It’s a star attraction in Provence – the ancient Palace of the Popes. Avignon is one of the prettiest places in France, a once tranquil and picturesque town that for a brief time became the seat of religious power in Europe.
From 1309 to 1376, seven successive Popes based their court there instead of Rome; their legacy is a monumental building and the world’s biggest Gothic Palace. Since 1947, the Palais des Papes has hosted the annual Festival d’Avignon, an important cultural event. In 2013 a new summer show was launched, a son et lumière spectacle called Les Luminessences d’Avignon.
Held in the Court of Honour, it’s an extraordinary 3D light show that lasts about 35 minutes and reviews the dramatic history of the Avignon Popes and the central role of the Palace.
The show will be held every evening from August to October, in a 360° screening that lights up the medieval walls of the Honour Courtyard. Over 130,000 viewers have already taken this journey back in time for a magical, intense and moving experience and the success of the show, particularly with visitors has led to three shows a week being given in English.
Palais des Papes Light Show
The Palace of the Popes, reveals its treasures and revives past memories from August to October. Home to seven successive popes, heart of the medieval Christian world, scene of several sieges, this unique palace played a vital role in European history and has UNESCO World Heritage status.
Les Luminessences d’Avignon tells its story magnificently using leading edge sound and image technology, taking the viewer into a seamless visual feast and narrative at a sustained, exciting pace. Monumental images cloak the four wings of the palace and surround the audience in a poetic fusion of architecture, light and music.
3 shows in English each week
Thanks to the popularity of Avignon and the Palace with international visitors, Les Luminessences d’Avignon is introducing an English language show on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Practical information
August to October – check website for precise dates and times.
