Avignon Travel Guide

The Palais des Papes is one of the most magnificent and important Gothic palaces in Europe. This huge stone palace standing in Avignon's old-town center, majestic and grand, is the glorious witness that the Catholic papacy once moved here in the 14th century, and the core landmark of Avignon as the city of popes. The building of the Palais des Papes traces to a unique and important period of Catholic history—in the 14th century, for historical reasons, the Roman papacy once moved from Rome to Avignon in France, with several popes residing here for decades (the Avignon papacy). To show the majesty and power of the papacy, successive popes built here a grand, fortress-like Gothic palace—one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe then, and a center of Christian-world power. The palace is majestic and strong: towering thick stone walls, lofty towers, and many grand halls inside (banquet hall, chapel, pope's apartment and study), all showing the former majesty, wealth and glory of the papacy; some precious medieval frescoes remain. This grand palace with Avignon's historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today visitors can walk into this grand palace, through grand halls and courtyards, imagine the glorious history of the papacy's residence in Avignon, and feel the grandeur and weight of this Gothic palace (in summer it often hosts the Avignon Theatre Festival and other events). Explore Avignon, walk into the grand Palais des Papes, and feel the glorious history of the city of popes—the unmissable number-one sight of Avignon.

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, commonly known as the Pont d'Avignon or the broken bridge, spans the Rhône and is one of Avignon's best-known landmarks. First built in the 12th century, it was in medieval times an important link between the two banks and on the pilgrimage route, originally with more than twenty arches; repeatedly destroyed by floods, it fell out of use, and today only a few arches reach into the river, giving the bridge its distinctive broken outline. It belongs with the Palais des Papes and the cathedral to the historic centre of Avignon, a World Heritage Site. Panels on the bridge tell its legend and history, and from the bridgehead you can look over the Rhône, the new town opposite and the Rocher des Doms where the palace stands — a must when visiting Avignon.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms stands at the top of the Rocher des Doms beside the Palais des Papes and is the cathedral of Avignon, an important part of the World Heritage historic centre. Predominantly Romanesque, with a heavy stone facade, it is topped by a golden statue of the Virgin, while the bell tower's bells and spire mark the city skyline. The interior is solemn and preserves the tombs and memorials of bishops and popes, the tomb of Pope John XXII being especially notable. The square in front is open and looks over the Rhône and the broken bridge — a natural stop on the way up when visiting the Palais des Papes.

The Rocher des Doms sits at the top of Avignon's rocky outcrop beside the Palais des Papes and the cathedral, a public garden laid out on high ground. Formal French garden design dominates, with pools, sculptures and flower beds, and shaded areas alternating with open terraces, making a rare quiet green refuge in the city. From the viewpoints at the garden's edge you can look over the Rhône, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the town on the far bank and the rooftops of Avignon — excellent views. It links the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the river into one route, good for a restful stroll after the palace and a common spot for sunset and the city's outline.

Place de l'Horloge is the liveliest and most life-filled central square of Avignon's old town, a tree-shaded square ringed by the town hall and opera house, full of open-air cafés—the city living room where Avignon citizens and tourists gather, and the core to feel this old city's relaxed street life. Place de l'Horloge (Clock Square) sits at the center of Avignon's old town, next to the Palais des Papes, the most important and lively square of this old city. The square is named for the ancient clock tower on the town hall. Around the square stand several important buildings: the solemn town hall (Hôtel de Ville, with the iconic clock tower) and the elegant opera house (Avignon Opera), stately and elegant. On the square is a relaxed, vivid street scene: the center is tree-shaded, with plane trees giving pleasant shade; under the trees and on both sides of the square, restaurants and cafés spread large terraces where people leisurely dine, drink coffee and chat, enjoying the Provençal sun; a corner of the square has an old carousel adding nostalgic charm. As the old-town center, it is also the city living room for citizens' activities and tourists' rest, especially during the Avignon Theatre Festival in summer, when artists gather and it is very lively. Strolling or sitting in this tree-shaded square, feeling Avignon's relaxed, vivid street life and the pleasant Provençal flair, is a special enjoyment. Explore Avignon, pause at the lively Place de l'Horloge, and feel the old city's relaxed street life—a sight in Avignon full of life.