Montfort l'Amaury’s Plant and Garden Festival 2026 (78)

With spring and the beautiful season arriving, plant festivals are popping up all over Île-de-France, especially in the Yvelines. Mark your calendars for the weekend of Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026, for the renowned Montfort l'Amaury Plant and Garden Festival.

The esplanade on Rue du Palais, in the heart of this charming medieval village of Yvelines nestled just outside the Rambouillet Forest, has transformed into a genuine open-air garden. It’s a wonderful opportunity to escape the city less than 40 kilometers west of Paris, in a setting that invites leisurely wandering and relaxation.

Organized by the Montfort l'Amaury-Houdan Rotary Club in collaboration with the local town hall, this annual event brings together around fifty exhibitors and thousands of visitors. Nurserymen, landscapers, artisans, and plant specialists fill the walkways with a diverse selection of rare plants, shrubs, trees, and gardening accessories. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a passionate collector, or a beginner seeking inspiration, there's plenty to discover — expect to leave with your arms full and your mind buzzing with new ideas.

What truly makes this event special is the warm, friendly atmosphere that surrounds it. Visitors have the chance to chat with exhibitors, gather tips on caring for a stubborn wisteria, or discover rare shrubs not typically found in standard garden centers. The wild plant workshops offer a fun and engaging way to deepen one’s botanical knowledge, while activities for children turn it into a perfect family outing. All this makes for an ideal spring weekend escape—without the need to leave the city.

• To be read
• The Plant Festivals, Markets, and Gardens of Paris and Île-de-France in 2026
• Where to shop for bargains in Paris?
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, April 6–12, 2026.

It’s worth noting that Montfort l'Amaury, with its medieval alleyways, ramparts, and the Saint-Pierre Church—a designated historical monument—definitely deserves a visit on its own. The event offers a great excuse to stroll through this charming town, which also has a rich musical heritage: it was once home to Maurice Ravel, who lived there for much of his life. His house, the Ravel Museum, is still open for visitors. A weekend filled with nature and culture awaits.

The proceeds from this event are entirely donated to charitable projects supported by the Rotary Club. By purchasing a plant or handcrafted item, you’re not only adding a touch of greenery to your home but also contributing to a meaningful cause. It’s a wonderful way to support a noble initiative while enhancing your space.

The Montfort l'Amaury Plant and Garden Fair will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the esplanade along Rue du Palais in Montfort l'Amaury. Admission is €3 for adults and free for visitors under 16. An on-site bar and food area will be available for visitors. Coming from Paris, the event is easily accessible via the A13 then the A12 heading toward Dreux, with the N12 exit leading to Montfort l'Amaury.