Dream Gardens: The finest green spaces and exceptional parks

Villandry is located a few kilometers from Tours. It is one of the Loire Valley châteaux. Built in the Renaissance style, it owes its renown to its gardens, laid out on three terraces. The elegance of its architecture, combined with its remarkable gardens, has earned the château a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The gardens themselves are an indescribable splendor, blending beauty, harmony, diversity, and aesthetic appeal.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located in the French commune of Maincy, 50 km southeast of Paris, near Melun, is a 17th-century château built for Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances under Louis XIV. It now belongs to a junior branch of the Marquis de Vogà.

The Palace of Versailles, whose origins date back to the 17th century, has successively served as a hunting lodge, a seat of power, and, since the 19th century, a museum. Comprising the park and gardens as well as the Trianon palaces, it covers 800 hectares.

One of the jewels of the Loire Valley, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is distinguished by its unique identity, blending fairytale-like feudal architecture with a resolutely contemporary artistic program. Historically, the château is famous for having belonged to Catherine de Medici, who exchanged it for Chenonceau with her rival, Diane de Poitiers. Its architecture, marked by heavy circular towers and a drawbridge, retains the appearance of a medieval fortress, while having been extensively embellished during the Renaissance and then in the 19th century by the wealthy owners of the Broglie family. They also had luxurious stables built there, considered at the time to be the most modern in Europe, reflecting the splendor of aristocratic life before the First World War. From a tourism perspective, the estate is now a world-renowned destination thanks to its International Garden Festival, which takes place every year from April to November. This landscape laboratory allows designers from around the world to create ephemeral installations around an environmental or poetic theme, offering a constantly evolving experience within the historic park. In addition to its 32 hectares of greenery, the château houses spectacular contemporary art installations, integrated even into the attics and gardens. This bold blend of classical architectural heritage and avant-garde plant art makes Chaumont a unique destination, attracting history buffs as well as design and nature enthusiasts.

Located near Sarlat, the Eyrignac Manor Gardens stand as a masterpiece of topiary art, ranking among the most beautiful private gardens in France. Surrounding a 17th-century manor, this family estate features 10 hectares of meticulously hand-sculpted vegetation. Forget floral chaos; here, the "French Way" reigns supreme through a symphony of green shades. Hornbeams, yews, and boxwoods are shaped into stunning geometric perspectives and outdoor "rooms," offering a timeless stroll through French elegance.

Beyond the formal structures, the estate surprises visitors with the romantic White Garden and its rose-covered fountains, as well as a vibrant Kitchen Garden. Listed as a "Remarkable Garden," Eyrignac is a sensory escape where the rigor of design meets the wild beauty of the Périgord hills.

The Château de Courances, located 47 kilometers southeast of Paris in the Essonne department of the Île-de-France region, has been a listed historical monument since June 27, 1983. The château, both in style and dating from the Louis XIII period, reveals itself through its architecture, including its construction, renovations, and restorations. Its current appearance is particularly marked by the alterations carried out, notably in the 19th century by Baron Samuel de Haber, particularly its horseshoe-shaped staircase and red brick facades. The 75-hectare park reflects the different eras and owners who have shaped it. A Renaissance water garden, a formal French garden, and a Japanese garden coexist harmoniously. The entire estate is fed by 14 springs and punctuated by 17 ponds.

Located in the heart of the Berry region, Ainay-le-Vieil is a stunning 14th-century fortress that earned its nickname "Little Carcassonne" thanks to its imposing octagonal enclosure and nine massive towers surrounded by water-filled moats. Once you cross the drawbridge, the medieval austerity gives way to a graceful Renaissance manor, a testament to the evolution of this family estate, which has been held by the same lineage for over six centuries. It is a rare architectural journey from feudal defense to French art de vivre. The estate is equally renowned for its "Jardins Remarquables" (Remarkable Gardens). A true botanical museum, the park features "chartreuses"—walled gardens that house unique collections, including a world-famous rose garden of ancient varieties. Between the tranquil canals and sculpted orchards, Ainay-le-Vieil offers an intimate, bucolic experience, providing all the prestige of the great Loire castles without the crowds.