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Place du Palais: Avignon's Historic Heart

Discover Avignon's Place du Palais: where medieval history meets vibrant modern culture in the heart of Provence.

Place du Palais, a vast square in Avignon, France, is best known as the home of the Palais des Papes. This impressive space offers knockout photo opportunities and provides access to other key landmarks, including the Avignon Cathedral and the Rocher des Doms gardens.

A brief summary to Place du Palais

  • Avignon, FR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and to capture the best light for photographs.
  • Check the event schedule at the Palais des Papes to see if there are any special performances or exhibitions during your visit.
  • Take the Petit Train from Place du Palais for a comprehensive tour of Avignon's main attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Avignon Centre train station, Place du Palais is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight along Cours Jean Jaurès, then turn left onto Rue de la République. Continue straight until you reach Place de l'Horloge, then follow signs to Place du Palais.

  • Public Transport

    From the Avignon Centre train station, take bus number 123 from a stop near the station (such as 'Gare Centre') to Place du Palais. The bus ride is approximately 10-15 minutes. A single ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the Avignon Centre train station to Place du Palais takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €11-€14.

Unlock the Best of Place du Palais

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Discover more about Place du Palais

Place du Palais is more than just a town square; it's the historical and cultural epicenter of Avignon. Dominated by the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe , the square provides a stunning vista that encapsulates the city's rich past. Once the forum of Avenio during Roman times, Place du Palais has always been a central meeting point. Today, it serves as a stage for street performers, a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and the primary access point for exploring Avignon's most significant monuments. The square is bordered by the Romanesque Avignon Cathedral, topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, and the Hôtel des Monnaies, the former papal mint adorned with elaborate carvings. Throughout the year, Place du Palais hosts various events, including performances related to the Avignon Theatre Festival. In the summer, the Palais des Papes transforms into an open-air theater, adding to the square's vibrant atmosphere. From mid-August to early October, the Palace hosts Luminescences, a monumental video show that provides a unique sensorial experience.

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