Jean-Paul Pigeat.

Jean-Paul Pigeat (1946-2005) was a specialist in the history of gardens, landscapes, and landscaping, which were the central themes of his numerous publications. Born in Montluçon in the Allier department, he began his career at ORTF before working at the Centre Pompidou for fifteen years, where he organized several exhibitions on the environment and society. As gardening advisor to Jack Lang, Minister of Culture, he created the Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival in 1992, which he directed for 14 editions, introducing an innovative approach: a temporary event highlighting the art of gardens around a unique theme each year.

Jean-Paul Pigeat also contributed to the redevelopment of the gardens of the Palais-Royal and the restructuring of the Tuileries, while participating in the creation of the École Nationale Supérieure du Paysage in Blois in 1995, with Chilpéric de Boiscuillé. His commitment to education and landscape mediation led to the establishment of a conservatory for professional training and higher education in the field of gardens.

Although criticized for his “ephemeral spectacle” vision, he is unanimously recognized for his extensive knowledge of gardens around the world, his ability to bring people together and convey his passion, and his decisive role in the revival and media coverage of gardens in France.

He is the author of Loire Valley Sketchbook, published by Éditions du Pacifique.