Discovering the Palais des Papes

The guided tour of the Palais des Papes in Avignon explores this monument and what daily life inside it was like in the 14th century.

A UNESCO monument that inspired Dickens and Daudet

The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is described as a “merveille de l’art gothique”. Its imposing walls fired the imagination of many writers, among them Henry James, Prosper Mérimée, Alphonse Daudet and Charles Dickens, along with plenty of other authors.

The Hôtel du Pape: dishes, sourcing and fear of poison

Beyond the big historical narrative, the guide lingers on how the Hôtel du Pape was run, including its food service. Which dishes were most often served at the table? Where did the staple ingredients come from? And what precautions were taken in case someone tried to poison the Pope?

A deer, a lion and a monkey: the secrets of the decor

Why did the Pope work under the worried gaze of a painted deer on the walls of his study? Why does the lion hold a special place among the Palace’s sculpted decoration? What is the meaning of the monkey looking at its reflection in a mirror, just outside the Great Chapel?

No idea? The guide has the answers and passes them on to the group.

A 1h15 tour limited to 25 people

The tour is open to adults and to children aged 11 and over. It lasts 1h15 and takes no more than 25 people. The meeting point is at the foot of the wooden staircase, to the right of the main entrance, and participants should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Visitors with reduced mobility will not be able to take part, as the Palais des Papes has many steps.