A national distinction at the 2026 Garden Art Prize

The Botanical Garden of Valombreuse has just been distinguished nationally by obtaining the third place of the 2026 Garden Art Prize. A major recognition that confirms the positioning of the site as a botanical reference in Guadeloupe.

It is also a historic first: a garden from the Antilles has never been selected in the list of winners of this award. A source of pride for the whole team, but also for the promotion of tropical gardens on a national scale.

The Garden Art Prize: a distinction of excellence

Organized by the Signature Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Garden Art Prize highlights gardens that are remarkable for their landscape quality, artistic approach and environmental commitment.

Each year, sites from all over France and abroad are studied by a jury composed of specialists in heritage, landscape and culture. The awards recognize places that are not only beautiful: they tell a story, carry a vision and are long-lasting.

In 2026, the Jardin de Valombreuse is thus among the most inspiring projects, alongside recognized metropolitan gardens.

A first for the Antilles

This distinction goes beyond simple ranking. It marks an important step forward in the recognition of tropical gardens.

Located in Petit-Bourg, the Jardin de Valombreuse is part of an exceptional area in terms of biodiversity. Guadeloupe is one of the most ecologically rich areas in France, with remarkable plant diversity.

With more than 1,000 botanical species, the garden offers a unique immersion in tropical flora. Palm trees, orchids, ferns, rare or endemic plants... each space showcases this wealth in a preserved natural setting.

This third place is a reminder that the gardens of the Antilles have their place in the major references of the landscape.

A garden shaped with passion for over 35 years

Behind this recognition, there is a strong story.

The Jardin de Valombreuse was created in 1989, in a lush valley in Petit-Bourg. Since its creation, it has continued to evolve to become one of the most beautiful today. Botanic Gardens of Guadeloupe.

Over the years, the collections have been enriched, the itineraries have been structured and the visiting experience has been transformed. The objective remains the same: to make the greatest number of people discover the richness of tropical flora, in an accessible and immersive setting.

Today, the garden is an essential activity for visitors in search of nature in Guadeloupe, but also as a place of transmission and awareness of biodiversity.

A collective success

The Jardin de Valombreuse is above all a team. Every day, gardeners, reception staff and technical teams participate in keeping the site alive. Maintenance of collections, layout of spaces, reception of visitors, organization of events... everything contributes to creating a unique experience.

“This third place is the result of this daily commitment. It highlights a work that is often discreet, but essential: that of making a garden evolve, to keep it alive and to make it even more pleasant to visit.” - Perle Chaulet, Garden Director

Increased visibility for the garden... and for Guadeloupe

Beyond the award, this distinction brings new visibility to the Jardin de Valombreuse.

It reinforces its positioning as reference botanical garden in Guadeloupe, and more generally as a player in nature tourism in the Antilles.

For visitors, it is also a landmark: that of a site recognized for the quality of its facilities and the richness of its collections.

For the territory, it is an opportunity to highlight a unique natural heritage and to promote outdoor activities linked to the discovery of biodiversity.

A dynamic that continues

This recognition is part of a more global evolution of the garden.

For several years, the Jardin de Valombreuse has strengthened its botanical positioning. The collections are better structured, the courses more readable and the educational dimension more assertive. This development has been welcomed several times: 8th place at the French Favorite Monument, a presence in Tripadvisor's Top 10 Best of the Best for two years in a row, and today, a 3rd place at the Garden Art Prize.

New experiences also enrich the visit, in particular through the activities offered throughout the year, to be discovered on the page dedicated to garden activities.

The objective is clear: to continue to make the Jardin de Valombreuse a living, accessible and constantly evolving place.

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The Jardin de Valombreuse congratulates the 2026 laureate and the other awarded gardens, and thanks all those who contribute to the daily life of this place.

More than ever, the garden continues to grow, with the same ambition: to share the beauty and richness of Guadeloupe's nature.