palais des Papes ticket prices
A standard adult ticket for the palace costs €12.00. A reduced rate of €10.00 is available for seniors over 60, students with valid identification, and large families, while the youth rate for children aged 8 to 17 is €6.50.
Admission is free for children under 8, job-seekers, and visitors with disabilities plus one accompanying person. Combined tickets are available for those visiting multiple sites, such as the Palace and Bridge (€14.50) or the Palace, Bridge, and Gardens (€17.00).
Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The Palais des Papes is included in the Avignon City Pass (24h or 48h). This pass also grants entry to the Pont d’Avignon, Fort Saint-André, Collection Lambert, and the Angladon Museum.
How to get to the Palais des Papes
The Palais des Papes is located in the pedestrianised centre of Avignon and is best reached on foot or by public transport. Visitors arriving at the Avignon Centre SNCF station can reach the palace via a 15-minute walk north along Rue de la République.
If arriving via the Avignon TGV station, take the “Virgule” shuttle train to the city centre station. Local buses and the “Baladine” electric shuttle provide transport within the city walls, stopping at nearby locations such as Place de l’Horloge.
Parking at the Palais des Papes
The Parking Palais des Papes is an underground car park located directly beneath the palace square with 825 available spaces. It is open 24 hours a day and provides direct pedestrian access to the monument via lifts.
Alternative parking options include the Parking de l’Oulle near the river or the free park-and-ride facilities at Piot and Les Italiens. These peripheral car parks offer free shuttle bus services that drop visitors near the historic gates of the city.
How long to spend at the Palais des Papes
A standard tour of the palace interiors generally requires between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete. This timeframe includes the use of the HistoPad digital tablet provided to all visitors for augmented reality reconstructions of the rooms.
If your ticket includes the pontifical gardens or the Avignon Bridge, you should allow a total of 3.5 to 4 hours. The palace route involves navigating over 20 rooms and several steep staircases, which may extend the time needed for those with limited mobility.
Accessibility at the Palais des Papes
The primary visitor route is not fully accessible to wheelchair users due to the architectural constraints of the medieval building, which include numerous stone steps and narrow passages. Only the lower ground floor and the gardens are easily accessible via standard routes.
A dedicated “Comfort Route” is available for visitors with reduced mobility, which must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the ticket office. This specific tour uses lifts to access major halls like the Consistory and the Great Audience, but it does not cover the entire monument.
Inside the Palais des Papes
The visit covers the two main sections of the building: the Old Palace (Palais Vieux) and the New Palace (Palais Neuf). Visitors move through the Grand Audience Hall, the Great Tinel (banqueting hall), and the Consistory Hall where official papal business was conducted.
The private apartments and chapels are notable for their 14th-century frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti. These include the Saint Martial Chapel and the Saint John Chapel, which retain significant original decorative elements despite the building’s later use as a military barracks.
Every visitor is provided with a HistoPad, a touchscreen tablet that uses augmented reality. By scanning “Time Portals” in each room, the screen displays a 360-degree reconstruction of the space as it appeared during the 14th century, including furniture and tapestries.
The tour also includes access to the upper terraces. These vantage points offer views of the main courtyard (Cour d’Honneur), the city ramparts, and the Rhône river.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | To avoid the largest crowds, plan your visit for the early morning at 09:00 or after 16:00. |
| Booking | Buy tickets online in advance to use the dedicated “prepaid” entry line and bypass ticket office queues. |
| Luggage | Large bags, suitcases, and sharp objects are prohibited, and there are no storage lockers on site. |
| Entry | Visitors must arrive at the entrance 15 minutes before their scheduled time slot if they have booked a guided tour. |
| Clothing | The stone floors are uneven and can be slippery, so flat, closed-toe walking shoes are necessary. |
Frequently asked questions about the Palais des Papes
| Question | Answer |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Palais des Papes? | It is not mandatory but highly recommended to ensure entry during busy periods and to skip ticket queues. |
| Is the Palais des Papes open on Sundays? | Yes, the palace remains open seven days a week, including all Sundays and public holidays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Palais des Papes? | Only small handbags and backpacks are allowed; large luggage is strictly prohibited for security reasons. |
| Is the Palais des Papes suitable for children? | Yes, the HistoPad includes an interactive digital treasure hunt designed to engage children during the tour. |
Things to do near the Palais des Papes
- Pont d’Avignon (Saint-Bénezet): The remains of the 12th-century bridge, located 500 metres from the palace gates.
- Musée du Petit Palais: A museum housing Italian and Provençal Renaissance paintings at the end of the palace square.
- Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame des Doms): A Romanesque cathedral situated next to the palace with a gilded statue of the Virgin.
- Fort Saint-André: A medieval fortress in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon offering views across the river to the palace.
