Les Jardins du Prieuré d'Orsan
Free RHS Member days
When open
About the garden
The Prieuré d’Orsan Gardens are located on the grounds of a former Fontevrist monastery, founded in 1107 by Robert d’Arbrissel. Now a listed historic monument, it is situated in the Berry region of central France.
The design of these remarkable contemporary gardens is inspired by medieval tapestries and illuminations, as well as the site’s rich spiritual history. The gardens consist of 14 ‘rooms’ arranged around a central hornbeam cloister, which extend outward to include productive orchards, vegetable and medicinal gardens, a vineyard and decorative garden spaces, such as the rose garden and the labyrinth.
Since 2017, the gardens have been maintained without the use of chemicals. Instead, traditional techniques are employed throughout, such as hand-woven chestnut and willow raised beds, decorative supports and furniture, tree trellising and pruning, natural disease, insect control and soil improvement.
Facilities
- Assistance dogs only
- Accessible garden
- Parking
- Plant sales
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Sculpture
- Herbaceous border
- Arboretum
- Organic management
- Prairie/naturalistic planting
- Potager
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.