Cour d'honneur du palais des papes, Open-air theatre in the Palais des Papes, Avignon, France

The Cour d'honneur is a roughly 1,800-square-metre square courtyard in the Palais des papes, bounded by the old palace to the north and east and the new palace to the south and west. At its centre are the remains of Jean XXII's audience hall and a 29-metre well dug for Urban V. During the Avignon Festival, tiered seating and a wooden stage fill the space.

The courtyard was enlarged during the 14th century under Pope Clement VI as the papal palace was built and expanded. The space later became a theatre venue after World War II when artists chose to stage performances within its historic walls.

The courtyard became a symbol of accessible theatre when the Festival started, transforming the papal palace into a public gathering place for performances. Visitors can feel how the space encourages a closer connection between actors and audience than traditional indoor theatres.

The venue has dedicated entrances and support services for visitors with reduced mobility or hearing difficulties. Since it is an open-air space, appropriate clothing for weather conditions is important to consider when planning a visit.

At the centre of the courtyard, beside the remains of John XXII's audience hall, stands a well 29 metres deep that Pope Urban V had dug. It is easy to walk past on the way to the stage, yet it belongs to the palace's papal period rather than to the Festival.