©Leonard De Serres
Gardens of Chenonceau Castle
France
The ornamental gardens of Chenonceau were created in the early 16th century.
The historic gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici are designed
in the “French style,” featuring paths, topiary shrubs, and beds of annuals, which are replanted twice a year. The layout of the two gardens and the plant species have been modified several times throughout their history, but their locations remain the same.
In Diane de Poitiers’ parterre, designed by Philibert de l’Orme, the traditional cross-shaped layout is preserved. In Catherine de’ Medici’s garden, there is an aviary with a collection of exotic birds, “Italian-style” artificial grottoes, and a collection of pine trees.
In 2018, the château unveiled a secret and more contemporary garden,
“Homage to Russell Page and François Xavier Lalanne.”
This garden was designed with “mixed borders,” combining perennials and shrubs to ensure a spread of blooms throughout the seasons.
The Jardin Vert, meanwhile, stretches out in front of the former Orangery—now a restaurant—featuring a lovely collection of North American species and a magnificent holm oak several centuries old…
An Italian maze, directly inspired by the original plan, stands near the Grand Avenue of plane trees leading to the monument. The Potager des Fleurs, spanning over a hectare, contains many culinary and ornamental species. These are largely used by the château’s floral designer, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, who, along with his team, decorates the monument and its outbuildings with sumptuous bouquets of fresh flowers throughout the year. This in-house floral workshop is unique in Europe. Finally, Chenonceau and its park have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Sit.
Gardens of Chenonceau Castle
Château de Chenonceau
37150 CHENONCEAUX
Château de Chenonceau
37150 CHENONCEAUX
The Castle of Chenonceau and its gardens are open everyday, all year long. Check their website for more information.
