Located in the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra, the Juberri Gardens offer an intriguing mix of imaginative design, natural beauty, and artistic expression. Nicole Grignon, a local resident, started these gardens in 2005 and they show a sophisticated mix of modern sculpture and Pyrenees’ native plants. Perched on a hillside at 1,250 meters, the gardens envelop guests in a world of artistic expression and natural beauty by providing breathtaking panoramic views of the neighboring mountains and valleys.

Apart from their surroundings, the gardens are amazing for their deliberate juxtaposition of their developed design against the wild Pyrenean terrain. The design shows the amazing ability of human creativity to shape the natural world while maintaining its inherent qualities by including geometric flowerbeds and patterns evocative of French tastes. This scene harmonically combines symmetrical hedges, flowing waterfalls, and painstakingly maintained native vegetation to create an environment that really speaks to the senses.

The Juberri Gardens feature an outstanding collection of sculptures, many of which were created by renowned artist Ángel Calvente. The sculptures range in form from imaginative and whimsical to lifelike depictions of fauna. Visitors can enjoy quite realistic representations of horses, sheep, elephants, gorillas, and even giraffes. These pieces of art inspire great respect and turn the gardens into a still haven where species from all around the world remain caught in time.

The carefully designed sculptures in the gardens—a dragon and a dodo among others—add a wonderful whimsical element to the whole experience. Among the most well-known installations are the enormous hands, which seem to softly support tree trunks, evocative of the soft hold of flower stems. Encouragement of viewers to consider the close relationship between humans and the natural world, the artistic creations show the harmonic mix of modern artistry with the surroundings.

Apart from displaying animal and fanciful sculptures, the gardens feature painstakingly created models of Andorran churches, replicated in stone on scale. These architectural replicas offer a unique perspective on Andorra’s customs, so highlighting its great cultural and religious legacy.

Open to all, the Juberri Gardens grant free access all year long and unlimited visiting hours. The gardens’ simplicity of access makes them a classic site for families, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts both. Although there is no formal paving on the paths across the gardens, they are walkable with suitable footwear, so enabling the experience to people of all ages. Pet owners are allowed to bring their dogs, subject to leashes.

Just five kilometers from Sant Julià de Lòria and close to the church of Sant Esteve de Juberri, the gardens are easily reachable by bus and car. While those choosing public transportation can use the Line 1 bus service from Escaldes-Engordany, which conveniently halts in close proximity, those arriving by car may use free parking at the entrance. The proximity of the gardens to several attractions, including the hiking paths of the La Rabassa forest and the Naturland eco-adventure park, makes them a useful addition to any travel schedule.

Together with the creator’s vision, the gardens’ design tells a unique story. Nicole Grignon started her own project compiling animal figures, then expanded her focus with help from the local council. Her idea of an “enchanted forest” has evolved into a place where art and environment interact to provide guests with creative inspiration and peaceful settings.

The gardens also serve as a lighthouse of sorts. By clarifying the many species shown, informative panels placed all around the park help the visitors to understand the sculptures and their importance. These components taken together with the calm atmosphere of the gardens produce a setting fit for both discovery and introspection.

Visiting the Juberri Gardens presents not only a sensory experience but also an opportunity to honor the creativity and dedication that went into their founding. One walks the field of painstakingly created animal sculptures, muses over the harmonic blending of artistic expression and the natural world, or enjoys the amazing views of the Pyrenees and will inevitably leave with lifelong impressions. These gardens are prime examples of the great impact of artistic expression on the arrangement of surroundings and improvement of human experience.

For those planning a trip to Andorra, the Juberri Gardens offer a revitalizing haven from the hectic pace of metropolitan life, offering an enriching experience in a world where artistic expression and the natural surroundings coexist peacefully. Whether the winter’s snowy embrace or the vivid vegetation of summer, the gardens provide an unmatched experience that enthralls people of many generations.