Hôtel des Monnaies, Historic mint building in Place du Palais, Avignon, France
Hôtel des Monnaies is a private mansion and classified historical monument at Place du Palais in Avignon, distinguished by its grand Italian facade. The structure displays rich sculptural ornamentations across its carefully proportioned stories, reflecting its former role as an important administrative seat.
Commissioned in 1619 by the papal vice-legate Jean-François de Bagni, the building initially served as a mint facility before evolving into different uses over centuries. It later functioned as military barracks and eventually underwent preservation efforts to maintain its historical standing.
The name reflects its origins as a coin-minting facility, a function that remains part of how locals understand the building's role in the city. The Italian facade with its ornate decorations serves as a visual reminder of the papal authority that once shaped Avignon's economy and power.
The building is reached via Place du Palais in central Avignon, situated among other protected structures in the historic quarter. When visiting, note that portions function as a hotel while other sections remain dedicated to exhibitions and heritage displays.
The building houses a Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage, offering visitors deeper insight into Avignon's architectural story. These exhibition spaces document not only the history of this single structure but also reveal how the entire historic core of the city came to be built and shaped.
Location: Avignon
Address: 9, place du Palais
GPS coordinates: 43.95079,4.80633
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
Avignon in southeastern France offers photographers many historical subjects to capture. The Papal Palace displays medieval architecture with large stone walls and Gothic details. The Saint-Bénézet bridge crosses the Rhône river and stands as a recognizable landmark of the city. From Rocher des Doms, visitors see the entire old town and surrounding landscape. The old city is enclosed by ancient walls and contains many worthwhile places to photograph. Place du Palais is framed by historical buildings, while Rue des Teinturiers preserves old water wheels from earlier times. Several museums, churches, and theaters throughout the city offer photographic interest. The Île de la Barthelasse provides green spaces and a different perspective of the city. Nearby Avignon, other important locations await exploration. Pont du Gard is a remarkable Roman structure. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon across the river features Fort Saint-André and Tour Philippe-le-Bel. This region combines architecture from different periods and offers engaging scenes for photographers.
Avignon holds more than its most famous sights. This route moves through churches, monasteries, and gardens that often go unnoticed by passing travelers. The path begins at Chapelle Saint-Ruf, a Romanesque structure, and leads to Rocher des Doms, where views open across the Rhône. The Hôtel des Monnaies displays baroque design, while Musée du Petit Palais houses Italian Renaissance paintings. Rue des Teinturiers, with its old water wheels, speaks to the city's craft traditions. Collection Lambert shows contemporary art within its modern spaces. Other places like Synagogue d'Avignon, Île de la Barthelasse, and Les Halles reveal how people actually move through and use the city. The Palais du Roure keeps local stories alive. The Jardin des Carmes offers a quiet corner for rest. The chapels built by the Pénitents—both black and white—mark religious brotherhoods that shaped life here from medieval times through the 1700s. Across the river in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon stand Fort Saint-André, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, and Tour Philippe-le-Bel. This collection shows Avignon not as a single monument but as a living place where history, art, and daily routines have layered themselves over many centuries.
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Historic Centre of Avignon
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Opéra d'Avignon
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Maison Aubanel
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Roman arcades of Avignon
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Jardin des Doms war memorial
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Golden pipe organ
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Maison, 21 place du Palais
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Maison, 8 rue Pente-Rapide-d'Avignon
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Vice gérence
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Maisons, 5-7 place du Palais
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17 - 19 Place du Palais
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Maison, 15 place du Palais
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Immeuble, 26 rue de la Balance
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Immeuble, rue de la Balance
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Collégiale de la Madeleine d'Avignon
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Tour de la Madeleine
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Immeubles, 2-4-6-8-10-12-14-16 rue de la Balance
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