From unspoilt countryside to the cultivated garden :
The Loire valley is rightly called “the garden of France”. And the horticultural arts in the valley of the Loire take in everything from the quintessential “French garden” to its more contemporary transmogrifications: arboretums, parkland, botanical gardens, Italianate gardens or even gardens inspired by Japan, not to mention some very special sites where you can view unspoilt natural countryside. Any number of marvellous opportunities to relax and give free rein to your imagination.
THE ROUTE OF THE FINEST GARDENS
Villandry
You have to see Villandry to understand court life in the Loire valley. The rigorous planning of the 17th century with its tightly-cropped box hedging combines with an entanglement of fruit and vegetables planted in highly symbolic beds where water, love, music and the five senses are central themes. Villandry is the finest example of the art of the French garden and is a precursor of Versailles.
Find out more: www.chateauvillandry.com
The Garden Festival in Chaumont sur Loire
The Chaumont Garden Festival provides a sort of modern-day response to the gardens at Villandry. In line with strict 17th century planning, the garden is designed in the form of a leaf where its paths are the veins which draw you into this pouch of chlorophyll, the garden itself. There are some twenty different gardens in all within this estate which majestically overlooks the river Loire. Every year a different theme is chosen, as breathtaking as the gardens themselves, which are designed by artists and/or landscape gardeners from France and further afield.
Find out more: www.domaine-chaumont.fr
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Domaine des Hauts de Loire in Onzain
The Maulévrier Oriental Park
There’s a real find hidden away in this southern pocket of the Maine-et-Loire: the finest Japanese-style garden in Europe! Maulévrier was created at the beginning of the twentieth century, and, in strict accordance the principles of Yin and Yang, explores the dialogue between plants and architecture through the five elements of Taoism, fire, earth, water, wood and metal. Its mystery, exoticism and tranquillity will transport you to another world.
Find out more: www.parc-oriental.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Noirieux in Briollay
Château de Curzay in Curzay
THE GARDENS OF THE “GARDEN OF FRANCE”
The Grandes Bruyères arboretum (45 Loiret)
Is it really a garden, or a forest inspired by a “French” imagination? This conservatory of rare species, created within a nature reserve in the heart of the forest of Orleans and meticulously maintained, is home to one of the finest collections of magnolias in France. And it weaves its magic special no matter what the season as its more than 4500 plant species, which hail from the three temperate climates of the northern hemisphere (Europe, North America and the Far East), along with its exuberant clematis and old roses, create tableaux of rare harmony.
Find out more: www.coeur-de-france.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Auberge des Templiers aux Bézards
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or in Romorantin
The Les Barres arboretum (45 Loiret)
The National Arboretum of Les Barres, formerly the property of the Vilmorin family, today is home to one of the finest collections in Europe of trees and shrubs collected around the world. Amongst its approximately 2,700 unusual or rare species, you will find the Chinese gum tree, the Napoleon pine, the European beech, the white spruce or even, in autumn, enjoy the sugary fragrance of the Katsura or caramel tree… And, on a regular basis, there are original shows for children.
Find out more: www.arboretumdesbarres.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Auberge des Templiers aux Bézards
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or in Romorantin
The Herboretum in Saint-Ay (45 Loiret))
The Herboretum in Saint-Ay, in partnership with the Paris Museum of Natural History and with the assistance of professionals from Cosmetic Valley, was created in order to raise awareness of the need to protect nature and preserve its biodiversity. This 8-hectare park is currently home to an old French-style garden with a collection of more than 250 medicinal, dye and aromatic plants. In years to come, there are plans to add a rose garden, an arboretum, an orchard, a kitchen garden and a greenhouse for tropical plants.
Find out more: www.herboretum.org
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Auberge des Templiers aux Bézards
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or in Romorantin
Estate and gardens at the Château de Valmer (37 Chançay)
In the heart of the Vouvray vineyards, the hillside jealously guards a secret: a Renaissance garden designed along the purest of Italian lines. Over eight levels, there are balustrades, statues, flights of steps, water features and Florentine fountains along the terraces and the visitor is constantly surprised and delighted by the gentle perspectives revealed during the visit. These stunningly beautiful hanging gardens are complemented by grounds which have retained intact their 17th century design.
Find out more: www.chateau-de-valmer.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Le château de Noizay in Noizay
Les Hautes Roches in Rochecorbon
Plessis-Sasnières Garden (41310 Sasnières)
This is a young garden of water and greenery, the work of two passionate gardeners who are constantly adding to its beauty. This charming place nestles in a tiny valley, laid out around a fresh-water pool. It will transport you back in time.
Find out more: www.jardins-de-france.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Domaine des Hauts de Loire in Onzain
La Chatonnière (37190 Azay-le-Rideau)]
The nine gardens of La Chatonnière are devoted primarily to lilies and roses – Balzac wrote The Lily of the Valley a stone’s throw away. They are arranged in an arc overlooking the six watch towers of a charming little Renaissance castle, allowing glimpses here and there of views right out over the forest of Chinon or the river Indre. Follow the path and discover the gardens of Silence, Senses, Intelligence, Sciences, Romances, Fragrances, Elegance, Exuberance, Wonder and Luxuriance laid out on terraces around it.
