From 5 to 7 June 2026, one of Europe’s most anticipated events for lovers of landscapes, botany and cultural heritage returns: Rendez-vous aux jardins, the initiative promoted by the French Ministry of Culture that opens hundreds of historic and contemporary gardens to the public every year.

The 2026 edition is dedicated to the theme “Sight”, inviting visitors to view gardens not only as places of beauty but also as spaces for cultural, sensory and inclusive experiences. Over three days, historic parks, botanical gardens, private estates and landscaped sites will host guided tours, workshops, immersive activities and artistic events designed to highlight the relationship between people and nature.

The scale of the initiative confirms its growing international dimension. Across France, thousands of sites are taking part. The most active regions include Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with 296 participating gardens and 404 events; Grand Est, with 280 gardens and 392 events; and Île-de-France, with 237 gardens hosting an impressive 461 events. Normandy, Bourgogne–Franche-Comté and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur will also offer extensive programmes.

Since expanding beyond France in 2018, Rendez-vous aux jardins has become a truly European event. In 2026, nearly 700 gardens in more than 20 countries will participate, including Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. This growth underlines the role of gardens as a shared cultural heritage and a means of fostering dialogue across borders.

Among the most prestigious venues are the gardens of the Château de Chantilly, where visitors will be able to explore the historical evolution of the landscape through a digital application dedicated to the memory of the gardens. In Paris, the Musée Eugène Delacroix will open its celebrated hidden garden in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offering a unique blend of art, history and contemplation.

A major focus of the 2026 edition is accessibility. Many activities have been specifically designed to provide a multisensory experience of gardens. Tactile routes, olfactory explorations and guided tours for blind and visually impaired visitors will be offered at numerous sites, including the Jardin Henri Le Sidaner, Les Jardins de l’Humanité and the Château de Miromesnil. These initiatives demonstrate how gardens can be experienced through touch, sound and scent, extending far beyond the visual dimension.

Alongside traditional visits, the programme features open-air theatre performances, concerts, artistic workshops, family activities and educational initiatives dedicated to biodiversity. This approach transforms the garden into a place of encounter, learning and participation.

More than a botanical celebration, Rendez-vous aux jardins has become a major European cultural event that encourages visitors to rediscover green heritage as a source of knowledge, well-being and connection with the natural world.