The Gardens are
considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in France (Historic
Monuments. They were awarded the Gardens of France first Prize by the Demeure
Historique Association. These gardens were designed in the 'French style', and
their design and originality make them a rare example of this style. There are
almost no French gardens left in France as costs of maintenance are high.
Formerly, these gardens were called 'Gardens of Intelligence' because they were
very well ordered and structured, conversely to 'English Gardens', which are
generally packed with flowers in an apparently unconstrained show.
The Gardens were designed in the French style in the XVIIIth century, then
totally changed and modified into an English romantic garden in the XIXth
century, following the fashion of the time, and then more or less neglected and
badly kept until the beginning of our century. It was the current owner, who
started restoring them 40 years ago. He searched and found the original traces
and he skilfully reconstructed them in spirit on the XVIIth century, which were
then influenced by Italy. They are now in the full splendour of their maturity.
In order to respect their original style there are practically no flowers in the
Gardens. It must be remembered that these gardens, which are 'greenery', are
mainly composed of lawns, hornbeams, boxwoods, yew trees and Cypresses which
practically all remain green throughout the year (the hornbeams become tawny
red, but keep some of their leaves until the new growth in the spring).
The Rose Gardens
We wished to have a second garden beside the French garden (which is basically a
green garden) different to it and which would abound with flowers and water.
We intentionally did not use old roses or collection roses but simply white
ground or climbing roses, all harmonising with the fountains in the 5 water
basins. It is the ideal complement to the existing French garden, which
harmoniously blends perspectives and clipped plants like sculptures, and while
playing with its basic colour of white and green shades.
In our view this white garden is the natural finishing touch, which gives the
gardens as a whole an extra touch of lightness and poetry.
This white garden, synonymous with purity and elegance, is frequently found in
large old gardens.
The Orangery
(Historic Monument).
It can be booked for your private or professional receptions. Invite your guests
to visit the Gardens (included in the price of hiring the hall) at the start of
an evening, which every one will enjoy.
Services available:
A 300 m2 hall and a 400 m2 terrace, landscaped garden.
Car parks, toilets, tables and chairs available.
The possibility of having your photograph taken in the gardens.
Restaurant
In the terrace or outside, you will appreciate quality cooking, in full view of
the gardens either at lunchtime or at teatime. The Restaurant "Côté Jardin"
caters for 'large or small appetites': grandmother's chicken, Périgourdine
melon, duck salad, foie gras, nut cake, etc...
Groups all year around on booking.