Find out more: www.lachatonniere.com
Jardin du Château du Pin (49123 Champtocé-sur-Loire)
The fourteen areas which make up the Château du Pin Garden have been designed, with the help of the nursery gardeners Bureau et Lepage, to appeal to two of our five senses: sight and smell. There are countless views, the geometric shapes of clipped yew, masterpieces of topiary, an 18th century chapel tucked away in the greenery, the remains of a Gallo-Roman road winding through the undergrowth, rare fragrant plants, in short the garden is in fact a delight for all the senses.
Find out more: membres.lycos.fr/jardins/
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Noirieux in Briollay
The Maupassant de Bois Savary Park (49650 Alonnes)
The Maupassant de Bois Savary Park has just been returned to all its former glory after 18 years of restoration. In a new interpretation of the garden “à la Française”, alignments of vases and statues will punctuate your exploration of its 22 hectares. Ponds and fountains and an exuberant collection of more than one thousand roses and two thousand peonies make up sixteen theme gardens, including a Mediterranean garden, a four seasons garden, a white garden and a garden of the forbidden fruit…
Find out more: www.parcmaupassant.com
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Noirieux in Briollay
"Camifolia": Chemillé Garden of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (49120 CHEMILLE)
This garden showcases the produce of the region – a region which is one of three main historic sites for the production of medicinal herbs in France. It has just been recognised as a botanical collection and contains more than 350 species of plants with amazing properties in the following categories: condiment plants, dye plants, insecticides, aromatic plants, riverside plants, magic herbs and “weeds”.
Find out more: www.ot-chemille.fr
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Noirieux in Briollay
NATURE OBSERVATION
In Sologne
If you pay attention, it is easy to spot on the back roads of Sologne a lost pheasant or a deer disappearing up a track… And with a little patience, beside a pond, you will hear frogs and water fowl, grebes and ducks competing with their calls. Chance happenings are the order of the day in a wild yet still protected countryside.
For a general introduction:
www.sologne-france.com
To observe nature in good conditions:
Bird sanctuary at Beaumont lake in Montrieux-en-Sologne
For themed walks, see:
The Centre Region Conservatory for Natural Heritage
and the following associations:
Union for Popular Culture in Sologne
Sologne Nature Environnement
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or
Chambord estate
The thousand hectares that make up the Chambord nature reserve, enclosed by walls, are open to walkers and to those who want to watch animals in the wild (stags, deer, wild boar). The rut, which starts at about mid-September, is spectacular. It can be watched from observation posts on the estate and also on bicycle accompanied by a forest guard or from a four-wheel drive (no more than 8 persons).
Find out more: www.chambord.org
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or
The Brenne Natural Park
The Brenne Regional Natural Park, on the edge of the regions of Berry, Touraine and Poitou, stretches over one of France’s most important inland wetlands, a mosaic of more than 2000 lakes, sandstone hillocks, heaths and meadows, as well as picturesque valleys (Creuse, Anglin…) and valleys of woodland and pasture. There is abundant flora and fauna and, in particular, 61 species of dragonflies of the 91 known in France, fine populations of beetles and stag beetles whose habitat is the ancient oak as well as rare butterflies like the Alcon Blue Butterfly and the Large Copper Butterfly. But perhaps it is best known for its famous European Pond Terrapin, a fresh water terrapin which can grow to 35 cm in length…
Find out more: www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or
Château de Curzay
The Marais poitevin
Whatever the season, this “Green Venice” right in the heart of the Poitou will always be bathed in soft light: you can visit by boat or canoe. You plunge into the greenery following the water, going where no road could ever go… As you paddle away, the Marais will little by little reveal its secrets to you…
Find out more: www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Curzay
AFLOAT ON THE WATER
On the Loire in a traditional boat
The traditional boats of the Loire are enjoying a renaissance thanks to some enthusiasts who will take you on their old-style Toue or Futreau fishing boats to discover the natural riches of this legendary river. An authentic and very special experience!
From Chaumont sur Loire or Amboise:
Find out more:
www.milliere-raboton.net
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Château de Noizay
Les Hautes Roches
Grand Hôtel du Lion D’or
Or From Candes Saint Martin
L’Ile de Rochecorbon (37 Indre et Loire)
L’Ile de Rochecorbon (island), which has been acquired by the county council, is a veritable haven of peace where you can fish, bird watch, have a picnic or simply relax. Some tropical plants which arrived by boat from Nantes have established themselves naturally. The island is opposite a cliff which has troglodyte cave dwellings hewn into it and is overlooked by the Lanterne de la Rochecorbon, a former watch tower.
