The COLETTE GARDENS
les jardins de colette

The delightful Colette Gardens floral park in the municipality of Varetz, opened in 2007, and is an imaginative and developing interpretation of all things floral relating to the French writer, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, best known for her novel Gigi, upon which Lerner and Loewe based the stage and film musical comedies of the same title. The gardens are not far from the Chateau de Castel-Novel, where she lived (now a 4-star hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant).

The gardens offer the visitor a unique and poetic stroll through literature and botany, presented through a series of six landscaped settings that reflect the six main regions that marked the life and writings of this remarkable, and often audacious, woman.

In each garden there are information panels presenting information about their relevance to Colette's life, and presenting short extracts from her books, from which the landscape architects drew inspiration.

For those with time to spare, and hour can be invested in a 5,000m2 labyrinth, ideal for children (while parents enjoy a coffee in the visitor centre!). Guided tours are available (1 hour) and offer floral and literary anecdotes to create a unique experience.

Open

April, October and November
Wednesday to Friday 10am-12.30pm, 2-5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2-5.30pm

May-June and September
Tuesday to Sunday 10am-12.30pm, 2-6.30pm

July and August
Every day 10am-7pm

VISITOR INFORMATION

Parc Floral Les Jardins de Colette
Lieu-dit <Lachassagne>, 19240 Varetz
Tel: 05 55 86 75 35
www.lesjardinsdecolette.com

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. French Food and Drink - No BS Guide for lovers of Food, Wine, Liqueurs

    Aug 28, 19 03:18 AM

    Our guide to French food and drink for those who love traditional French food along with our no BS guide to understanding French wine and liqueurs

    Read More

  2. Things To Do In Carcassonne The Ultimate Tourist Guide

    Aug 24, 19 06:26 PM

    The ultimate tourist guide to things to do in Carcassonne when you visit this wonderful town in Aude France. Discover the places to go and see in Carcassone.

    Read More

  3. Lyon Old Town Guide to Vieux Lyon

    Aug 18, 19 07:48 AM

    Your complete guide to Lyon old town otherwise known as the Vieux Lyon. Don't miss this amazing part of the city if you're visiting Lyon in France.

    Read More

  4. 18 French Villages You Must Visit Most Beautiful Villages in France

    Aug 17, 19 06:31 AM

    Our guide to the 18 most beautiful French villages you simply must visit. Loads of info, photos and facts in our ultimate villages in France tourist guide

    Read More

  5. What a Pissoir - The True Story of France's Unique Urinals

    Aug 13, 19 03:47 PM

    Is there anything more French than a pissoir? Sadly on the decline nevertheless the pissor is an endring image of the country. This is their story

    Read More