Rocher des Doms

Perched on a limestone outcrop in the heart of Avignon, the Rocher des Doms is the site of the city's earliest settlement and today its most beautiful public garden. Rising above the Rhône just north of the Palais des Papes and the cathedral, it forms part of the historic ensemble listed by UNESCO. The Jardin des Doms, laid out in the 19th century, offers lawns, Mediterranean planting, shady paths, a pond with ducks and a small café, making it a peaceful escape from the busy streets below.

The main reason to climb up is the view. From the terraces you look over the Rhône and the Pont Saint-Bénezet, across to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Fort Saint-André, and, on clear days, towards Mont Ventoux and the hills of Provence. The garden also holds sculptures, including the Venus with Swallows by Félix Charpentier, a statue of Jean Althen, who introduced madder cultivation to the region, and an analemmatic sundial on which visitors use their own shadow to tell the time.

The garden is reached by steps and paths from the Place du Palais beside the cathedral, as well as from the riverside. Entry is free, and it is open from morning until evening, with hours varying by season. It is a lovely place for a picnic or a rest between visits, and particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.