International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire
The world's largest laboratory for contemporary garden design
About Garden Festival
The International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire is the world's largest laboratory for contemporary garden design. Since 1992, it has hosted around twenty ephemeral gardens each year at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, from late April to early November, designed by international landscapers and designers around a theme renewed each edition. A true bridge between art, nature, and landscape, the festival attracts over 300,000 visitors each season and has gained worldwide renown as a hub for landscape innovation and experimentation in the Loire Valley.
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The International Garden Festival: A Unique Event Worldwide
The International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire is the most important global event dedicated to contemporary garden design. Founded in 1992 at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, it takes place annually from April to November in the parks and gardens of this historic estate overlooking the Loire River, in Loir-et-Cher.
Twenty Ephemeral Gardens, An Annual Theme
Each edition of the festival features around twenty ephemeral gardens, each approximately 210 m², designed and created by landscape architects, architects, and designers from around the world. These true "living paintings" are created around a theme renewed each year, inviting reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, art, and landscape. The festival operates through an international call for creations, selecting the most innovative and poetic projects.
Inspiring and Visionary Themes
Over the years, the festival has explored themes as varied as they are profound. In 2025, the festival offers an immersion into the magical world of fairy tales, transforming the gardens into enchanted settings. In 2026, the theme "The Garden Goes to the Movies" invites creators to play with the codes of the seventh art, with visitors moving from one scenario to another, as in an open-air film, blending poetry, imagination, and contemporary nods.
An Exceptional Heritage Setting
The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a former residence of Catherine de' Medici, offers an exceptional setting with its medieval castle, prestigious stables, model farm, and 32 hectares of parkland overlooking the Loire. The festival is harmoniously integrated into this historic landscape, creating a unique dialogue between heritage and contemporary creation.
Over 300,000 Visitors Per Season
The festival attracts over 300,000 visitors each year from France and around the world. It has gained international renown as a benchmark for landscape and horticultural innovation, inspiring similar festivals on every continent. Since 1992, over 700 ephemeral gardens have been created by artists from more than 40 countries.
Practical information — Garden Festival
Access to the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
By Car
The Domaine is located between Blois and Tours, 20 minutes from each city, on the D751. From Paris, take the A10 motorway, exit at Blois, then take the D751 towards Tours. Free parking at the entrance of the domain.
By Train
The nearest station is Onzain-Chaumont-sur-Loire, 2 km from the domain, served by TER Centre-Val de Loire trains on the Tours-Blois line. From the station, the domain is accessible on foot in 20 minutes or by taxi.
By Bike
The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is located on the La Loire à Vélo route. Bicycle racks are available at the entrance of the domain.
Opening Period
The Garden Festival is open from late April to early November, every day, from 10:00 AM until dusk (ticket office closes 1 hour before).
Prices
Access to the Garden Festival is included in the Domaine's entrance ticket. Full price: approximately 20 euros. Reduced rates for young people, students, and families. Free for children under 6.
Ticketing
Tickets available on the official website domaine-chaumont.fr and at the entrance of the domain.
Food and Drink
The domain has several dining areas: the Le Grand Velum restaurant, the tea room, and seasonal food outlets.
Accessibility
The domain is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the reception. Some gardens may be difficult to access depending on their layout.
Visit Duration
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the Garden Festival visit alone. A full day is recommended to explore the entire domain (festival, castle, Art and Nature Centre, historic park, and Prés du Goualoup).
Contact
Phone: 02 54 20 99 22
Email: [email protected]
Official website: domaine-chaumont.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Garden Festival at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Garden Festival
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Rue des Argillons, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire