In central Avignon, Place Saint-Didier combines a Gothic church with a lively neighbourhood of small shopping streets. Follow Rue du Roi-René for mansion façades, carved masks and memories of Petrarch.
The Place and Collegiate Church of Saint-Didier in Avignon
Place Saint-Didier in Avignon
Francesco Laurana's Altarpiece in Collegiate Church Saint-Didier in Avignon
Detail of Hôtel Fortia de Montréal in Rue du Roi René in Avignon
The Saint-Didier Collegiate Church in Avignon
The tomb of Saint-Bénézet in the Saint-Didier Collegiate Church in Avignon
The Saint-Didier Collegiate Church in Avignon
A Gothic church in central Avignon
Built between 1356 and 1359, Saint-Didier Church is an example of Southern Gothic architecture from the Avignon papacy. Its six-sided bell tower rises above the square, while the interior offers a striking contrast through its restrained architecture.
The church preserves relics of Saint Bénézet, associated with Avignon’s medieval bridge, and Saint Pierre de Luxembourg. Its Carrying of the Cross, sculpted by Francesco Laurana around 1481, came from the former Celestine convent.
Mansions of the rue du Roi René
Narrow and winding, Rue du Roi-René leads away from Place Saint-Didier. Its mansion façades reveal the influence of Italian architecture on Avignon. These are principally private buildings: the street walk offers views of their exteriors.
Look up at the carved masks on the façade of the Hôtel Berton de Crillon, built in 1649. Nearby stand the 17th-century Hôtel Fortia de Montréal and the 18th-century Hôtel d’Honorati de Jonquerettes. Together they form a rewarding sequence of façades along the street.
Sainte-Claire and the memory of Petrarch
At the end of the street stand the surviving parts of the former Sainte-Claire convent church. Petrarch placed his first encounter with Laura here on 6 April 1327. The remains, a small garden and the Théâtre des Halles continue the walk beyond the mansions.
In winter, see the separate report on Christmas nativity scenes in Avignon’s churches for information about Saint-Didier’s seasonal display.
Visiting Saint-Didier
Admission to the church is free. Respect services and quiet inside. Opening times may vary with the availability of attendants; check the tourist office before travelling specifically to see the interior. Continue on foot along Rue du Roi-René to view the mansion façades.