France's 'Green Heritage': How Gardens Are Protected as Living Artworks

French gardens, from Versailles to Giverny, are increasingly recognized as living artworks requiring specialized conservation. Marie Lavandier, president of the Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN), launched 'CMN 2030' in 2024 to integrate ecology into conservation. The CMN manages 83 parks and gardens. Key projects include restoring the Grande Cascade at Saint-Cloud, replanting boxwoods at Château de Bouges, and creating an organic vegetable garden at Château de La Motte-Tilly. The 'Jardin remarquable' label, established in 2007, distinguishes culturally significant gardens. The Fondation Diptyque, created in 2025 with a €2.5 million budget, supports botanical diversity and established the École supérieure du Jardin in September 2025 with ten students. Christopher Peignart, appointed head of the CMN's gardens unit in 2024, advocates for 'sublimating the conditions of the living.' At Villa Medici, artist Natsuko Uchino and poet Laura Vazquez redesigned the Parterres garden with citrus trees. Château de Versailles, with Maison Francis Kurkdjian, launched a biodiversity observatory. The upcoming Rendez-vous aux jardins (June 5-7) will announce the Art du Jardin prize. Debates continue on creative freedom: Sam Stourdzé supports contemporary interventions, while Jean-Marie Avisard insists on preserving Claude Monet's original intent.