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Garden · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Rocher des Doms
Public garden on top of the rock where Avignon originated, beside the Palais des Papes, with views over the Rhône, the Pont Saint-Bénézet and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Admission is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rocher des Doms
The Rocher des Doms is the limestone hill that sheltered Avignon's first inhabitants on the banks of the Rhône. Later, the papal Palais Vieux was built up against it. On the summit, in the 19th century the city created the Jardin des Doms, a park with a pond, avenues, statues and viewpoints.
From the terrace on the river side you can see the Pont Saint-Bénézet from above, the île de la Barthelasse, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon with Fort Saint-André and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux to the northeast. Orientation panels help identify features on the horizon.
At the foot of the garden are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms, with the gilded statue of the Virgin atop the tower, and the Musée du Petit Palais, the former archbishops' palace, which houses Italian and Provençal painting from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Both are on the same square as the Palais des Papes.
The garden is a good place to rest between visits: it has shaded benches, a small café part of the year and toilets. It's also a favourite spot for locals to watch the evening over the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour. With the cathedral and the Petit Palais, about 2 hours.
Best time
Late afternoon is best to see the light over the Rhône. On mistral days it is very windy on the heights. The garden's opening and closing times vary by season; check before you go.
How to get there
On foot, via the ramp or the staircase that rise from place du Palais, next to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms. There is also access from the Pont Saint-Bénézet side via steps by the ramparts.
Tip
Combine the garden with the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms next door and the Musée du Petit Palais on the same square. Bring water in summer: the climb is short but exposed to the sun.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rocher des Doms
Do you have to pay to enter the garden?
No. Entry to the Jardin des Doms is free. The garden opens and closes at times that vary by season.
What can you see from the top?
The Rhône, the Saint-Bénézet bridge, the Île de la Barthelasse, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon with Fort Saint-André and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.
What's near the garden?
Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms, the Musée du Petit Palais with Italian and Provençal medieval painting, and the Palais des Papes, all on the same square.