An 18th-Century Abbatial Palace Surrounded by Stunning Terraced Gardens on a Mountain Facing Avignon’s Palace of the Popes

On the heights of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon (Gard), hidden within the walls of Fort Saint-André, the Remarkable Garden of the Abbey Saint-André unfolds on successive balconies offering sweeping views of the Palace of the Popes and the Alpilles Mountains on one side, Mount Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail on the other. Designated an Historic Monument, these romantic gardens surrounding an 18th-century abbatial palace display a variety of moods: parterres in 18th century Tuscan style, ornamented with pools and a pergola dripping with wisteria and roses, French-style groves of trees, Mediterranean rock gardens, a century-old olive orchard, and panoramic terraces.

A rare site that harmoniously blends the art of gardening with a mosaic of religious heritage, it invites a stroll though the history of Languedoc and Provence since the 6^th century. An inspiring place, it is filled with poetry, and often invites all the arts into its gardens.

Open from March 1 until October 31.