Find out more: www.cg37.fr
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Les Hautes Roches
Château de Noizay
L’Ile de Béhuard (49 Maine et Loire)
L’Ile de Béhuard (island), not far from Angers and across from Savennières, is home to a picturesque little village in the waters of the Loire which, since Gallo-Roman times, has had a shrine to the Mother Goddess. A 15th century church built onto the rock face itself overlooks it and remains to this day a place of pilgrimage. The island is a charming place to go for an extended walk.
Nearest Relais & Châteaux:
Château de Noirieux
From unspoilt countryside to the cultivated garden : nearby Relais & Chateaux properties
Château de Curzay
Hotel and restaurant in a park
So many wonderful experiences await at the Château de Curzay, built in 1710. Take a hot air balloon ride from the park and survey Romanesque Vienne from the sky. Drift in a boat down the Vonne, at the heart of the estate, in search of the secret garden, and have a picnic on the banks of the river, in the shade of 200 year-old cedar trees. Go for a walk through the estate’s 120 hectares in search of deer that roam wild. Visit the Futuroscope, a fairytale temple of images. Discover the seductive charm of the Poitevin marsh. Stop off in the town of Poitiers to admire the medieval facades. Back at the château, days and nights can be spent in magnificent tranquillity, between romantic strolls, dinner on the terrace, beauty treatments, classical music in the chapel and relaxing at the pool. ...Read more
France, Curzay-sur-Vonne
Les Hautes Roches
Hotel and restaurant on a big river
Located on a cliff overlooking the Loire, recently listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, this luxurious hotel carved into the rocks is truly unique. The south-facing cave rooms with a view of the Loire, some carved into the rock, are all elegantly decorated with stylish fabrics in perfect harmony with the setting. The classical but creative Breton-inspired cuisine perfectly marries the fresh seafood with local products. Each season brings new things to discover at this treasure on the Loire. ...Read more
France, Rochecorbon
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a park
In a forest along the Wine Route in Loir-et-Cher lies a hunting lodge built in 1860. The walls of this historic residence are covered with ivy and the eaves are alive with sweet song of birds. Nature lovers will be delighted with this hotel, which has its own private lake and “The Queen’s Alley”, a homage to the courtly promenades of Marie-Antoinette. Grand Chef Rémy Giraud describes the cuisine as “classical-modern”. On the menu are crémeux of crab in a sea urchin emulsion, young pigeon of Mme Lebert and lime soufflé. There are plenty of fine wines on offer, including the great Loire whites like Vouvray, Montlouis and Touraine. ...Read more
France, Onzain
Grand Hôtel du Lion d’Or
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
In this Renaissance manor house in the heart of Romorantin, the capital of Sologne, the city that made Leonardo da Vinci come to France, Grand Chef Didier Clément takes great delight in experimenting with natural flavours. His author’s cuisine, which highlights forgotten ingredients such as angelica, elderflower and peppery grains of paradise, will surprise your taste buds. His white asparagus or chanterelles, seasonal game, fine desserts, accompanied by the best Loire wines, subtly awaken the senses. ...Read more
France, Romorantin-Lanthenay
Château de Noirieux
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Nestled on nine hectares of grounds, the Château de Noirieux is an oasis of calm, elegance and privacy. The atmosphere recalls the grandeur of historical stately homes and there is a magnificent inlaid Érard piano. The Maîtres de Maison Anja and Gérard Côme take pride in ensuring that everything is perfect, right down to the slightest detail. Each room is lightly perfumed with its own special fragrance, the welcome is warm, the terrace is surrounded by beautiful nature and, in the kitchen, the chef has discovered the secret of remarkable and inspired cuisine, tailored around the freshest produce that’s in season. ...Read more
France, Briollay
Château de Noizay
Hotel and restaurant in a village
Delve into history at this magnificent château in the heart of the Loire Valley. Its gorgeous stained glass windows, ornate woodwork and stately gardens transport guests back in time to 1560, when Château de Noizay was the setting of an important episode in the French Wars of Religion. Here, a group of Protestant Huguenots, known as the Amboise conspirators, hatched their plot to abduct the young King Francois II. Each of the château’s rooms has its own unique décor featuring authentic period furniture. It is the perfect base from which to explore the sites and tastes of the legendary Loire Valley. ...Read more
France, Noizay
Auberge des Templiers
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Back in 1954 the Dépée family turned this former post house into one of the first Relais & Châteaux properties. Charming and tranquil, this top culinary destination is surrounded by Loire châteaux and the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly. Experience the rare pleasure of sleeping under a thatched roof, and allow yourself to be seduced by the cuisine of Grand Chef Yoshi Miura in the restaurant, looking out on century-old oak trees. On the menu is a magical ravioli of wild mushrooms and velouté with a truffle jus, and John Dory in a La Ratte potato crust and sweet red onion sauce. This delicious food is complemented by wine from the highly acclaimed cellar. ...Read more
France, Boismorand
