Chedigny is a sleepy little village that gently resides in the heart of the Loire Valley. You might miss it if you blink as you go through even though it is incredibly pretty and typically, quintessentially French. However, every year the tiny town bursts into life and becomes one of the most popular places in the Loire thanks to the ravishing roses that fill its streets and gardens…
Chedigny – the villages of Roses
Not for nothing is the Loire Valley known as the “garden of France”. Gorgeous countryside, miles of vineyards, a temperate climate and a profusion of rivers and streams make this a lush and fertile area of France that’s full of colour. There are dozens of Chateau Gardens to visit as well as plenty of classified remarkable gardens.
Chedigny however is unique, the whole village is a classified “jardin remarquable” (remarkable garden). Back in 1998 the villagers started to plant rose bushes with a view to enhancing the Loire Valley’s reputation as the garden of France; it was the idea of Mayor Pierre Loualt. They planted 700 bushes in that first year and the idea caught on and how there are many more, nobody knows quite how many.
In may the roses bloom and on the last weekend of the month the village holds a 2-day ‘Festival des Roses’ that draws thousands to its streets to enjoy the fragrant fete with its workshops, artists and even to buy some of the beautiful bushes.
Next time you’re in the Loire Valley, do drop in and smell the roses in this lovely little town!
Details about the town of Chedigny and the Rose Festival
Website for Loire Valley Tourist Office
