At the end of the XIX century, Parisians from artistic circles started exploring Normandy, and more specifically Étretat, as a destination for summer retreats.
In 1905, French actress Madame Thébault did not deviate from the fashion but made a rather more original choice of settlement than the city center: she had her villa built on the windy Amont cliff, a dramatic and mysterious setting. She named it "La Roxelane", presumably after one of her favorite historical figures — the legendary wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Inspired by the location where so many artists, from Claude Monet to Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, had painted, she decided to create a garden, the first to offer such a breathtaking view of the English Channel and the cliffs of Étretat.
Madame Thébault and "La Roxelane"
Reconsidering the Gardens’ concept
@Claudia Gaupp
An open-air art space for creative endeavors
Collaboration with artists is at the heart of Jardins d'Étretat's identity. Since their inception, the gardens have been a welcoming venue for the works of over 50 artists, hosting exhibitions, artistic residencies, concerts, and performances. These events have created a vibrant network connecting creators, the gardens as a living ecosystem, local communities, and visitors from around the world.
Jardins d’Étretat's mission reflects a dynamic approach to fostering the artistic and cultural development of the region. It nurtures creativity and encourages interdisciplinary exchange; by forging connections between local organisations and specialists from diverse fields, including artists, gardeners, and researchers, Jardins d'Étretat becomes a place for complex dialogue.
@Matteo Carassale