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Gardens at the Popes' Palace: A Papal Retreat

Discover a tranquil oasis within Avignon's Palais des Papes: meticulously restored gardens showcasing medieval flora.

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Escape the bustling city within the walls of the Palais des Papes at the meticulously restored Gardens. These gardens offer a serene connection to the palace's history, providing a tranquil oasis amidst Avignon's vibrant energy.

A brief summary to Gardens at the Popes’ Palace

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

Local tips

  • Access to the gardens is available either through the Manutention entrance on Rue des Escaliers Ste Anne, or via the Salle du Trésor bas if you're already visiting the Palais des Papes.
  • Note that the gardens close 30 minutes before the Palais des Papes itself closes.
  • Avignon residents can access the gardens for free upon showing proof of address.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palais des Papes, access the Gardens via the Salle du Trésor bas. If approaching from Avignon city center, walk towards Place du Palais and find Rue des Escaliers Ste Anne. The Manutention entrance to the gardens will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Avignon Centre train station, take bus route C2 towards Université. Alight at the Hôtel de Ville stop, which is a 5-minute walk to the gardens. Alternatively, from the Avignon TGV station, take the TER train to Avignon Centre. Then, follow the bus directions. A single bus ticket costs €2.

  • Parking

    The closest parking is the Parking Palais des Papes, located at 18 Place du Palais. Access by car is via 2, rue Ferruce. The parking is open 24/7. Rates start at €2.80 for the first hour, with increasing rates thereafter. Be aware that during July and August, parking rates increase. There are also 13 free secured bicycle parking spaces.

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Discover more about Gardens at the Popes’ Palace

The Gardens at the Popes' Palace offer a tranquil escape within the imposing walls of the Palais des Papes. These meticulously restored gardens provide a unique opportunity to connect with the palace's history and enjoy a moment of serenity amidst the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally conceived in the 14th century, the gardens were an integral part of the papal residence, providing a private sanctuary for the popes and a space to cultivate plants and herbs for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The Gardens at the Popes' Palace are divided into two distinct areas: the Palace Garden, also known as the Benedict XII Garden, and the Papal Garden. The Palace Garden, spanning 1,250 square meters, is arranged around the palace's original 14th-century hydraulic system. This ingenious system once supplied water to the gardens and the palace itself, and its presence is still felt today in the garden's design. Large rectangular beds showcase Mediterranean plant species documented in the pontifical gardens during the 1300s. The Papal Garden, covering 662 square meters, offers a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. This private garden was directly accessible from the papal apartments, providing a refuge for the popes to escape the pressures of their office. The restoration of the Papal Garden has focused on recreating its original character, with the re-establishment of the Griffon fountain and the surrounding flowering meadow. One of the most striking features of the restored gardens is the monumental pergola that marks the footprint of the Roma gallery. This impressive structure, which will gradually be covered in vegetation, serves as a reminder of the grand building that once stood on this site.

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