Parc et Jardins du Château de Valmer

The hanging gardens of the XVIth and XVIIth centuries exude elegance and harmony.

The hanging gardens of Valmer were created in the XVIth century around a Renaissance castle; they were later embellished in the XVIIth century when Thomas Bonneau, advisor to Louis the XIIth, settled there and had the High Terrace built.
The castle was destroyed by fire in 1948 but its magnificent gardens remain a shrine for Petit Valmer, the troglodyte chapel and the XVIIth century outbuildings. The owners have now devoted themselves to the restoration of the complex. Two major axis give structure to this outstanding complex of terraces, following the hillside slope on eight different levels rising more than 30 metres.
Balustrades, statues, staircases and fountains punctuate the gardens offering diversified atmospheres… A panorama looking onto the gentle landscape from the High Terrace; the intimacy of the XVIIIth century arbour; the freshness of the moat where a collection of rare hydrangea nests between large yew buttresses; colours of the flowers on the “Terrasse des Fontaines Florentines” brightened up by the murmur of fresh water in the hot regional summer; the fragrant space of lavenders on the “Terrasse de Léda”; the Mediterranean scents on the “Terrasse des Vases d’Anduze” together with a rhythm of santolina; an abundance of flowers, fruits and vegetables in the kitchen garden.
In the park the beautiful perspectives of the XVIIth century remain intact, with columns, a belvedere with three arches and the “Vide-bouteille” pavilion. The complex will leave the visitor with an impression of great elegance and harmony, within the gentle vineyard landscape. The Vouvray wine grown, produced and bottled by the owner at the castle will be another joy for the senses.
The 1-hectare kitchen garden combines rare flowers, fruits and vegetables, flattering the five senses as well as the botanist’s curiosity.