The gardens of Saint Cosme priory- House of Ronsard

12 gardens
Roses of the priory
An ode to serenity
Contemporary art
Events
Accessibility
FAQ

THE GARDENS OF SAINT COSME PRIORY – HOUSE OF RONSARD

Saint-Cosme Priory was the home of Pierre de Ronsard, aka the “Prince of Poets”, in the 16th century. He was prior here for 20 years, working on his poems and in the garden. He is buried in the church at the heart of the priory. A walk through his gardens, which he loved to tend, is like leaf through a life-size book of poetry!

STROLL THROUGH THE 12 GARDENS OF SAINT-COSME PRIORY

Around the monastery buildings, 12 historic gardens have been recreated with a touch of modernity. As you walk along the paths, you will fall under the charm of this peaceful setting where the poet’s spirit still seems to linger…
Saint-Cosme Priory offers a series of different atmospheres created through a mixture of symbolic gardens, such as the cloister garden and the monks’ cemetery, and utilitarian gardens such as the orchard with its flower garden and the herb garden. Visitors can also admire the botanical collection containing 500 varieties of plants, including many heirloom varieties that are mentioned by Ronsard in his works.

Enfants qui courent parmi les carrés du jardin devant les vestiges — Stevens Frémont

The herb garden and its medicinal plants are emblematic features of the monastic garden and testify to the medical care provided by the monks at the priory. Ronsard often mentioned the plants he used to treat his ailments in his works.

The 12 kitchen garden beds and the large orchard and cut-flower garden, home to 75 heritage varieties of fruit trees, represent the utilitarian aspect of the monastic gardens, which had to provide for the occupants.

MIGNONNE, ALLONS VOIR SI LA ROSE… AT SAINT-COSME PRIORY

Roses de couleur rose — Les roses des jardins du Prieuré Saint-Cosme
JC Coutand – ADT Touraine

Ronsard’s beloved roses are everywhere, like a common thread running through each of the gardens. They climb walls, wrap around pergolas and fill the air with their soft fragrance. During your visit, you can stop at one of the audio stations and listen to the sonnets of this lover of literature.

SAINT-COSME PRIORY: AN ODE TO SERENITY

Stroll along the path along the facade of the priory that faces the Loire. In the woodland, follow the trail to a pretty clearing and the upper walkway where you can enjoy some lovely views.

Take the opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the place. In summer, sun loungers and seats hanging from the trees invite you to relax and enjoy the unspoilt calm and serenity.

SAINT-COSME PRIORY, HOME TO CONTEMPORARY ART

Here, the historic architecture is accompanied by contemporary artworks, such as the 14 “stained-glass windows” by famous painter Zao Wou-Ki, which were installed in the bays of the priory’s refectory in 2010. Saint-Cosme Priory also regularly hosts artists in residence. Here, writers, musicians and plastic artists find inspiration and a place to work and enjoy their art.

Les allées du jardin, vestiges en arrière plan — JC Coutand – ADT Touraine

EVENTS AT SAINT-COSME PRIORY

JC Coutand – ADT Touraine

Shows, poetry, readings in the gardens, exhibitions, concerts, activities and workshops for children… Saint-Cosme Priory offers a rich and varied programme of events over the months.

THE GARDENS OF SAINT-COSME PRIORY, HOUSE OF RONSARD, ARE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PEOPLE

The ground floor of the Prior’s House is fully accessible. Mediation devices include audio stations throughout the site and interpretation panels with large print versions and illustrations. Booklets for the hard of hearing, tactile visitor information and guided tours adapted to different types of disability are also available.

FAQ

How long does it take to visit Saint-Cosme Priory?

A complete visit of Saint-Cosme Priory takes an average of 1.5 hours.

Is there a shop and can I buy works by Ronsard?

A book and gift shop selling a wide range of items such as books about Ronsard, rose plants, children’s toys and local products, including craft beer, honey and jam, is available on site.

Is the visit of Saint-Cosme Priory interesting for children?

Totally! Children can learn about the life of Ronsard, one of the greatest French Renaissance poets, as well as the history and architecture of this historic house. Events and exhibitions are often organised on site and children will be interested in the events and activities adapted for young audiences. In addition, Saint-Cosme Priory – House of Ronsard has signed the Môm’Art charter, which commits it to an active approach to providing a high-quality visit experience for young visitors and their families.