International Garden Festival

Hosted on the grounds of the Château-de-Chaumont, the International Garden Festival (Festival des Jardins) of Chaumont-sur-Loire takes place every year from spring to autumn. The duration of the festival allows visitors to witness the gardens as they evolve and transform with the seasons. Each year the winning garden installations are organized by a common theme. The theme for this year’s festival is “resilience,” the ability to respond to and bounce back from changing conditions in the environment and, as the festival’s director Chantal Colleu-Dumond advises, “resist the excesses of the Anthropocene.”

AXP Photography

The International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire has a rich history dating back to 1992. The festival was inaugurated by Jean-Paul Pigeat, the Director of Domaine Régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a historic castle located in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val de Loire region in France. Each year, landscape designers from around the world compete to have their design planted and showcased on the breathtaking grounds of the Château-de-Chaumont.

Location and Surroundings

The site of the festival, Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, is perched atop a hill overlooking the Loire River. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, this architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 10th century, offers sweeping views of the river, extensive parkland, gently cascading hills, and meticulously manicured gardens. The site provides the perfect canvas for showcasing the diverse range of flora and trees that reflect the natural beauty and botanical heritage of the region.

The town of Chaumont-sur-Loire itself is a charming, historic, tranquil village known for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes. It is part of the greater cultural landscape of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the “Garden of France.” Along with other towns in the valley, the architecture and bucolic setting of Chaumont-sur-Loire reflects the Renaissance ideals of harmony between nature and human civilization.

What to Expect at the Festival

Prepare to be “wowed” by an array of immersive, masterpiece garden designs ranging from the whimsical and wild to the staid and sophisticated. Produced by landscape architects, artists, and designers from around the world, these innovative garden installations seamlessly weave art and nature into a comprehensive, aesthetic experience that delights the senses.

Throughout the festival’s duration, there are various special events and dates to mark on your calendar. From guided tours and workshops to talks and exhibitions, there are ample opportunities to deepen your understanding of gardening and landscape design. Keep an eye out for the renowned “ Nocturns au Jardin” (Gardens by Night) event, where the gardens are illuminated, creating a truly magical, romantic ambiance.

Nearby Recreational Highlights & Places to Explore

While exploring the festival, take advantage of the region’s recreational highlights. Consider one of these highly-rated tours of the nearby Château de Chenonceau and neighboring Château de Chambord, two grand Renaissance castles known for their stately architecture and luxurious, sprawling estates. For nature enthusiasts, the Loire Valley offers idyllic landscapes for hiking, cycling, boating, and hot air balloon rides. Additionally, the region’s vineyards invite you to savor the renowned wines of the Loire Valley. There are several excellent, English-speaking winery and wine-tasting tours in the valley to choose from.

For a practical information and a helpful visual guide to the area that lists sites, restaurants, accommodations, and other local amenities, please see additional sections below