Havré Castle's Flower Gardens

A unique garden in the regionCreated in 1998 at the initiative of Maurice Lafosse, mayor of Mons, the gardens opened to the public in 2002 thanks to the commitment of the non-profit organization Les Amis du Château des Ducs d’Havré. Initially designed as a rose garden, the gardens underwent major transformations after the severe frosts of the winters of 2009 and 2010. They were redesigned into a composite space that harmoniously blends roses and perennials, striking a subtle balance between a "modern" garden with straight lines and an "English" garden with gentle curves.An exceptional botanical wealthOf the original 252 rose varieties and cultivars, nearly half have been preserved, identified, and labeled. The perennials include about 360 species and varieties. These collections constitute a valuable botanical heritage, enriched by new plantings in 2017.An educational and lively spaceSince 2016, a partnership between the City of Mons and the Province of Hainaut has given the gardens an educational dimension. They now serve as an educational tool for provincial teaching, promoting outdoor learning.In 2019, the gardens were fully restored by a team of gardeners under the direction of Mr. Y. Zigger (Province of Hainaut). Numerous rose varieties were replanted, attracting many enthusiasts each year. In 2021, trees were added to create shaded areas, and an educational circuit on pollination was set up. An aromatic and condiment plant garden was also established, complemented by beehives managed by a local beekeeper.A labeled and recognized gardenIn June 2021, the blooming gardens joined the network of Parcs et Jardins de Wallonie (Parks and Gardens of Wallonia). More recently, on June 22, 2023, they received the prestigious "Jardin Remarquable" label, awarded by the non-profit organization Parcs et Jardins de Wallonie. This recognition attests to the exceptional quality of the site and its importance in the region's landscape heritage.Come and discover these exceptional gardens, where nature, history, and education meet to offer an unforgettable experience.