The garden of the Rocher des Doms, a green setting in the heart of the city

This park had several lives before becoming the garden we know today. During archaeological excavations, relics dating back to the Stone Age were found. They are now on display in the Musée Calvet.

It also served as a fortification in Gallo-Roman times and was transformed into a fortified castle in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, the site became a place for the people of Avignon to relax and enjoy a stroll. A century later, major works were undertaken to give the site a completely different appearance, turning it into a veritable park planted with trees and laid to pretty lawns. A large pond was added to the green spaces and several statues of famous artists were installed.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 3-hectare park is laid out in the English style and forms a veritable lung protected by walls. It is set on the Rocher des Doms, overlooking the Pont Bénezet, Avignon's landmark. Centuries-old trees, ponds, pathways and works of art blend together in a well-mastered disorder.

In the distance, you can make out the famous Palais des Papes, which you can approach to admire it from a new angle. Right next to the papal residence is the Cathedral of the Doms, a Roman edifice dominated by a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary watching over Avignon. The garden also overlooks the Petit Palais museum and, further south, Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral.

Ideally positioned, the garden offers an exceptional panorama of the city and the Rhône, which it borders. An orientation table has been installed to help you understand the surrounding area. Mont Ventoux can be seen in the background. Whether you're a couple, a family or on your own, you can stroll through the alleys to your heart's content.

There are a few tables and benches where you can take a picnic break or simply read a book. If you're lucky, you might come across a few peacocks. These majestic birds impress the crowds and sometimes drop their tails on the ground, so be careful not to upset them by stepping on them... at your peril!

As well as the spectacular views offered by the site, there is much more to see in the garden of the Rocher des Doms. There are pretty stone pools, like altars surrounded by water, and bronze statues. These include "Le départ des hirondelles" (also known as "La Vénus aux hirondelles") by Félix CHARPENTIER. For the record, this statue was originally exhibited in the Place Carnot before being moved here because of its nudity.

More unusual is the fact that the park has its own vineyard. It's a parcel less than 1 km long, called the "Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes" and made up of 12 grape varieties. It was replanted by the Compagnons du Rhône in 2015 after some work. It is the first AOC vineyard within the city walls.

The park is also a children's paradise, with a play area to the west featuring slides, a swing, etc. Everything you need to keep the little ones active and enjoy a great day out in nature.

Finally, let's continue our walk by taking the river shuttle to the Barthelasse island just opposite. The shuttle is free of charge.

🚌 Getting there:

You can get there on foot via one of these three options:

• the Place du Palais
• the Sainte Anne staircase, located behind the Palais des Papes
• the staircase on the banks of the Rhône

For the less courageous, a small train will take you around the city.

📍 Address: place du Palais, Avignon

⏰ Times: every day from 7.30 am. Park closure may vary depending on the period.

👛 Admission: Free

👉 Please note that animals are not allowed.

All the information is available on the Town Hall website.

You don't have to go far: in the centre of the garden, an industrial-style house overlooks a stretch of water. A terrace with tables and chairs scattered here and there welcomes us for a refreshing drink or even an impromptu snack. The refreshment bar at the Rocher des Doms serves a number of à la carte dishes in the style of a tearoom. A gentle interlude in the company of the ducks swimming peacefully in front.

Take a gourmet break in this small, warmly decorated restaurant. E.A.T serves traditional French cuisine with a twist. The restaurant is run by a couple who are passionate about what they do. They put taste at the service of your plate.

For sophisticated cuisine, we recommend the bistronomic restaurant l'Arlequin, which opened in 2019. The minimalist but promising menu, concocted by Corentin Roustan, changes every month and adapts to the seasons - a limited choice to guarantee quality, but enough to satisfy all palates. The sommelier will be happy to help you choose the right wine and food pairing.