A national award at the 2026 Garden Art Prize

The Valombreuse Botanical Garden has just received national recognition by winning third place in the 2026 Garden Art Award. This major accolade confirms the site’s status as a leading botanical destination in Guadeloupe.

This is also a historic first: never before has a Caribbean garden been selected as a winner of this award. It is a source of pride for the entire team, but also for the recognition of tropical gardens on a national level.

The Art of Gardening Award: A Mark of Excellence

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

Each year, sites from across France and around the world are evaluated by a jury of experts in heritage, landscape, and culture. The awards recognize places that are not merely beautiful: they tell a story, embody a vision, and are rooted in the long term.

By 2026, theJardin de Valombreuse will have established itself as one of the most inspiring projects, alongside other renowned urban gardens.

A first for the Caribbean

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

Located in Petit-Bourg, the Jardin de Valombreuse is situated in an area renowned for its biodiversity. Guadeloupe is one of the most ecologically rich regions in France, boasting remarkable plant diversity.

With over 1,000 plant species, the garden offers a unique immersion in tropical flora. Palm trees, orchids, ferns, rare and endemic plants… each area showcases this diversity within a preserved natural setting.

This third-place finish serves as a reminder that the gardens of the Caribbean have earned their place among the world’s most renowned landscapes.

A garden lovingly tended for over 35 years

Behind this recognition lies a powerful story.

The Jardin de Valombreuse was established in 1989 in a lush valley in Petit-Bourg. Since its inception, it has continued to evolve and is now one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Guadeloupe.

Over the years, the collections have expanded, the exhibits have been organized, and the visitor experience has evolved. The goal remains the same: to introduce as many people as possible to the richness of tropical flora in an accessible and immersive setting.

Today, the garden has become a must-see attraction for visitors seeking to experience nature in Guadeloupe, as well as a place for educating people about biodiversity and raising awareness of it.

A team effort

Le Jardin de Valombreuse is, above all, a team. Every day, gardeners, reception staff, and technical teams work together to bring the site to life. Maintaining the collections, landscaping the grounds, welcoming visitors, organizing events… everything contributes to creating a unique experience.

"This third-place finish is the result of our daily dedication. It highlights work that is often behind the scenes but essential: the work of nurturing a garden, keeping it alive, and making it an ever more enjoyable place to visit." - Perle Chaulet, Garden Director

Greater visibility for the garden… and for Guadeloupe

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

It is strengthening its position as Guadeloupe’s premier botanical garden and, more broadly, as a key player in nature tourism in the Caribbean.

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

For the region, this is an opportunity to showcase its unique natural heritage and promote outdoor activities focused on exploring biodiversity.

A trend that continues

This recognition is part of a broader evolution of the garden.

For several years now, the Jardin de Valombreuse has been strengthening its botanical focus. The collections are better organized, the pathways are easier to follow, and the educational aspect is more prominent. This evolution has been recognized on several occasions: 8th place in the “Monument préféré des Français” poll, a spot in TripAdvisor’s “Top 10 Best of the Best” for two consecutive years, and now, 3rd place in the Prix de l’Art du Jardin.

New experiences also enhance the visit, particularly through the events offered throughout the year, which you can explore on the garden’s events page.

The goal is clear: to continue making the Jardin de Valombreuse a vibrant, accessible, and ever-evolving place.

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Le Jardin de Valombreuse extends its congratulations to the 2026 winner and the other award-winning gardens, and thanks everyone who helps bring this place to life every day.

Now more than ever, the garden continues to grow, with the same goal in mind: to share the beauty and richness of Guadeloupe’s natural world.