Terrasses des Minimes

The Terrasses des Minimes are tiered gardens built into steep slopes behind the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, with multiple levels linked by stone pathways. The site spans roughly 1.6 hectares of open lawns, planted areas, and viewing platforms that descend toward the city below.

Religious orders including the Teutonic Knights began shaping these terraces from the 13th century onward. The French Revolution brought major changes in 1796 when properties were seized and the land passed to different hands.

The terraces reflect how religious communities shaped the land through gardening and agriculture, turning steep slopes into productive spaces. Walking through them today, you sense the legacy of people who made practical use of every patch of earth.

The gardens are open daily without entrance fees, with access from rue Pierreuse and multiple walking paths leading through different sections. The terrain is quite steep with many steps, so sturdy shoes and some time to climb are helpful.

A preserved wall section contains specialized niches that were originally built for beekeeping by the monks. These small recesses reveal how diverse and clever agricultural practices were in these religious communities.