Listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Palace of the Popes is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France. A true symbol of the influence of Western Christianity in the 14th century, this 15,000m2 masterpiece of a monument is the largest medieval fortress and biggest gothic palace of Europe. 

Built in less then 20 years starting in 1335, the Palace of the Popes is the amalgamation of two palaces built by two popes: Benedict XII, who built the Old Palace to the east and north, and his successor Clement VI who built the New Palace to the south and west. 

In the 14th century, the Palace was occupied by 9 popes before the return of the papacy to Rome.