A national award at the 2026 Garden Art Prize

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

This is also a historic first: a garden from the Antilles has never before been included among the winners of this award. It is a source of pride for the entire team, but also for the promotion of tropical gardens on a national scale.

The Garden Art Prize: An Award for Excellence

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

Each year, sites from all over France and abroad are evaluated by a jury of experts in heritage, landscape, and culture. The awards recognize places that are not only beautiful but also tell a story, embody a vision, and stand the test of time.

In 2026, the Jardin de Valombreuse is thus one of the most inspiring projects, alongside well-known urban gardens.

A first for the Antilles

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 part of an area renowned for its biodiversity. Guadeloupe is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in France, boasting remarkable plant diversity.

With more than 1,000 plant species, the garden offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in tropical flora. Palm trees, orchids, ferns, rare and endemic plants... each area showcases this rich diversity in a preserved natural setting.

This third-place finish serves as a reminder that the gardens of the Antilles hold their own among the major landmarks of the landscape.

A garden shaped with passion for over 35 years

Behind this recognition lies a compelling 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 been expanded, the visitor routes have been redesigned, and the visitor experience has been transformed. The goal remains the same: to help as many people as possible discover the richness of tropical flora in an accessible and immersive setting.

Today, the garden is a must-see for visitors seeking to experience nature in Guadeloupe, but it also serves as a place for educating people about biodiversity.

A collective success

The Jardin de Valombreuse is, above all, a team. Every day, gardeners, reception staff, and technical teams work together to keep the site thriving. Maintaining the collections, designing 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 even more enjoyable place to visit.” - Perle Chaulet, Garden Director

Greater visibility for the garden... and for Guadeloupe

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

It reinforces its position as the leading botanical garden in Guadeloupe 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 centered on exploring biodiversity.

A trend that continues

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

For several years, the Jardin de Valombreuse has been strengthening its reputation as a botanical garden. The collections are now better organized, the pathways are easier to navigate, and the educational aspect is more prominent. This progress has been recognized on multiple occasions: 8th place in the French Favorite Monument poll, a spot in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Best of the Best for two consecutive years, and now, 3rd place in the Garden Art Prize.

New experiences also enhance the visit, particularly through the activities offered throughout the year, which can be found on the page dedicated to garden activities.

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

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The Jardin de Valombreuse congratulates the 2026 winner and the other award-winning gardens, and thanks everyone who contributes to the daily life of this place.

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