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 significant achievement 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 on the list of winners for 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 highlights gardens that stand out for their landscape quality, artistic approach, and environmental commitment.

Every year, a jury of experts in heritage, landscape, and culture evaluates sites throughout France and abroad. The awards recognize places that are not only beautiful but also tell a story, convey a vision, and stand the test of time.

In 2026, the J.Jardín de Valombreuse is, therefore, one of the most inspiring projects, alongside the renowned metropolitan gardens.

A first for the Antilles

This distinction goes beyond a simple classification. 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 that is exceptional in terms of biodiversity. Guadeloupe is one of the most ecologically rich regions in France, boasting a remarkable diversity of plant life.

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 in a preserved natural setting.

This third-place finish serves as a reminder that the gardens of the Antilles have earned their place among the leading examples of landscape design.

A garden shaped with passion for over 35 years

Behind this recognition lies a solid history.

El Jardin de Valombreuse was founded in 1989 in a lush valley in Petit-Bourg. Since its inception, it has continued to evolve, becoming one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Guadeloupe today.

Over the years, the collections have expanded, the visitor routes have been refined, 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 an essential attraction for visitors seeking to experience nature in Guadalupe, but it also serves as a place for educating people about biodiversity and raising awareness of it.

A collective success

El Jardin de Valombreuse is, above all, a team. Every day, the gardeners, reception staff, and technical teams work together to keep the site thriving. Maintaining the collections, managing the grounds, welcoming visitors, organizing events... all of these elements come together to create a unique experience.

“This third-place finish is the result of our daily dedication. It highlights work that is often unassuming but essential: nurturing a garden’s growth, keeping it alive, and making it an even more enjoyable place to visit.” — Perle Chaulet, garden director

Greater visibility for the garden... and for Guadalupe

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

It reinforces its position as the leading botanical garden in Guadalupeand, more broadly, as a key player in nature tourism in the Antilles.

For visitors, it is also a landmark: a place 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.

Over the past several years, the Jardin de Valombreuse has strengthened its reputation as a botanical garden. The collections are now better organized, the pathways are more clearly laid out, and the educational aspect is more prominent. This progress has been widely recognized: it ranked eighth in a poll of the French public’s favorite landmarks, made the top 10 on TripAdvisor for two consecutive years, and has now taken third place in the Garden Art Prize.

New experiences also enhance the visit, particularly through the activities offered year-round, which you can explore on the page dedicated to gardening activities.

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

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El Jardin de Valombreuse congratulates the winner of the 2026 award 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 world.