The gardens

The Renaissance Gardens

Visitors to the château can add an extra dimension to their visit by discovering the park. Created at the end of the 16th century by Lancelot II du Lac, the Chamerolles garden was inspired by his trip to Italy. It occupied a place of great importance in his seigniorial daily life. Lost completely during the 20th century, the gardens were recreated during the restorations of 1987-1992, in the exact location of the original gardens. Inspiration for the restoration was provided by excavations that revealed the peripheral ditches, 18th century plans kept in the National Archives, and the architectural treatises of Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau. The gardens are bordered by plant-lined alleys where climbing roses, wisteria and clematis grow. In France, Renaissance Gardens show an advanced geometrisation of forms that demonstrate the mastery of humankind over nature, especially through an art form known as topiary, involving the pruning of trees and shrubs. Our Renaissance Garden consists of six spaces.

The labyrinth, planted with yew trees and its central beech, uses a motif used since Ancient Greek times in frescoes and mosaics. The first labyrinth is found in the legend of King Minos and Ariadne's thread. In the Middle Ages, it was a source of spiritual inspiration. In the 18th century, it was synonymous with entertainment, becoming a favourable place for love games.

The more playful “pré-haut”("high meadow") square was a very popular location for conversing, listening to music or even playing. The “préau” courtyard is not a wooden structure under which we can shelter, as we do nowadays. The meadow from the time of the Renaissance must be understood in terms of height, that is, kinds of brick benches in which grass grows, acting as seats, providing a real living room in a green garden .

To delight the eyes, the embroidery parterre, divided into triangles and squares, features different geometric shapes centred on an obelisk. Yew, boxwood and rose trees are pruned regularly to create a real embroidery of plants.

The square, dedicated to rare plants, allowed the bringing together of botanical curiosities introduced in France after their discovery on new continents, including plants from the Americas or the Mediterranean basin. Today, visitors can find palm trees, magnolias, sunflowers and other plants, all bordered by rows of lavender.

Finally, two squares of kitchen garden, bordered by fruit trees have also been restored. Located at the bottom of the Renaissance gardens, their purpose is suggested by their name; they are used purely for the château kitchen. Courgettes, asparagus, strawberries, salads, aromatic and medicinal herbs, cabbages and many other plants grow as the seasons turn.