Recently restored, the Gardens of the Palace constitute a new attraction for the visitor by opening a space of relaxation and greenery and allow a better understanding of the whole monument.
It is now possible to visit the gardens of the Palace alone (entrance through the Maria Casares courtyard, behind the monument), or to combine their visit with that of the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d'Avignon.
Papal Gardens + Palace + Bridge
Gardens + Palace + Bridge
Histopad
+ Temporary exhibition
The botanical route
The Gardens of the Palace, once again a place of wandering and meditation, reconnect with their historical vocation: they present an abundant domesticated nature, inspired by the dry gardens particularly adapted to the conditions of this environment, characteristic of Provence. There are thus cistus, white broth, reseda, immortelle, frutescent bupleurum… Plants already present in the region in medieval times, but also lemon trees, pomegranate trees, vines, roses and even artichokes! Access to the gardens is from the terrace of La Roma, facing the east elevation of the Palace. A generous stone bench allows you to sit down and enjoy an exceptional view of the monument. The route is punctuated with explanatory labels that identify each of the species.
Exceptional moments
A drink in the gardens
Sip a drink on a beautiful summer evening in a musical atmosphere, does that tempt you? And why not in the magnificent gardens of the majestic Palais des Papes?
From July 27 to August 24, every Thursday from 18:30 p.m. to 20:30 p.m., come (re)discover the wines of the region served by the winegrowers themselves, in an enchanting setting at the foot of the monument.
Palace Bees
The educational hive of the gardens of the Palace
Installed in the heart of the gardens, the local educational hive aims to restore the bee's place in our daily lives, and make us aware of their importance in our environment, including urban ones. A new swarm was installed there in 2021. The hive now allows visitors to the monument to study the behavior of bees, with the support of educational information panels.
Hives are also present at the Rocher des Doms, in the immediate vicinity of the Palais des Papes, where the Honey of the Palace is harvested with the help of the Avignon association Because they Forage.
Good to know
Every year in the spring, workshops led by the beekeeper of the Palais des Papes allow visitors to attend in small groups the opening of the hive and to better understand the life cycle and the importance of bees in our ecosystem. .By reservation. (2023 dates to come)
The Honey of the Palace
Le Miel du Palais, from hives installed at the Rocher des Doms, is a polyfloral, amber, light golden honey.
This harvest, often confidential (15 kg in 2021) is however highly symbolic since it accompanies the message of biodiversity protection that Avignon Tourisme and the Palais des Papes wish to convey throughout the world, in particular through actions related to the management plan. UNESCO.
A project is supported and financed by MELVITA and the City of Avignon elected regional capital of biodiversity in October 2018.
PALATE HONEY
16€ / 125g
ON SALE AT THE BOUTIQUE
FROM THE PALACE OF THE POPES
Presented in precious packaging specially designed for this rare product by the Rossi company (Sorgues), glass jars made locally (Bollène).
Proceeds from sales entirely donated to the Palais des Papes Endowment Fund for the Bees of the Palais des Papes.