Stroll in the Jardins des Martels, a remarkable floral park
In Giroussens, a passionate family for whom having green fingers is completely natural, created the Jardins des Martels. A 35,000m2 English-style floral garden, it enjoys "Jardin Remarquable" (Remarkable Garden) status, inviting you to stroll and smell the sweet natural scents of the plant species that flourish there.
A poetic and exotic escape in the Jardins des Martels, full of tropical water lilies and daturas.
Begin by walking along the 300m of canal lined with multicoloured flowerbeds, which will lead you to a jungle where an exotic glasshouse full of tropical water lilies and daturas grow.
Arriving at the rainbow garden with its blue, pink, red and yellow beds, you will almost feel like you have crossed the continents without even leaving the Tarn.
The shady side of the garden particularly appeals to walkers and daydreamers looking for some coolness in the height of the summer. With the banana plantation, the lotus temple, deer, Senegalese goats, angoras and Ouessant sheep, you will be in good company at the Jardins de Martels.
Stroll barefoot in the green grass
The weather is fine and mild... To make the most of the 7 hectares covered by the Jardins des Martels, let's take off our shoes! In the shade of the tall trees, the first part of the tour takes us between the small canal and the rose garden. Here, the pleasure is not just in contemplating the garden, its flowerbeds and lawns from the outside, it's in immersing yourself in them and feeling the grass tickle your feet! All around, the varied vegetation allows a vast biodiversity to flourish. You can hear the beating of insect wings and the croaking of frogs at the end of the day, and smell the sweet perfume of the flowers. The perfect romantic setting for a spring getaway for two.
An exotic greenhouse, Balinese Jogglo, Lotus Temple, pagoda... Just the thought of it makes you travel. As you stroll through the flower beds and perennials, you'll come across curious features that evoke Asia. It's almost like being on the other end of the world! And while we're at it, let's not forget to sharpen our eyes and take in all the wonders around us.
A children's paradise !
Once you've completed the first part of the tour, you'll have to earn your way through to the next part! Carefully carved out of the bamboo, a labyrinth lies before you! Let your instincts guide you, and maybe you'll find your way out of this green trap.
Phew! You're back in the open air on the garden's vast lawns. "Beheheh"... you hear a funny sound! You won’t have to go far to find its origin. A goat is staring at us. And it's not the only one in its enclosure – here’s another one, and another one! As you walk along the long avenues, you are immersed in a different landscape, where the plants have given way to wide open spaces housing free-ranging or semi-free-ranging animals.
Fawns, deer, llamas and Highland cows, everyone's here!
Running through the alleys of various species of trees, the Lotus Temple rises up in front of you. To cross the surrounding pond, jump on the rocks strewn with aquatic plants. A real playground awaits you!
Enjoy the events at the garden
From the time it opens at the end of March until it closes in October, the garden offers a wide range of events, starting with art exhibitions. In 2024, sculptures by three artists will be on display in the park: Philippe Jobard, Dimikev and Julie Frilley.
Gardeners and budding botanists, to decorate your garden with a variety of plants, exotic or otherwise, and shrubs of all sizes, visit the Jardins des Martels garden centre. The entrance is separate from the visit to the park, and there you'll find a vast choice of plants. You can take advantage of the advice of expert gardeners to get the best flowering in winter, spring or summer, depending on the plant you choose!
Practical information
- The garden is open to the public from the beginning of April to the end of October. The next opening si scheduled for Satursay 30th March 2024.
- A picnic area is available on site, outside the garden.
- Open visit.
- Garden classified as Remarkable Garden.
