24 Jul 2024

In the Footsteps of French Popes

WORDS by Natasha Dragun

Avignon, France Avignon, France

Europe

River Cruising

In Provence, the city of Avignon tells one of France’s most fascinating historic stories through its grand World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes.

To say the Palais des Papes is imposing is an understatement. With 15,000 square metres of floor space, it was the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages, and it remains the largest (and one of the most important) of its kind in all of Europe.

Yet remarkably, for all its chapels, towers, arches and ornamentation, the complex took less than 20 years to build back in the 14th century, under the guidance of two of France’s most applauded architects, Pierre Peysson and Jean de Louvres.

 

Palais des Papes, Avignon, France Palais des Papes, Avignon, France

When the pope comes to town

Why the rush to build, you might ask? Avignon became the capital of Western Christianity from 1309 to 1377, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the time’s chaos in Rome. A total of seven French popes reigned in Avignon over the coming decades, and two commissioned palaces from 1335: Benedict XII, who built the Old Palace, and his successor Clement VI, who built the New Palace. The Palais des Papes is an amalgamation of the two structures. United, the vast complex appears more like a siege-prone fortress than the former papal residence.

It's all in the palatial details

Those breakaway popes of the 14th century were well funded and they dug deep to commission a warren of serpentine corridors, imposing stone halls and apartments frescoed with ornate hunting and fishing scenes, at the hands of famous Italian artists like Matteo Giovannetti and Simone Martini.

In the Saint Martial Chapel, another fresco tells the marvellous story of Saint Martial, who was sent by Saint Peter to spread the word of the Gospel in the Limousin area of France – the pope’s native region.
Scenic Enrich classical concert at the Palais des Papes, Avignon, France Scenic Enrich classical concert at the Palais des Papes, Avignon, France
After the Papal Curia moved back to Rome in 1377 in the face of growing stability, the Palais des Papes entered a long period of decline, in which it was besieged on multiple occasions by invading forces – it was even claimed by the Napoleonic French state, being used as a prison and army barracks.

The building was finally vacated in 1906, and was declared a national museum soon after. Since then, the palace has seen near-constant (and meticulous) renovations. Small wonder the 700-year-old edifice on the leafy banks of the Rhône, along with the historic centre of Avignon, has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture and historical importance.

Go behind the scenes with Scenic

Today’s visitors – there are around 600,000 of them annually – can admire some 25 rooms within the palatial walls, glimpsing the pope’s private chambers and some of those glorious frescoes.

But what if you had the entire place only to you and your fellow friends? You can with a Scenic cruise along the Rhône.

Choose the Spectacular South of France or Idyllic Rhône river cruise itineraries to witness the majesty of the Palais des Papes on a Scenic Enrich event. These exclusive experiences are designed to create once-in-a-lifetime moments, truly immersing you in your destination and taking you beyond what most travellers ever think is possible.

When the doors of Palais des Papes close to the general public, they open to you. Stepping into the Grand Tinel Room – with its domed roof, vast tapestries and original 14th-century stonework walls – Scenic guests are treated to an exclusive gala dinner of fine food and exquisite wine, all while being serenaded by classical musicians. Needless to say, the acoustics and ambiance are out of this world, the perfect setting for a memory that will stay with you forever.

Lyon

11 Days

SEASON: 2025

Spectacular South of France

Awaken your senses in the South of France

From
GBP
£3,299*
Lyon to Marseille

8 Days

SEASON: 2025

Idyllic Rhône

From the gastronomic heart of France to the Mediterranean

From
GBP
£3,199*
Bordeaux

11 Days

SEASON: 2025

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

From
GBP
£2,999*
Europe RIver Cruising 2025
Europe RIver Cruising 2025

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Start planning your unforgettable Scenic journey, details about river cruises and frequently asked questions. 

Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.