Maison du IV de Chiffre, Avignon

Historic Building and Historic Site in Avignon

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jean-Marc Rosier

Maison du IV de Chiffre in Avignon, France, is a late-Gothic townhouse in the city's intramuros old quarter. Built in 1493, it is one of the oldest surviving residences in Avignon and is best known for the carved “IV de Chiffre” emblem that once appeared between the first-floor windows.

The building is mainly a street-level sight, so visitors come to study the façade rather than go inside. Look for the crenelated roofline, corner turrets, and the strong medieval outline that still sets it apart from surrounding buildings. It suits travelers who like architectural details, old streets, and short stops that add context to a walk through Avignon’s historic center.

History and Significance of the Maison du IV de Chiffre

Built in 1493, the Maison du IV de Chiffre is considered one of Avignon's oldest surviving medieval residences. Over the centuries it was altered and adapted, but it still retains a strong late-Gothic character that stands out even in a city packed with historic stonework.

What makes the building especially memorable is the story of the “IV de Chiffre” monogram. The emblem’s meaning has long been debated, and while the original carvings are now faint or lost due to restoration, the legend of the symbol remains part of the building’s identity and local curiosity.

Architecturally, the house is noted for features that hint at status and craftsmanship: a crenellated roofline feel, corner turrets, and the idea of a spiral stair serving upper floors. Even if you only see it from the street, it reads as a rare, tangible fragment of late-medieval Avignon.

Things to See and Do in the Maison du IV de Chiffre

Start with the exterior: pause at the corner and scan the upper levels for Gothic lines, window proportions, and the overall silhouette that distinguishes it from simpler townhouses nearby. This is one of those Avignon sights where “what to see” is largely about noticing details rather than entering a big complex.

Next, enjoy the setting. Rue des Teinturiers is famous for its canal-side atmosphere and historic waterwheels, so the Maison du IV de Chiffre works best as part of a slow walk with frequent stops for photos and context. If you're doing a walking tour, ask your guide about medieval merchant marks and symbols-this is exactly the kind of façade that sparks good stories.

Finally, use it as a navigation anchor for a compact old-town loop: pair it with nearby churches, small squares, and the larger headline monuments (like the Palais des Papes) without needing to crisscross the city.

How to Get to the Maison du IV de Chiffre

The nearest major airports for Avignon are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and, for some routes, Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (MPL). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Avignon on Booking.com.

Avignon is well connected by rail, with Avignon TGV station for high-speed services and Avignon Centre station for local/regional connections into the historic core. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place..

If you’re traveling by car, aim for parking options outside or at the edge of the intramuros area, then walk in-streets in the old town can be narrow and traffic-restricted. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Maison du IV de Chiffre

Entrance fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24 Hours.
Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light on the stonework, or late afternoon for a warmer glow along Rue des Teinturiers.
How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is plenty for a careful look and photos, longer if you’re lingering on Rue des Teinturiers.
Accessibility: The viewing experience is street-based, but the surrounding lanes can be uneven; comfortable shoes help.
Facilities: There are no dedicated visitor facilities on-site; plan for cafés and restrooms elsewhere in the old town.

Where to Stay Close to the Maison du IV de Chiffre

Base yourself in Avignon intramuros if you want to explore on foot and dip in and out of sights without relying on transport.

La Mirande A classic, high-end option near the city’s biggest monuments, ideal if you want historic ambience and a special-occasion feel.

Hôtel d’Europe A polished, central stay with an elegant reputation-great for travelers who want comfort and walkability to nearly everything.

Avignon Grand Hôtel Convenient for arrivals and departures, especially if you’re using the train; a practical pick with easy access to the center.

Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes A reliable mid-range choice close to the headline sights, good for travelers who prioritize location and straightforward amenities.

Regina Boutique Hotel A boutique-style stay on Avignon’s main pedestrian artery, handy for shopping, dining, and quick walks to Rue des Teinturiers.

Is the Maison du IV de Chiffre Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you enjoy medieval streetscapes and small, authentic details that make Avignon feel lived-in rather than staged. It's a quick stop with high visual payoff, and it fits naturally into a walk along Rue des Teinturiers, one of the city's most atmospheric lanes.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and only want “big ticket” interiors and major museum-style visits, you can skip this and focus on the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon. The Maison du IV de Chiffre is more of a façade-and-context highlight than a destination you build a day around.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (166)

Reviewers are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, highlighting exceptionally warm, attentive hosts and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. Common positives include a central intramuros location that’s easy to walk from, a peaceful garden courtyard that feels like an oasis, and well-appointed rooms with modern comforts (including strong air conditioning and spa-style touches). A less common downside mentioned is that a smaller room offered during peak festival periods showed signs of humidity/musty odor, suggesting room choice can matter when the city is busiest.

Lisa Meyers

4 months ago

"Love Love Love this i . The owners are so warm and friendly and are extremely helpful. They prepare a beautiful breakfast each day. The I is locatedwithin the walls of Avignon and easy access to anything you would need. I would highly recommend staying heren. The property was totally updated in 2022. Air conditioning, pool jacuzzi...."

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Catana Chrostowski

11 months ago

"We stayed with a group of friends at la maison de l’Olivier à Avignon for two nights this week. Walking up you would never expect how beautiful theirproperty is! When you walk in the gate the hotel is gorgeous sanctuary in the middle of the city! The garden is beautiful and there is a nice patio to eat with friends. The rooms are beautiful and spacious and just as nice as any hotel I have stayed at. It was quiet and the beds were very comfortable so I had a great night sleep. Florian and Emmanuelle were kind, welcoming hosts and very responsive to communication. I highly recommend!..."

