Les jardins de la marine Gardens, Parks in Rochefort

The Marine Gardens in Rochefort are not just one garden, but rather a collection of carefully landscaped green spaces around the Arsenal des Mers and the Corderie Royale. These gardens are a tribute to the city's maritime history, its far-flung explorations, and the botanical treasures brought back from the four corners of the world.

A Green Setting in the Heart of the Arsenal

The Marine Gardens are a vast green setting surrounding Rochefort's iconic sites, such as the Corderie Royale, along the Charente River. They offer a peaceful, green setting, ideal for strolling and relaxing. More than just a public space, these gardens are designed as an invitation to travel and a celebration of the city's maritime heritage.

The Garden of Returns: A Link between Land and Sea

At the heart of this complex is the Jardin des Retours, a true tribute to the Rochefort Arsenal. This landscaped garden, designed by Bernard Lassus, recreates a direct link between the city and the sea. It celebrates the history of the great maritime and botanical expeditions of the 18th century, when ships returned laden with exotic and previously unknown plants, such as chamaerops palms, tulip trees and begonias. A line of palm trees along the Corderie Royale evokes its longitudinal character and distant horizons.

The Garden of Utopias: Botany and History of Naval Medicine

Adjacent to the Old Naval Medical School and now part of the Rochefort National Maritime Museum, the Jardin d' Utopies is an educational space . It echoes the school's former botanical garden, cultivating aromatic and medicinal plants. This garden offers a thematic trail guiding visitors through its history and particularities, with accompanying booklets (including in Easy to Read and Understand – FALC) and a game booklet for families. It highlights the importance of botany in naval medicine.

The King's Vegetable Garden: Local Flavors and Discoveries

Adjacent to the Jardin des Retours, the Potager du Roy is an educational garden where you can discover a multitude of local vegetables, an orchard , aromatic and medicinal plants. It is designed as a natural space linked to travel and the departures of great expeditions, recalling the provisions embarked and the culinary discoveries.

Leisure and Relaxation Areas

In addition to their historical and botanical dimension, the Jardins de la Marine are also places of life and leisure for residents and visitors:

• Picnic areas: open spaces equipped with tables and benches offer pleasant places to eat outdoors, with a breathtaking view of the Charente and the Corderie Royale.
• Play Areas: Children will find what they are looking for with a variety of play areas, including an impressive boat-shaped structure reminiscent of the Hermione and a naval battle maze.
• Petanque grounds and tennis courts are also available for sports enthusiasts.

The Marine Gardens are accessible on foot, by bike or by car. They are generally open to the public and access is free.