Rendez-vous aux jardins: over 2,200 French parks and gardens to visit

The 22nd edition of the Rendez-vous aux jardins (June 6 - 8) allows visitors to explore over 2,200 parks and gardens across France, as well as 600 gardens in 20 other European countries.

This popular event offers the opportunity to celebrate nature through the discovery of exceptional gardens that are often closed to the public. 

The theme of this year’s rendez-vous is: Jardins de pierres, pierres de jardins (Stone gardens, garden stones). 

“At the heart of this edition, stone will be showcased in all its forms: fountains, waterfalls, bridges, walls, statues, garden furniture, caves, canals…” states the Ministry of Culture. 

Certain sites have organised thematic conferences, guided tours, or concerts, with professional and amateur gardeners on hand to share their passion and expertise. Many events are free, while others are ticketed. 

Members of the public can also participate in workshops titled ‘Cultivons notre avenir’ (Let's cultivate our future), led by an eco-association called 2tonnes to raise public awareness of the challenges of the ecological transition.

Find a participating garden near you by checking the full programme and interactive map. 

Read also: Meet the volunteers vital to the growth of Open Gardens, and find out how you can join too

Gardens to visit

Several of France’s châteaux and their impressive domaines are taking part, including the Château de Fontainebleau (Ile-de-France), the Château de Villandry (Centre-Val de Loire), and the Palais de la Berbie in Albi (Occitanie).

Members of the public can also open their gardens as part of the event, provided the garden is well-maintained and of cultural, architectural, aesthetic, landscape, botanical or scientific significance.

Read also: Visit a Yorkshireman's French garden this May and June

Some of the sites featured on this year’s programme are:

The Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff 

This garden, deemed a Jardin Remarquable, brings together rare collections of South African plants, as well as those from Australia, New Zealand, the Canaries, Madeira, Chile and Mexico. 

As well as visiting this Finistère (Brittany) garden during the day, visitors have the opportunity to take a ‘nocturne’ stroll. The site will be decked out in its finest colours to highlight its stones and plants.

Night-time opening hours are from 21:00 to 23:30 on July 6, 7 and 8. Price: €5 (free for children under 8). 

The Jardin japonais de Compans-Cafarelli

Toulouse's (Occitanie) Japanese garden was created in 1981 and is inspired by the traditional gardens of Kyoto. It was designed according to the principles of Zen philosophy. 

As part of the Rendez-vous aux jardins, visitors can take a guided tour across the pretty red bridge, a passageway between the material and spiritual worlds, to discover all of the garden’s special features.

Tours offered on July 7 and 8. Free admission, reservations required. Duration: 1 hour

Read also: Cherry blossoms galore: Europe's largest Japanese garden is in France

The Jardin de l'harmonie

In the heart of Bieuzy-les-Eaux (Brittany), an exceptional garden emerges from the imagination of owner and artist, Dominique Le Paih. 

“This enchanting place boldly combines the delicacy of flowers with the robustness of granite sculptures… This garden, still under construction, is much more than just a green space: it's a living, evolving work of art that defies traditional codes.”

The garden is free to visit on July 6, 7 and 8, with guided tours available. No reservation required.