The Jardin des Doms: A Walk and Panoramic Views Above Avignon

A 19th-century garden above the reservoirs

In the 19th century, the rock was transformed into a public garden. Landscape designer Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps drew up the layout between 1863 and 1865: shaded paths, lawns, pools and statues form an English landscape garden above the city.

Beneath the paths lies another story: the water supply. The Rocher des Doms reservoir and underground galleries help store and supply drinking water for part of the Grand Avignon network.

At the centre of the main pool, Félix Charpentier’s Venus with Swallows is one of the garden’s most distinctive landmarks. Once considered too immodest for the city’s streets, the statue found a more secluded home here, surrounded by water, foliage and the gentle movement of ducks and swans.

The garden reopened on 28 February 2026 after the first phase of restoration. The grotto and pools have been restored, views opened up, and plants suited to heat and drought introduced. The paths once again offer views over the city and the river.

The second phase, scheduled from autumn 2026 to June 2027, covers the esplanade and access ramps. Some routes may therefore change: use the practical information below to plan your visit.

The Rhône, Villeneuve and Mont Ventoux on the horizon

The garden offers a break from the streets of the old town. In July, it is a pleasant place to continue an outing to the nearby Avignon Festival. At the foot of the rock, the Romanesque Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral and the Palais des Papes recall the city’s medieval history.

From the viewpoints, your gaze follows Saint-Bénézet Bridge and the two branches of the Rhône surrounding Barthelasse Island. On the right bank, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Fort Saint-André stand out. Further away, you can make out the château of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and, on the horizon, Mont Ventoux.

Beyond Saint-Bénézet Bridge, the panorama reveals the former boundary of the kingdom of France. On the right bank, the Philippe le Bel Tower controlled the bridge’s arrival on the Villeneuve side. Further north, Fort Saint-André crowns Mont Andaon: its walls protected the abbey and settlement while asserting royal power opposite Avignon. The Rhône still flowed at the foot of the hill until the late 18th century, before its course moved away.

The paths up to the garden

From the Place du Palais des Papes, the climb beside Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral reaches the garden via ramps. Two other entrances involve steps: one from the Rhône riverbank near Saint-Bénézet Bridge, and the Sainte-Anne stairway in the Manutention quarter behind the Palais des Papes. During the works, check which routes are open.

The descent to the riverbank also reaches the area around the landing stage for the river shuttle to Barthelasse Island. Plan this crossing separately: check operating days and times before relying on the boat.

Continue your getaway on Barthelasse Island

On Barthelasse Island, the towpaths extend the walk along the Rhône. From this bank, you can see the full width of the rock, its terraces and the garden above them.

At the foot of the rock, Saint-Bénézet Bridge offers another visit, to explore the arches and chapels of Avignon’s famous bridge. On the right bank, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon brings you closer to the monuments seen from the viewpoint, from Fort Saint-André to the Chartreuse.