In Normandy, halfway between Le Mans and Caen, in the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park and Geopark, the Château de Carrouges traces seven centuries of history. In the 14th century, its keep became a stronghold of the Hundred Years War. Later, in the 15th century, the Blosset wing contributed to making it a stately home to which was added, in the 16th century, an entrance gatehouse reputed to be the first witness to Renaissance architecture in Normandy. The Wars of Religion then led to the construction of the western bastion to fortify it. Finally, when the two “classic” wings and the stairs leading to them, signed by the architect François Gabriel, were erected at the end of the 16th century, the Château de Carrouges asserted itself as a prestigious residence. Famous guests such as King Louis XI in 1473 then Catherine de Medici and her retinue in 1570 hosted by the lords of Carrouges attest to this.
Around the castle, extend about ten hectares which form the gardens, listed as historical monuments. The landscaped park was created in 1637 on the plans and drawings of Maurice Ier Gabriel, architect in Argentan, whose descendants form the great dynasty of the Gabriels: Ange-Jacques Gabriel, architect of the Petit Trianon, of the Place de la Concorde in Paris , the opera house of Versailles, the castle of Compiègne, Jacques IV Gabriel, architect of the Royal bridge…
This historic landscaped estate includes elements listed in the pre-inventory of remarkable gardens: the earthen terrace, the garden, its fence, its ironwork grilles and its kiosks, its fence wall.
The Park of the Château de Carrouges includes a French-style garden, a bouquetier garden known as the “bird house”, decorated with two aviaries, an orchard-conservatory of apple trees, a rose garden, groves, a meadow with an ornamental lake where the Isle of Love covered with a small grove is still visible… Since 2016, the gardeners have been working to maintain and work them according to the principles of sustainable development.
As a partner of Rendez-vous aux jardins, Binette & Jardin likes these regular gardens classified as a Historic Monument since 1927, which are proof that many challenges must be met for historic gardens if they want to be preserved for a long time to come. “Gardens in the face of climate change”, the 2022 theme of the Rendez-vous aux jardins event, finds here the historical scope of its challenge.
Our favorite for the Rendez-vous aux jardins 2022
On the occasion of the Rendez-vous aux jardins 2022, the gardens of the Château de Carrouges have chosen free visits. You will discover how climate change has a direct impact on the maintenance of gardens and their development: the evolution of species, water management, drought are among the many challenges that this site faces for its preservation.
Contact & info
Park of the castle of Carrouges
Carrouges Castle,
61320 Carrouges
Tel: 02 33 27 20 32
[email protected]
http://www.chateau-carrouges.fr
Opening hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-6pm.
Exceptional price: free.
(photos 1 and 3: © François Montambault – photo 2: © David Commenchal)
Written by Nathalie on 05/11/2022