Rdvs aux Jardins 2026: Official launch of Norman programme for the first time in Guernsey!
On 12 May, the Normandy programme of the 23rd edition of the “Rendez-vous aux Jardins” was launched in Guernsey. Placed on the theme “The Five Senses in the Garden: The View”, the Channel Islands are delighted to take part in this edition from 5 to 7 June, organised by the French Ministry of Culture alongside 2,8000 parks and gardens across more than twenty participating European countries.
20 gardens in the Channel Islands are taking part in this edition to offer a unique experience to visitors. Within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park, Victor Hugo’s Garden (Hauteville House), the Candia Gardens route: art, nature and well-being, the hidden gardens of St Pierre du Bois & La Forêt, the Victorian walled garden at Government House, Charente (private garden), the gardens of the Fermain Valley Hotel, the Bridget Ozanne orchid fields (Guernsey Nature Commission), the Wild Subtropical Gardens at Sausmarez Manor, Bloomin’ Alderney in Alderney, the permaculture garden of Stocks Hotel in Sark, and the gardens Le Grand Dixcart in Sark. In Jersey, Coronation Park, Howard Davis Park, Sir Winston Churchill Park, Millennium Park, Jersey Zoo – Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Eric Young Orchid Foundation, Reg’s Garden and Judith Quérée’s Garden.
To mark the launch, the DRAC was represented by Jean Michel Knop, Director of the DRAC, Emmanuel Jouanno, DRAC Communications Officer, and Aurélie Vanitou, in charge of Heritage Conservation and the ‘Remarkable Gardens’ label, the States of Guernsey were represented by the President of the Committee for Economic Development of Guernsey, Sasha Kazentseva-Miller, and Jersey was represented by Charlotte Howe, Head of the Cultural Service in the Government of Jersey. Jean-Michel Knop, Regional Director of Cultural Affairs of Normandy, said: “[…] The growing participation of the Channel Islands in this event marks a strong symbolic step. It is not content with expanding the geographical scope of the event; It establishes a real space for dialogue between heritages. These islands are home to exceptional gardens, shaped by a singular history and a privileged climate. Their opening to the public, at the heart of this event, perfectly embodies the spirit of sharing and curiosity contained in the “Rendez-vous aux Jardins”. The participation of the Channel Islands in this celebration illustrates this common landscape heritage, both close and exotic. »
Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, the President of the Committee for Economic Development of Guernsey, said: “It is particularly exciting to launch this European event right here in Guernsey. Such an opportunity highlights the close cultural and economic ties we continue to develop with our French neighbours and provides an opportunity to showcase our island’s exceptional horticultural expertise and rich heritage to the rest of the continent.”
The “Rendez-vous aux Jardins” highlight the exceptional beauty and heritage of the islands and helps to strengthen the cultural and economic links between France and the Channel Islands.
