There are places in Europe that seem to hold time in their stone walls, and on my Viking Rhône River Cruise (you can read about it HERE), the Palace of the Popes in Avignon was one such place — colossal, quiet, and impossibly grand.
If you haven't had a chance to see the IG Reel of our time and the most amazing experience with a tour guide ever at this location click HERE! Our guide was an opera singer and the spontaneous performance in the Grand Hall still gives me chills... Click HERE to see!
We toured the Palace of the Popes in Avignon on our second day of our Rhône River cruise and it was truly an incredible place to see: a fortress and palace that once housed the epicenter of Western Christianity for nearly 70 years.
Our walking tour for Avignon started after breakfast and we learned so much about the history of Avignong before we spent time at the Palace of the Popes.
Even now, walking up to the Palais des Papes — the largest Gothic palace of the Middle Ages — feels like stepping into a story. Construction began in 1335, and in less than two decades this monumental complex rose on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rhône. It’s actually two palaces joined into one: the Old Palace begun by Pope Benedict XII and the more lavish New Palace built by his successor, Pope Clement VI.
As you pass through its massive gates, the sheer scale becomes real. The palace covers about 15,000 square meters — as big as four Gothic cathedrals — and its fortified walls, battlements, and ten towers speak of its dual role: a residence for spiritual leaders and a fortress capable of defending them.
Inside, spaces once echoing with the footsteps of popes and cardinals now draw thousands of visitors each year. We arrived approximately around 10 and it was already very busy, but by the time that we left about an hour later it was very crowded. I definitely recommend looking into purchasing tickets ahead of time if you are not with a group tour.
It was truly amazing all that we could see and the way that we were able to wander throughout the Palace. You can wander ceremonial halls, chapels rich with frescoes, cloisters, and the papal private apartments — many adorned with vivid paintings by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. These mural cycles depict religious scenes and daily life in ways that make history feel immediate and personal.
As a History professor, what struck me most was imagining the palace in its prime during the Avignon Papacy — a time when, beginning with Pope Clement V in 1309, the seat of the Catholic Church shifted from tumultuous Rome to the calmer, sun-soaked banks of the Rhône. Avignon became the spiritual heart of Western Christianity, bustling with clerics, scholars, and artisans.
Today, the Palais des Papes stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most visited monuments, a reminder that history isn’t only to be read about, but experienced.
Don't forget to check out the Instagram Reel all about our special time at this beautiful place. Click HERE!
Whether you’re enchanted by medieval architecture or simply want to feel the pulse of history while cruising the Rhône, this extraordinary palace is a stop that stays with you long after the stones fade into memory. I definitely recommend a trip to the Palais des Papes- it is an amazing piece of History to see! If you want to go here are a few facts to help you before you go:
Location: Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
UNESCO: Read about it on the UNESCO site HERE!
Today: "The Palais today is a historical and architectural landmark and primarily a tourist attraction, drawing around 650,000 visitors per annum, putting it regularly in the top ten most visited attractions in France." Hours vary seasonally—check the official listing before your visit.
Disability Friendly?: Unfortunately no. Due to the number of stairs that are throughout various sections it is impossible for those in wheelchairs or those who struggle with stairs to access all of the site. There is a "comfort route" that you can find out more about on the Palais des Papes website - find the link to learn more about the comfort route HERE!
Thank you for stopping by and reading today! I hope that you enjoyed this brief overview of our time at the Palace of the Pooes! I can't wait to share more about our adventures on this cruise! If you are interested in reading more about our Rhone River Cruise with Viking, you can click on the links below:
Viking River Cruise (2025):
Arles: // The Arles Ampitheater (Les Arenes D' Arles) //A Day in Arles France //
Avignon: // Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) //
Viking Cruise Specific Posts: // Embarkation Day on the Viking Delling //
// Viking Rhone River Cruise: Answers to Your Most FAQ's // 9 Must Have Experiences on the Viking Delling //
Viking Rhone River Specific IG Reels: // The Incredible Crew of the Viking Delling (IG Reel) //
Post a Comment