The Remarkable Gardens of the Castle of
La Chatonnière

South of the castle, in a room of greenery overshadowed by majestic trees and cone shaped yew topiaries, The Garden of Elegance (created in 1996) as its name suggests is tastefully decorated with Italian statues and ancient urns. It has an icehouse, labyrinths and flower beds which change according to the seasons: tulips in April, lilies in May, dahlias in Summer and a stunning carpet of cyclamen in the fall.

In the inner courtyard, at the heart of the manor, rests The Garden of Silence ( 1997). Its elegant lawn is contained within a boxwood hedge, protecting the royal urns, which stand gracefully in the center. In the corner one can admire the old well and the dove house.

The Garden of Intelligence (1998) surrounded by rose and clematis covered pergolas, displays four main beds, two pink and two blue, of clever geometrical box patterns. These are brought to life by the vivid blues of the nepetas, lavender, calamint and campanulas or the soft pinks of the dianthus, geraniums and sedums.

The Garden of Exuberance (2001) is an ocean of wild flowering poppies and cornflowers scattered over 7 hectares of land. The red and blue “waves” made by the wind, ripple through the valley.

Like a luminous halo resting above the gardens The Crescent of Fragrance (1999) is a carpet of Californian poppies and one thousand flame-colour rosebushes. This stunning array of colours is crowned by a 300metre long shady rose covered tunnel, from which one can admire panoramic views of the garden.