Esprit Jardin 2026 in Versailles: The Free Plant Festival and Its Program

Sprit Jardin is back on April 25 and 26, 2026, for its free plant festival in the Saint-Louis neighborhood and at the Potager du Roi in Versailles: 100 exhibitors, creative workshops, entertainment, and a special program to celebrate the 400th anniversary await visitors.

Every spring, gardening enthusiasts flock to Versailles for Esprit Jardin, the free plant festival that transforms the Saint-Louis district and the King’s Kitchen Garden on April 25 and 26, 2026. In the Yvelines (78), this event draws over 20,000 visitors each year, all united by a common passion: gardening, nature, and biodiversity. This year’s edition is especially meaningful, as it marks the 400th anniversary of Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie’s birth, the renowned creator of the King’s Kitchen Garden.

Versailles isn’t just about its grand château and iconic fountains. It’s also a city deeply rooted in nature, built on the legacy of the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre and home to 19,800 trees in public spaces. Esprit Jardin celebrates this green heritage by granting special access to the Anjou and du Roi gates, allowing visitors to wander freely through the Saint-Louis historic district, the Balbi Park, the King’s Vegetable Garden, and the Swiss Water Basin. A rare opportunity for an unmissable discovery.

What can you find at the Esprit Jardin Market?

With 100 exhibitors present, including nurserymen, landscapers, associations, and institutions, the event brings together experts eager to celebrate the art of gardening. Visitors can discover rare plant varieties, species suited to the Île-de-France climate, unique botanical creations, and receive expert advice on eco-friendly gardening practices. Entrance is free, and the welcoming atmosphere caters to everyone—from beginners to seasoned collectors.

What’s on at the King’s Vegetable Garden?

This is the vibrant core of the 2026 edition. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, the King's Vegetable Garden is offering an exciting and diverse lineup of activities:

Garden by Candlelight – Saturday, April 25th from 8:30 PM to 11 PM: a magical evening stroll among 1,600 candles, complemented by music and performances from the Acta Fabula troupe, who will tell the story of the garden’s creator.
Musical Gardens – Saturday and Sunday during the day: soothing soundscapes and melodies filling the pathways for a relaxing walk.
Family-Friendly Sensory Explorations – Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 PM to 7 PM (last start at 6 PM): with notebooks in hand, visitors can observe, listen, and feel to discover the garden from a new perspective.
Sheep Shearing – as part of eco-grazing efforts, the association Bergeries en Ville will oversee the sheep’s presence and woolly trimming.
Fabric Flowers – a creative workshop with La Roulotte Scarabée, where all ages can craft their own textile flower.
Workshops by Versailles Grand Parc – seed bombs, herbal teas, beeswax candles, bee wraps, grass-topped planters, aromatic salts, composting, and vermicomposting.
Guided Tours and Talks – Saturday and Sunday, including a birdwatching walk titled “Urban and Garden Birds” and a lecture by Alain Baraton, chief gardener at Versailles, on “The Role of the Tree in the Garden”.
"Stories in the Garden" – offered by the library network, on Sunday at 3 PM and 4 PM.
The Women Flowers – Saturday and Sunday: an immersive performance by Acta Fabula blending poetry, dance, and short scenes celebrating biodiversity.

What other activities are scheduled to take place on the site?

Beyond the Potager du Roi, the entire site buzzes with activity. The organization Bergeries en ville offers workshops focused on edible flowers and medicinal plants: from making herbal teas and aromatic sachets to floral mazes. Of course, children’s favorite animals—rabbits, sheep, and chickens—are always present. The city’s gardeners run sessions on repotting plants and exploring the wild flora that grows along the sidewalks of Versailles. Meanwhile, La ferme Nature et découvertes provides guided tours and sells plant seedlings, completing this lively horticultural scene.

For those eager to explore Versailles from a different perspective, the city offers the "Les beaux arbres de Versailles" app. This geolocated trail allows you to discover the most magnificent trees in the area right from your smartphone.

Whether you're a weekend gardener, a family looking for a delightful spring outing, or simply a lover of green spaces, Esprit Jardin checks all the boxes. The event takes place on April 25 and 26, 2026, with free admission from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on the Grand Parade of Saint-Louis Cathedral, in the Saint-Louis district, and at the Potager du Roi in Versailles. For all the details on the program, visit the official website of the City of Versailles and the Esprit Jardin website. To make the most of your Versailles escape, check out our guide to the Palace of Versailles or explore our recommendation for outings in the Yvelines.