Page 510 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

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PALAIS DES PAPES

! F6 ⌂ Pl du Palais, Avignon # Mar: 9am–6:30pm daily; Apr–Jun: 9am–7pm
daily; Jul: 9am–8pm daily; Aug: 9am–8:30pm daily; Sep & Oct: 9am–7pm daily;
Nov–Feb: 9:30am–6:30pm daily ∑ palais-des-papes.com
EXPERIENCE Provence and the Côte d’Azur the scheming of Philippe IV of France, Pope Clement V moved the papal Trouillas tower
One of the largest Gothic structures in Europe, the dramatic fortified walls
of the Palais des Papes loom intimidatingly over visitors. This palace dates
back to when, confronted with factional strife in Rome and encouraged by
court to Avignon in 1309, where it remained undisputed until 1377.

Originally a modest episcopal building, Palais des Papes
was transformed into a grand papal residence for the nine
popes who ruled from here, its heavy fortifications a vital
Consistory Hall
defence against bands of mercenaries. In its day, it would
have been full of the luxurious trappings of 14th-century
A cloister with
court life, particularly in the time of Clement VI, who added
the guest and
the flamboyant Palais Neuf to the original Palais Vieux.
staff wings
Clement VI felt luxury was the best way to honour
God but, over the centuries, most of the art
and furniture in the palace was destroyed.

EAT Bell tower

Carré du Palais
The two-course menu
at this restaurant and
wine bar in a historic
building on place de
Palais is a bargain. The
excellent wine list is
long and ever-changing.
⌂ 1 pl du Palais
∑ carredupalais.fr Corner
tower
¡¡¡
La Cabane d’Oléron
Tucked away in a corner
of Avignon’s extra-
ordinary covered
market, this eatery has
a handful of tables and
surprisingly affordable
connoisseur’s choice of
fruits de mer.
La Gache
⌂ Rue de l’Olivier, tower
Les Halles
§0698 29 10 88
¡¡¡ Champeaux
A cross-section gate
showing the Gothic
exterior of the palace
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