The gardens were designed by landscape architect Gilles Clément in 1987.
The collection of Hypericum (St. John's wort) is recognized as a national collection by the CCVS (Conservatoire des Collections Végétales Spécialisées).
The garden layout follows the chronological evolution of garden history, moving from classical to contemporary styles.
The site is located within a protected valley area known for its specific microclimate.
Over 5,000 species of plants are cultivated across the various thematic zones.
Jardins de Valloires is a contemporary botanical garden spread over 8 hectares surrounding the 12th-century Cistercian Abbaye de Valloires in the Authie valley. The gardens are organized into five distinct thematic zones, including the Jardin de la Restauration and the Jardin des Iles. It houses a national collection of hypericums, featuring over 150 different species and cultivars. The design incorporates a deliberate transition from formal French-style aesthetics to more naturalistic, wilder landscape architecture. A dedicated rose garden contains over 2,000 rose bushes representing more than 100 varieties. The site emphasizes biodiversity with a focus on plants adapted to the Picardy climate. Educational paths and arboretums showcasing rare trees are integrated into the garden layout. The gardens serve as a conservation space for rare floral species and provide a contrast to the architectural austerity of the adjacent monastery. It is situated in the heart of the Bay of Somme region, known for its ecological significance.
The elevated view overlooking the formal rose garden with the abbey architecture in the background.
Combine your garden visit with a guided tour of the adjacent Abbaye de Valloires to understand the historical context.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as the walking paths are extensive and involve varying terrain.
Check the official website for the seasonal blooming calendar to time your visit with the peak rose or hypericum flowering periods.
Do not attempt to visit in a single hour; the scale of the gardens requires significant walking time to appreciate the thematic sections.
Closed during the winter months; generally open from early spring through autumn.
Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate plantings and do not pick flowers or foliage.
