Palais des Papes

Considered a gateway to Provence, Avignon is one of France’s most interesting and beautiful cities.

Avignon was the papal residency from 1309 to 1377 and the Palais des Papes is a highlight of a visit to this lovely city—if only to stand on the main square and look up at the long, soft-yellow stone structure that dominates the city skyline, stretching the length of the square and towering against the blue skies of Provence. If time permits, enter the papal city through the Porte des Chapeaux into the Grande Cour. A little shop just off the entrance provides maps, information, and admission into the palace. Just off the entry, the impressive inner courtyard and beginning point for a palace tour is often a stage for the open-air theater performances of the popular summer festival.

Allow approximately an hour to explore the palace effectively, noting the distinction between the old palace, built by Pope Benedict XII from 1334 to 1342, and the new palace commissioned by his successor, Pope Clement VI, and finished in 1348. The tour will take you down the Hall of the Consistory (Aile du Consistoire), hung with portraits of popes who resided in Avignon, to the upstairs banqueting hall (Grand Tinel), to the impressive Deer Room (Chambre du Cerf), whose walls display a beautifully painted fresco by Giovanetti depicting the decadent life of leisure led by the papal court in the 14th century, on to the Audience Hall (Aile de Grande Audience), elaborate with its star-studded ceiling, and the magnificent Saint Martial Chapel (open only on Sun for church service, tel: 04.90.27.50.00)

Devote the majority of your time to visiting this feudal structure, but don’t miss the two lovely churches, Cathédral de Notre Dame des Doms and L’Église Saint Didier. Just off the Rue Joseph Vernet is the Musée Calvet, . named for the doctor who bequeathed his personal collection of art and funds to launch it. The museum displays a rich collection of work from artists of the French and Avignon schools of painting and sculpture: Delacroix, Corot, and Manet are some of the impressive masters represented. (Closed 1 to 2 pm and all day Tues.)