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Gardens at the Popes’ Palace: A Medieval Oasis

Discover a peaceful retreat in the heart of Avignon, exploring the meticulously restored Gardens at the Popes' Palace, a testament to medieval papal life.

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Escape the bustle of Avignon in the serene Gardens at the Popes’ Palace. These meticulously restored gardens offer a tranquil retreat adjacent to the Palais des Papes, providing insight into the lives of the 14th-century popes who once sought solace here.

A brief summary to Gardens at the Popes’ Palace

  • Rue des Esc. Sainte-Anne, Avignon, 84000, FR

Local tips

  • Access to the gardens is either through the Manutention entrance on Rue des Escaliers Ste Anne or via the Salle du Trésor bas if you are already visiting the Palais des Papes.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Palais des Papes for a comprehensive historical experience; a combined ticket offers better value.
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Place de l'Horloge in the city center, walk north towards the Palais des Papes. The gardens are located adjacent to the palace. Follow signs for 'Palais des Papes' and then 'Jardins du Palais des Papes'. The entrance to the gardens is either through the Maria Casarès courtyard or via the Salle du Trésor bas if you are already visiting the Palais des Papes. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Avignon's city buses are operated by Transports en Commun de la Région d'Avignon (TCRA). The main bus interchanges in central Avignon are in front of the main post office (Avignon Poste), in place Pie and on rue de la République. Purchase a single trip ticket from the driver for approximately €2. Validate the ticket each time you board, even when transferring. Get off near the Palais des Papes and follow walking directions.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Avignon. A taxi from the Avignon Centre train station to the Palais des Papes area will cost approximately €7-10. Taxi ranks are located in front of the central and TGV railway stations, while others are at Raspail (rue de la République), St Lazare (near the university) and place Pie. From there, follow walking directions to the Gardens.

  • Parking

    If driving, the Palais des Papes car park is located at 18 Place du Palais. Car access is via 2, rue Ferruce. Parking rates are approximately €2.80-3.20 for the first hour, depending on the season. From the car park, take the pedestrian exit to Place du Palais des Papes and follow walking directions.

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Discover more about Gardens at the Popes’ Palace

The Gardens at the Popes’ Palace, a recent addition to the visitor experience in Avignon, offer a tranquil escape and a deeper understanding of the Palais des Papes. These gardens, meticulously restored, provide a serene counterpoint to the palace's imposing architecture, inviting visitors to explore a space once reserved for papal contemplation and leisure. Located adjacent to the Palais des Papes, the gardens are divided into two distinct areas: the Palace Garden, also known as the Jardin Benoît XII, and the Papal Garden. Each garden reflects the historical and horticultural practices of the 14th century, offering a glimpse into the lives of the popes who resided in Avignon during this period. The Palace Garden, the larger of the two, is structured around the 14th-century hydraulic system that once supplied water to the papal residence. This system now serves as a framework for the garden's design, with large rectangular beds showcasing Mediterranean plant species documented in the pontifical gardens during the 1300s. Strolling through this garden, visitors can imagine the popes and their courtiers wandering among the herbs, flowers, and trees that provided both sustenance and aesthetic pleasure. The Papal Garden, smaller and more intimate, offers a sense of privacy and seclusion. This garden was once directly accessible from the Pope's private chambers, providing a refuge from the affairs of state. The restoration of the Papal Garden has focused on recreating its original character, including the re-establishment of the Griffon fountain and the surrounding flowering meadow. These features evoke the garden's past as a place of quiet contemplation and natural beauty. One of the most striking features of the Papal Garden is the monumental pergola that marks the site of the ancient Roma building. While only traces of this structure remain, the pergola serves as a reminder of the garden's rich history and provides a shaded space for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The gardens provide visitors with a relaxing space and add to a deeper understanding of the entire Palace. The Papal Garden and the Palace Garden join the existing public garden the Urban V Orchard, inaugurated on 14 September 2018, to form the triptych of the Papal Palace Gardens.

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