Louis Vuitton has announced that its Cruise 2026 show will take place at one of France’s most iconic monuments, the Palais des Papes in Avignon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The site is classified as both a Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was selected as part of Nicolas Ghesquière’s, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, ongoing commitment to championing the heritage and local culture of its Cruise locations.
The Palais des Papes is a marvel of gothic architecture, and was built in less 20 years during the Middle Ages, from 1335 and under the initiative of Benedict XII. It’s considered the most important Gothic palace in the West and with 25 venues within it, has been home to many cultural events. Exhibitions by artists such as Picasso, Botero, and Eva Jospin have all been hosted here, and this year, the palace celebrates 25 years since it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The setting is appropriate for Louis Vuitton, as the House has long paid tribute to the heritage and local craftsmanship of the locations it selects for shows around the world. Previous shows have taken place at iconic locations such as at the Miho Museum by I.M. Pei near Kyoto, and the Bob and Dolores Hope Residence by John Lautner in Palm Springs.
The Palais des Papes is also a nod to Louis Vuitton’s first Cruise show, which took place at the Place du Palais in Monaco, and the show at the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul de Vence. Alongside the Cruise 2026 show, Louis Vuitton will also contribute to the funding of a lighting project for the Palais des Papes, which will illuminate the facades of the buildings, and aims to “enhance the monumental architecture” and help with the safety of the surrounding roads.
Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 show will be held on May 22 2025, and the collection will be available to shop worldwide in November 2025.