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Alexandre Tourre

6 months ago

"We felt right at home in this wonderful establishment in the center of Avignon. The rooms are great, nested inside of a beautiful property, managedand owned by a charming couple. Great people, great service, great location - would put a 6th star if I could!..."

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Garrett Hallas

7 months ago

"Amazing oasis in the heart of the old town of Avignon. The hosts treat you like family and are incredibly kind to all of their guests. The pool andhot tub area in the gardens is so beautiful, it's hard to believe it exists from the street! The in-room jacuzzi tubs and high tech showers were also such a nice plus during our stay, highly recommended!..."

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Pri Bri

7 months ago

"The service and location are unparalleled. The yard is like a little oasis and we felt very welcome. We had a small room they usually don't offer,but open during the festival period. As nicely decorated as it is, and comfortable, it clearly shows it never gets open: the smell of humidity and mold is STRONG. I even considered changing hotels, but I had only 2 nights, so I decided to put up with it. We tried to stay in the communal areas as much as possible to avoid the smell. I wonder if it's healthy for you. I felt like throwing up the first night. I can't say anything about the other rooms but hear they're great. It's a little sad as the owners are really easy to communicate, generous and nice people. I'd stay again but never in this room...."

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For Different Travelers

The Maison du IV de Chiffre is a flexible, low-commitment stop that works best as part of a broader old-town wander. Think of it as a “look up, learn a story, keep walking” kind of place.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the idea of a mysterious symbol and the notion of medieval “secret signs,” especially if you turn it into a quick scavenger hunt for gargoyle-like details and turrets nearby.

Because it’s a short stop, it pairs well with breaks along Rue des Teinturiers where you can reset attention spans. Keep it light: a few fun facts, a photo, then on to the next stop.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is the setting: a picturesque street, canal-side atmosphere, and a sense of hidden history in plain sight. It’s an easy pre-dinner stroll that feels intimate without needing reservations.

Combine it with golden-hour wandering and a café stop nearby. The best “romance factor” here is the slow pace and the old-stone ambiance rather than a formal visit.

Budget Travelers

This is a great budget-friendly highlight because you can appreciate it fully from the street while exploring one of Avignon’s most scenic areas.

Build a low-cost itinerary around it: walk Rue des Teinturiers, continue toward major viewpoints, and save paid entry for just one or two top priorities elsewhere.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how rare it is to find a clearly identified late-15th-century urban house still anchoring a modern street corner.

It’s also a good prompt to think about medieval commerce and symbolism-why marks mattered, how façades communicated identity, and how restoration can change what survives.

FAQs for Visiting Maison du IV de Chiffre

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the intramuros area, making it easy to reach on foot once you’re in the historic center. Plan to approach via Rue des Teinturiers for the most atmospheric route.

Avignon Centre is closer to the old town for walking, while Avignon TGV is best for high-speed arrivals and then a transfer onward. Either works; it just changes how much local transit you’ll use.

Yes, it fits neatly into an old-town loop that also connects to other central sights. It’s easiest to treat it as a pass-by highlight rather than a single-purpose destination.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to appreciate the building from the street. Any interior access, if available at all, would typically be separate from casual sightseeing.

Most visitors experience it as a free, exterior-only stop rather than a ticketed attraction. If you’re using a pass, treat this as a bonus sight along your route.

No advance booking is necessary for a street-view visit. If you’re joining a guided walking tour, book that tour based on your schedule.

Visiting Experience

Stand back at the corner, look up at the upper floors, and take a moment to notice the Gothic silhouette and façade details. Then continue along Rue des Teinturiers for the full atmosphere.

It can feel busier during peak tourist months and festival periods, but it’s rarely a bottleneck because people naturally keep moving along the street.

It can be, especially if you enjoy quieter streets and evening ambience. Just note that lighting varies by season and street section.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many old-town walking routes naturally include Rue des Teinturiers, so it’s a common pass-by stop. Ask your guide specifically about the “IV de Chiffre” symbol for extra context.

Combine Rue des Teinturiers with a broader intramuros stroll, then continue toward Avignon’s major monuments. This keeps your day balanced between small details and big highlights.

Focus on the story: a very old house, a mysterious emblem, and a street with a working-water history. A little context goes a long way here.

Photography

The corner viewpoint gives you the clearest sense of the building’s shape and height. Step back enough to capture the upper floors without distortion.

Morning and late afternoon are usually best for softer shadows and warmer tones on stone. Midday can be harsher, especially in summer.

Include the canal-side atmosphere and street texture to tell the story of the neighborhood. Wider shots often work better than tight façade crops.

Accessibility & Facilities

Not specifically at the building, but you’ll find places to pause along the surrounding streets and small squares. Plan short breaks as you go.

Facilities aren’t tied to the building itself, so use cafés or public options elsewhere in the center. It’s smart to plan a restroom stop before a longer walking loop.

Generally yes, but expect uneven paving and occasional tight sidewalks. A compact stroller is easier than a large travel system.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the intramuros area has plenty of cafés within a short walk. It’s an easy stop to pair with a coffee break.

Yes, it’s one of the more atmospheric streets for a slow wander. Build in time to stroll rather than rushing through.

Absolutely-this works well as a short walk before dinner in the old town. It’s low-effort and sets a great mood for the evening.

Safety & Timing

Like most central tourist areas, it’s generally fine with normal city awareness. Stick to well-lit routes and keep valuables secure.

Budget a short stop here and more time for nearby major monuments. This is best treated as a quick, high-character waypoint.

Yes, the old town can feel much busier and accommodations fill quickly. If you’re visiting during major events, plan earlier starts and flexible routes.

The Maison du IV de Chiffre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Avignon!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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