Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Petit Palais dates back to the 13th century and was the residence for Avignon's episcopal bishops before Pope Clement V created the Palais des Papes.
The building was designed as a Gothic fort and is distinguished by the crenelated outer wall (defensive ramparts), a typical element of medieval architecture. The Petit Palais is now an art museum with excellent collections, including masterpieces of Italian paintings from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
The collection includes notable works by Italian painters, including Sandro Botticelli and Louis Brea. The museum's most famous piece is Botticelli's Virgin and Child painting. The museum also displays Avignon sculptures and a collection of works by the Avignon School of Painters.
At one time, Napoleon II had purchased the collection for the Louvre Museum. As a benefit for visitors in need of refreshment, the Petit Palais museum has a tea salon with outdoor seating in a quiet courtyard. The tea salon offers a selection of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and pâtisseries
