Fête des Jardins de Thiron-Gardais

A green setting steeped in history

Each spring, the gardens of the Collège Royal et Militaire de Thiron-Gardais, owned by Stéphane Bern, open their doors to host the Fête des Jardins. Nestled in the heart of the Parc naturel régional du Perche, about 1h30 from Paris, these medieval-inspired gardens offer an exceptional setting for this celebration of the plant world. The landscaper Louis Benech participated in the restoration of these spaces, replanting over 1,600 species of flowers and trees.

An exceptional plant market

The Fête des Jardins brings together nursery owners, horticulturists, landscapers, and artisans who come to present their finest creations. Visitors can discover rare plants, old varieties, garden furniture, quality tools, and specialized books. Over the years, this plant market has become a must-attend event for both amateur gardeners and professionals in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Conferences, workshops, and activities

Beyond the market, the event offers a rich program of conferences led by botany and gardening specialists. Practical workshops allow visitors to learn various techniques: cuttings, creating floral arrangements, ecological gardening. Children are not forgotten with dedicated activities that introduce them to the world of plants in a fun and educational way.

The gardens of the Collège Royal

The thematic gardens of the abbey estate are a remarkable visit in themselves. The tour reveals a herb garden, a vegetable garden, an aromatic garden, a flowered cloister, a lime tree alley, a rose garden, and a 12th-century fishpond once used by Benedictine monks. Together, they form a living testament to the art of gardens through the centuries, between monastic heritage and contemporary sensibility.

An event in the heart of Perche

The Fête des Jardins is part of the cultural and tourist dynamic of Perche, a region recognized for the quality of its landscapes, built heritage, and way of life. The event helps to promote this exceptional terroir and attracts visitors each year from all over the Centre-Val de Loire and Île-de-France regions, charmed by the beauty of the place and the richness of the exchanges.