The jardin Retrouvé

The Jardin Retrouvé

The Honfleur audio-guided tour invites you to a break at the Jardin Retrouvé, a peaceful corner of greenery in the centre of the city, a stone's throw from the bustle of the Vieux Bassin.

A garden under the patronage of Yves Robert

The Jardin Retrouvé has as patron the filmmaker Yves Robert, director of cult films such as La Guerre des boutons or La Gloire de mon père, who inaugurated it in 1996. Its name evokes a green space given back to the inhabitants and visitors. Two styles mingle there: ordered paths recalling French-style gardens, and more romantic corners inspired by English gardens, with ponds, fountains and a small waterfall. One comes across a bandstand, an old well and sculptures, including the bronze bust of the painter Eugène Boudin and, more touching, that of a little dog named Katchanka, in tribute to the character of a short story by Anton Chekhov.

What there is to see

The Jardin Retrouvé offers a haven of calm and freshness, between French-style paths and romantic corners, ponds and waterfall. One strolls there to meet the bandstand, the old well and the sculptures, including the bust of Boudin and the endearing dog Katchanka. It is one of the finest contrasts of Honfleur: a peaceful interlude a stone's throw from the lively port.

Practical information

The Jardin Retrouvé is in the centre of Honfleur, near the Vieux Bassin. A public garden, it can be walked freely and on the level, according to opening hours often varying with the season, to be checked on site.

Who inaugurated the Jardin Retrouvé?

The filmmaker Yves Robert, in 1996; he is its patron.

What sculptures are found there?

Notably a bronze bust of the painter Eugène Boudin and the statue of a little dog named Katchanka, mascot of the place.