Rendez-vous aux jardins 2026: visit over 2,800 parks and gardens across France

The 23rd edition of the Rendez-vous aux jardins (Let's meet in the gardens) takes place this weekend, from June 5 - 7.

The event celebrates nature through the discovery of over 2,800 exceptional parks and gardens across France, as well as some 650 gardens in 22 other European countries, that are often closed to the public.

The theme of 2026’s rendez-vous is La vue, which could be translated as ‘The view’ or ‘Vision’.

“Through this sensory lens, visitors will be invited to take a fresh look at the landscapes, perspectives, colours and botanical arrangements that shape the gardens,” said France’s Ministry of Culture.

The Ministry has also launched a special collaboration between the Valentin Haüy Association (which works to support the independence of visually impaired and blind people) and the Comité des Parcs et Jardins de France, offering people with visual disabilities an opportunity to discover the sensory aspects of gardens.

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.

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

Some sites are not open across the entire weekend, so be sure to check the specific details of each participating garden.

Note that June 5 is dedicated to pupils and students, “giving the younger generation the chance to discover the benefits of gardening, whilst instilling in them a love and respect for nature,” stated the Ministry of Culture.

A selection of gardens to discover

Several of France’s châteaux and their impressive domaines are taking part, including the Château de Fontainebleau (Ile-de-France), the Château d'Angers (Pays de la Loire), the Château de Chenonceau (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.

Parc Laplagne with its historic rose garden and water features

Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

This historic park will be opening its gates for free, exclusive visits across the weekend starting from 14:00 - 17:00 on Friday.

It has been restored and tended by students training to become landscape gardeners at the Lycée agricole Limoges Les Vaseix - Magnac Laval.

Bonsaï conference at the Arboretum du Domaine départemental de la Vallée-aux-Loups

Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France

A series of events will be held at this arboretum, including a talk titled Seeing Through the Bonsaï, led by the head of the site’s bonsaï collection.

The hour-long conference will first take place on Sunday (June 7) at 14:00 and will then be repeated at 16:00.

The ‘Remarkable Garden’ of Parc Jouvet

Drôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Visitors can see inside Parc Jouvet - labelled a Jardin remarquable - on Saturday (June 6) from 14:30 - 16:00.

A guide will be available to offer free tours however they must be booked in advance by sending an email to artethistoire@valenceromansagglo.fr.