How about... Rendez-vous aux Jardins this year? During the weekend of May 31 to June 2, 2024, lovers of beautiful gardens are in for a treat: in Paris, the Île-de-France region and, above all, all over France, numerous public and private gardens are opening their doors to curious young and old for a weekend.
What's on the program? Activities, guided tours, concerts, children's activities... A golden opportunity to discover green gems that you wouldn't normally be able to visit, while taking part in free events open to all.
On the occasion of the long-awaited Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024, it's possible to visit the Matignon garden: officially the Prime Minister's residence, theHôtel de Matignon is an important place of power in Paris, whose architectural and botanical heritage remains hidden from Parisians all year round. Only twice a year, on the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) and the Rendez-vous aux Jardins, does the government open the huge green door at 36 rue de Babylone to let Parisians appreciate the magnificent two-hectare garden designed by Claude Desgot, André Le Nôtre's grand-nephew, in 1725 and remodeled in 1902 by Achille Duchêne.Those who look closely at the grove will see two gravestones beneath a magnolia tree, those of an ambassador's dog and cat, a reminder of the time when the Hôtel de Matignon was theAustrian-Hungarian embassy, but also the Hôtel de Matignon apiary, set apart from the residence.
Between history, heritage and beautiful gardens, the garden of the Hôtel Matignon is a must-see destination for these Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024.
The Hôtel de Matignon, the Prime Minister's residence, boasts a garden that is exceptional in several respects.
Its surface area of almost 2 hectares makes it the largest private garden in Paris. Its history, spanning three centuries, is an outstanding example of the evolution of taste in gardening from the 18th century to the present day. Some of its trees are remarkable for their species, size, age or history. Among them, the trees planted by Prime Ministers since 1978 represent a highly original tradition, rich in anecdotes.
As part of the Rendez-vous aux jardins, we invite you to stroll along its shady avenues, exceptionally open to the public, to discover this unique heritage. And this year, all your senses will be on alert!
Through a system of Qr-codes, and in collaboration with the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, you'll be able to hear the songs of the forty-four birds recently inventoried in the garden.
In the company of the CPN Val-de-Seine association, we're counting on your sharp eyesight to observe and recognize the animals hidden in our soil. Observation will also be key to understanding the tricks used by gardeners to create the accelerated perspective of the garden in the 18th century.
To awaken your taste buds, Matignon's chefs will treat you to a variety of ice creams made from ingredients sourced from natural elements found in the garden. This will also be a unique opportunity to taste honey from Matignon's beehives.
The national collection of osmanthus, for which the garden has been awarded a label, will be showcased thanks to a partnership with the Conservatoire des collections végétales spécialisées and the Osmothèque - Conservatoire international des parfums: from the flower to perfumery, all aspects - particularly olfactory - of this little-known plant will be covered!
Finally, don't hesitate to roll up your sleeves and discover the textures of the different types of wood found in the garden, or to help your children repot a little plant to take home.
Many other surprises await you during this multi-sensory stroll, so come one, come all!
Dates and Opening Time
From June 1st, 2024 to June 2nd, 2024
Location
Hôtel Matignon
57 Rue de Varenne
75007 Paris 7
Prices
Free
