Jardin médiéval de la Commanderie d'Arville

Over the last 2O years, a great many historical sites, especially medieval ones, have been keen to revive their lost gardens. As in the Commanderie d’Arville, the garden can lead to a discovery of the place, its architecture and of course present the botanical elements relevant to the life at the Commanderie. A Vendôme-style labyrinth is under construction by the medieval garden. The garden at Arville is divided into 4 square beds with medicinal plants, kitchen plants, field plants and other useful plants. The garden is designed to explain a garden’s various functions and the uses of its many plants, cultivated or wild. It is not an attempt at historical restitution. The composition of the four square beds symbolises the four elements: water, earth, fire and air. The paths draw the symbol of the Christian cross. Symbolically, the garden also evokes the garden of Eden and its avenues are an evocation of the arms of the rivers of Paradise. Amongst the many plants in the garden is the one that inspired the cross of Malta. The low hedges were used to protect cultures against domestic or wild animals and were then usually laid in a technique called “plessis”. Inside each square, the parterres are bordered with flint stones, present in abundance on the local fields and traditionally picked out to aid cultivation. This usage continues today. A number of activities are suggested for your visit in 2007: - Guided tours, with guide, with audio guide or visit on your own - Workshops: bread cooking, pottery, miniature painting, calligraphy, medieval cooking, medieval dancing - Play: the Templars’ treasure hunt - Moments together: an oriental tea, a tour in a horse and carriage You can enjoy a complete visit with the “journée à la carte” (1-day full access).