Urbain V Orchard, Garden in Avignon, France
The Verger Urbain V is a public garden located directly behind the Palace of the Popes in Avignon. It features open grassy areas, trees, shaded spots, benches, and is bordered by a section of the old city wall dating from the 16th century.
Pope Urban V had this garden created in the 14th century as a fruit orchard to supply fresh produce for his table. Over time, the space was transformed into a public garden open to all visitors.
The Verger Urbain V was once a gathering spot for artists during the Festival d'Avignon, in the era of Jean Vilar. Today, families come here to use a wooden and metal playground with a suspension bridge and a slide while adults sit nearby on benches.
The garden is open every day, with longer hours in summer and shorter ones in winter, so it is worth checking the season before planning a late visit. Entry is free, animals are not allowed inside, and the site is easy to reach on foot from the city center.
The garden shares a boundary with the Utopia cinema and the Place de l'Amirande, making it easy to move between a historic garden and a neighborhood movie theater in just a few steps. This link between a medieval orchard and an active cinema is rarely found in European city centers.
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