Langue
"Jardins secrets, Secrets de jardins", a celebration of gardens
Every year since 2003, on the first weekend in June the Culture Ministry organises all over France events called “Rendez-vous aux Jardins”, with the aim of familiarising the public with the heritage of French gardens and encouraging people to visit small and large gardens alike.
In the Essonne, the event distinguishes itself from the nationwide event by virtue of its duration (it lasts for a whole month in the department), its rigorous selection of participating sites and the close relations established between the Essonne Tourist Board and garden proprietors.
Over 93 proprietors of parks and gardens both private and public take part enthusiastically in the event each year and attract over 25,000 visitors in total.
Each year, a leading theme is featured and serves as a thread running through the visits:
2009: the land, its soil and the region
2008: travel as seen through gardens and plants
2007: water in the garden
2006: scents and perfumes in the garden
From 5 to 27 June 2010, tours and visits on the theme of “the land, its soil and the region” feature on 4 major weekends:
6-7 June: a programme of events in historic and remarkable gardens
13-14 June: open days for private amateur gardens (on the model of charity garden-openings in England)
20-21 June: open days for family gardens and remarkable public parks
27-28 June: programme of events at the discretion of individual gardens
Detailed programme available early May.
