Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Palace of the Popes

  • Avignon, Provence, France

Last updated: 13 March, 2024

When the popes abandoned tumultuous Rome in 1309, they came to Avignon. Seven reigned here until 1377, in a colourful period of greed and depravity that the poet Petrarch labelled the ‘Babylonian captivity’. They left behind nothing less than the biggest Gothic palace of all time, built for luxury as well as defence.

Although much of its decoration has been lost over time, it has lost none of its power to amaze. It’s a big site not really suited to younger children, though ‘Les Luminessences’ – an outdoor 3D show, held every evening from mid-August to late September – is good for all the family.

Don't miss

The palace’s Musée du Petit Palais houses an outstanding collection of medieval and early Renaissance art, including a lovely Botticelli Madonna and an altarpiece by Enguerrand Quarton.

Within the palace grounds, you’ll find an excellent wine shop selling 55 different Cotes du Rhone wines at vineyard prices.

Logistics

Price from: £10
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Guided tours are currently only in French (pre-COVID they used to have English tours too – check the website to see if they’re back). Even without a tour, the new multimedia installations recreating the sumptuous 14th century bring the palace and popes to life.

When to do it

The palace is open all year round, seven days a week. In summer, arrive at opening time to avoid queues. It’s more of a treat in the winter, when you practically have it to yourself.

Who to go with: organised tours

3

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Avignon

Marvel at magnificent medieval architecture on this walking tour of Avignon, including the Pope’s Palace. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city of Avignon, home to the Papacy and seat of western Christianity in the 14th century. Follow your guide along the historical city walls for breathtaking views over the Rhône River. Beat the queues and enjoy swift access to the chambers and chapels of the Pope’s Palace. Admire 19th-century architecture in the beautiful Place de l’Horloge and finish with a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine.

Price €69

Min age 4

Rating 4.43 / 5 [126 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Marseille

Two intensive days visiting the most famous vineyards of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Rhône valley appellation with lunch at two different local restaurants renowned for the excellence of their local cuisine & the creativity of their chef From your hotel or villa each day to meet the winemakers, visit the cellars and sample some of the best wines from this outstanding region - discover the true lower Rhône valley. Each day different vineyards, exceptional wines, meet the winemakers & each day lunch at a local restaurant with wine paring for each course - three course lunch included. You have the option to buy and ship wines directly from the winemakers cellar. This is a two day intensive wine experience - the cost per person for the two days is 1,300€, total inclusive of driver-guide throughout, visits and tastings at 6 vineyards and a three course lunch with wine paring each day.

Price €395

Min age 18

Rating 4.84 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Lyon

Meet your professional guide wherever you want in Lyon to start your private tour to discover the city's most beautiful sites. Your official guide adapts to your pace and your desires throughout the duration of the tour. It opens the best-kept gates of the city and invites you to explore some secret passages. Your guide also invites you to taste some local specialties and shows you the good addresses and the best restaurants in the world capital of gastronomy.

Price €650

Min age 0

Rating 4.6 / 5 [10 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >