"Le Jardin de Gabriel" is situated in the hamlet of Chez Audebert – D129, in the commune of Nantillé, 10 km south of St Jean d'Angély and 4 km from St Hilaire de Villefranche. It features 450 cement statues created by Gabriel ALBERT (1904–2000), an inventive and passionate self-taught artist who devoted 20 years of his retirement to creating this extraordinary world. A poetic encounter with surprising figures, both famous and anonymous, whom Gabriel ALBERT modelled, drawing inspiration from popular magazines of the 1970s and 1980s such as *Ici Paris* and *Paris Match*, as well as from historical, religious and literary sources. In 1991, he bequeathed his property to the commune of Nantillé, not wishing his works to be scattered. It is now owned by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and listed as a historic monument. His studio, his house, his sculptures and his garden now constitute an exceptional heritage site. The site is open from early June to late October, Sunday to Thursday, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Guided tours are organised regularly. Visitors may also explore the site at their own pace, using a visitor’s guidebook suitable for all ages or a activity booklet for children (aged 8 and over). The garden is open by special arrangement for groups by appointment.
