Rocher des Doms is an attractive seven-acre (2.8-hectare) park situated on a rocky outcrop above the Palais des Papes. Avignon’s citizens have been promenading here since the 17th century, and today locals and visitors continue to enjoy the tranquility of the park’s gardens, scenic terrace and pond.
Unwind for an hour or two inside this garden refuge which feels a world away from the surrounding city. Learn about the history of the park by reading the information panels dotted throughout. Thousands of years ago the park’s rocky grottoes housed the areas earliest inhabitants, which is why Rocher des Doms is also known as the “Cradle of Avignon”.
See the statues of Avignon’s noteworthy citizens such as the poet and novelist Félix Gras and artist Paul Saïn. Relax by the pond and look out across the water to the Venus with Swallows. This 19th-century bronze sculpture was once located by Avignon’s St. Pierre church. However, the nude Venus caused such a commotion that the statue was moved to the park. Enjoy coffee and cake at the pond-side café and watch the ducks and swans glide across the water.
Throughout Rocher des Doms there are plenty of benches, picnic spots and quiet shaded corners if you are seeking some solitude. Step into the analemmatic sundial and use your shadow to tell the time. Other facilities include children’s play areas with slides and a carousel.
Bring a camera to capture the views over Avignon and the surrounding countryside. There’s a particularly good outlook of the Rhône River from the expansive paved terrace.
The hilltop garden is a five-minute walk away from the Palais des Papes. There are also wheelchair and pram friendly ramps that lead from the papal palace. Rocher des Doms can also be accessed from the banks of the Rhône River. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket for the small tourist train that departs from the square in front of the palace and stops at the garden gates.
Rocher des Doms is open every day of the year and closes at dusk.
