Our Story
A French family tradition, rooted in Texas
Jardin de France is a family-run business built around a shared appreciation for French antiques, design and the art of living well.
Patrice and Gloria Watine founded Jardin de France in 2013, bringing together Patrice’s French heritage and Gloria’s eye for interiors, presentation and detail. Born in the small Picard village of Montrelet, France, Patrice grew up surrounded by the history, architecture and objects that continue to influence the character of Jardin de France today.
From the beginning, the focus has been on sourcing distinctive pieces directly from France — antiques, furnishings, art, garden pieces and decorative objects chosen for their beauty, craftsmanship and sense of history.
From the beginning, the focus has been on sourcing distinctive pieces directly from France — antiques, furnishings, art, garden pieces and decorative objects chosen for their beauty, craftsmanship and sense of history.
From France to Texas
Each collection is personally selected in France and imported to Texas, where the pieces find new homes through our Houston Shop and our seasonal Round Top location.
Rather than following a fixed catalog, Jardin de France is constantly evolving. New shipments bring new discoveries, from grand statement pieces to smaller objects with character and patina. The result is an ever-changing collection that reflects both the history of France and the relaxed elegance of life in Texas.
Where It All Began: Our First Container
Where It All Began: Our First Container
Every story has its milestones, and the arrival of our very first container from France was one we will never forget.
These photographs capture those early days of Jardin de France: the anticipation of opening the container doors, the excitement of seeing our carefully selected treasures arrive in Texas, and the hard work of unloading each piece by hand. It was a day filled with heavy lifting, plenty of helping hands, and the satisfaction for Patrice and Gloria of seeing their vision come to life.
Although much has changed since that first shipment, the excitement has never faded. Each new container still brings the same sense of anticipation, along with the promise of new discoveries and beautiful pieces waiting to find their next home.
A Family Business
In 2024, Patrice and Gloria’s son and daughter-in-law, Nico and Corinne, joined the family business and now lead the Houston Shop.
A Family Business
In 2024, Patrice and Gloria’s son and daughter-in-law, Nico and Corinne, joined the family business and now lead the Houston Shop.
With the second generation involved, Jardin de France continues to grow while remaining firmly rooted in the values on which it was founded: personal sourcing, thoughtful selection, a love of French design and a belief that the most memorable interiors are built over time.
Today, the Watine family continues to source distinctive pieces from France and share them with clients across Texas and beyond.
Today, the Watine family continues to source distinctive pieces from France and share them with clients across Texas and beyond.
L’esprit Français
At the heart of Jardin de France is something difficult to define but easy to recognize: l’esprit Français — a sense of history, beauty, character and effortless elegance.
It is what guides the pieces we choose, the spaces we create and the way we hope you experience Jardin de France.