Avignon: Palace of the Popes & Avignon Bridge Entry

Visiting Avignon, nestled in the South of France, is like stepping back into a medieval postcard. The experience of exploring the Palace of the Popes and the Avignon Bridge is packed with history, stunning architecture, and picturesque scenery. While this particular tour is a great way to access both sites conveniently, it’s worth knowing what’s included—and what isn’t—before you go.

What immediately catches your attention are the magnificent Gothic halls, the fantastic frescoes, and the chance to walk across the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet with panoramic views over the Rhône. We like the value of a combined entry for two UNESCO World Heritage sites, especially since it means you get a comprehensive glimpse of Avignon’s medieval role. However, a potential downside is that the visit to the Palace isn’t air-conditioned, so hot days might require some extra planning.

This tour suits those keen on history and architecture, eager to see one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic palaces, and who enjoy iconic bridges with a story to tell. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer self-guided exploration but want a well-organized, cost-effective way to cover two top attractions in one go.

Good To Know

• Includes access to the Palace of the Popes and Avignon Bridge, both UNESCO sites.
• Interactive Histopad enhances the experience with digital reconstructions and multi-language support.
• Affordable price point of $17 per person for two significant landmarks.
• Flexible visit schedule with a 2-day validity, allowing you to plan your visit at your own pace.
• Limited accessibility for visitors with mobility issues, due to stairs and the nature of the sites.
• Rich in history and architecture, perfect for those interested in medieval Europe.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Palace of the Popes

The Palace of the Popes is undeniably the star of the tour, and rightly so. Built in the 14th century, this massive Gothic structure served as the papal residence during a period when Avignon was the center of Catholic power. As we walk through the monumental halls, it’s easy to get caught up in the size and grandeur—think vast vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and endless corridors that echo centuries of history.

One of the standout features is the private papal apartments, which are surprisingly well-preserved and give a glimpse of the luxurious yet functional spaces where popes once governed. The fresco-adorned chapels add visual richness, and the artwork by Matteo Giovannetti has been praised for its beauty and detail. According to reviewers, seeing these frescoes and the painted rooms makes the visit worthwhile, especially when supplemented with the interactive Histopad. This device reconstructs the palace as it was in its prime, providing a vivid picture of medieval papal life, which makes the experience more engaging—especially for those who learn better with visuals.

However, some visitors, like a reviewer from Portugal, found the experience a bit disappointing, describing the palace as a “total letdown.” This underscores that expectations really shape our experience—so having an interest in Gothic architecture or medieval history will enhance your appreciation.

Walking the Avignon Bridge

Crossing the Pont Saint-Bénézet, or the Avignon Bridge, is a highlight for many. Built in the 12th century, it’s famous for the children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” and for the story of its partial destruction. Today, only four arches remain, but the views of the Rhône River and the surrounding scenery still impress.

The included audio guide offers insights into the bridge’s construction, its historical importance, and how it’s become an icon of French culture. Several reviewers appreciated the way the story was told, noting that this added depth made the walk more meaningful. One traveler from Austria mentioned that the visit, combined with the exhibition, was “just awesome,” reflecting how the site’s atmosphere can be quite captivating.

Expect to spend around 40 minutes at the bridge, during which you’ll snap plenty of photos and soak in the panoramic vistas. It’s a great spot to reflect on the centuries of history that shaped this crossing.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Your ticket grants access to both sites with no rush, making it easy to take your time. At the Palace of the Popes, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours—more if you linger over the frescoes or enjoy the temporary exhibitions, which often feature contemporary art installations. The audio guide enhances this experience, providing rich context for the architecture, artworks, and lived history of the palace.

The Avignon Bridge visit is shorter but equally rewarding. Walking across the remaining arches with the Rhône flowing underneath leaves a lasting impression. Prepare for stairs, as the sites are not fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues, and strollers need to be left at the entrance.

For those interested in a broader experience, note that the ticket does not include access to the Pontifical Gardens, and meals, transportation, or guided tours are extra.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

From reviews, it’s clear that many visitors value the combination of history and visual storytelling. The Histopad is particularly praised for making the palace’s history more accessible, with some praising it in multiple languages. But a few found it slightly restrictive compared to traditional headphones, so consider your preference for digital guides.

The price of $17 is quite reasonable for two UNESCO sites, especially given the detailed access and the interactive features included. It’s a good value for those who want a straightforward, self-guided experience without paying for a full guided tour.

Timing is flexible: the ticket is valid for two days, so you can visit the palace and bridge on different days if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Just remember that the Palace ticket has a specific time slot, so plan accordingly.

Remember, the sites are not air-conditioned, so if you visit during summer, bring water and sun protection. Conversely, winter visitors should be prepared for the cold and potential stairs that might be challenging.

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Additional Insights from Reviews

Travelers have expressed mixed feelings—while many enjoyed the stunning views and found the price good value, others felt the palace’s interior was underwhelming or too limited in scope. The temporary exhibitions at the Palace added extra interest for those visiting during special events, such as Jean-Michel Othoniel’s large-scale sculpture unveiled from June 2025 to January 2026, which is an added bonus if your visit coincides.

A common theme among reviews is the timing of the visit; many suggest doing the palace first and the bridge later in the day, especially since the palace isn’t air-conditioned and can get quite warm.

This ticket is perfect for history buffs and architecture lovers eager to see iconic medieval structures without breaking the bank. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling independently and appreciate the flexibility of a 2-day ticket.

However, travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer guided, fully-escorted tours might find some limitations. Also, if you’re looking for a highly immersive or guided experience, you may want to consider additional options.

For those who enjoy stunning panoramic views and learning about famous stories like the “Sur le Pont d’Avignon,” this combined ticket offers authentic, photogenic moments. It’s also a great choice for families, provided children are comfortable with stairs and walking.

The Avignon Palace of the Popes and the Bridge entry is a compelling way to experience two of France’s most recognizable World Heritage sites at a reasonable price. With its impressive Gothic architecture, panoramic river views, and engaging digital guides, it provides a clear window into medieval European history.

While it’s not a full guided tour and has some accessibility limitations, the overall value makes it worthwhile for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace. The combination of history, art, and scenic vistas guarantees memorable moments for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike.

If you’re visiting Avignon and want a straightforward way to soak in its most iconic sights, this ticket offers a balanced mix of educational content and visual beauty, perfect for capturing the essence of this historic city.

Is this ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, the ticket is valid for 2 days, allowing you to visit the Palace of the Popes and the bridge on different days if you prefer.

Do I need to choose a specific time slot for the Palace of the Popes?
Yes, the Palace ticket is valid for a specific time slot, so you should plan your visit accordingly. The bridge can be visited on the same or the following day.

Are guided tours included?
No, the ticket does not include guided tour services. However, it does include an audio guide for the bridge and an interactive Histopad for the palace.

Is there wheelchair access?
No, the sites are not fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues, mainly because of stairs. Strollers must be left at the entrance.

What should I bring for my visit?
Bring water, sun protection if visiting in summer, and comfortable footwear. Remember, the palace is not air-conditioned.

Can I visit the Pont Saint-Bénézet in the evening?
The ticket does not specify evening access; visits are generally during daylight hours, so plan your visit during daytime.

This experience offers a fantastic way to connect with Avignon’s medieval past, with the practical benefit of combined entry and digital storytelling—ideal for independent travelers eager to explore at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: