Accueil Discover Visit a garden Gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil
Gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil: gardens at the foot of a medieval fortress
Nicknamed “the little Carcassonne”, the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil and its surrounding moat have belonged to the same family since 1467. It was Marie-Sol de La Tour d’Auvergne, the mother of the current owner, who created the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil. A garden and botany enthusiast, she designed a series of spaces that visitors can stroll through today and discover the history of the gardens.
The Chartreuses: open-air houses
V. Treney – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
The journey begins with a walk through the Chartreuses. These buildings, which are very rare in France, resemble those built in the King’s Vegetable Garden at Versailles by Louis XIV. In the gardens of Ainay-le-Vieil, they cover 4,000m². Behind the high walls nestle five gardens evoking very different eras and styles: the flower garden, the sculptural orchard, the meditation garden, the herb cloister and the embroidery garden. The advantage of the high walls is that they reflect the sun’s heat and create a microclimate, allowing ripe fruit to be picked and enjoyed for longer…
A romantic walk
Water is a common theme in the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil. From a defence mechanism surrounding the château to a decorative feature that winds through the gardens and forms the Grand Carré de l’île thanks to a cleverly designed network of canals, water gives the gardens their unique character. Stroll along the Poets’ Alley and admire the contemporary artworks installed at intervals throughout the year.
The journey continues with a tribute to the English style in the Rose Garden near the château, where beautiful smells fill the air. The roses here are fragrant heritage varieties and bear some very illustrious-sounding names such as “Empress Joséphine”, “Napoleon’s Hat” and “Souvenir of the Petite Malmaison”.
V. Treney – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Promoting biodiversity
Biodiversity is important to Arielle and Hervé Borne, the current owners. Bees buzz from flower to flower collecting pollen before returning to one of the many hives installed in the gardens. If you want to taste the homegrown honey, head to the shop!
J. Damase – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
V. Treney – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Events at the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil
A plant festival, escape games, an interactive adventure, exhibitions, concerts, easter egg and treasure hunts… the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil invite you to many events throughout the year!
04
May
05
May
2024
Le
26
May
2024
31
May
02
June
2024
15
August
18
August
2024
Le
22
September
2024
FAQ
How long does it take to visit the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil?
A complete visit of the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil takes an average of 1.15 hours.
Are there places to eat in the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil?
The château’s restaurant, La Volière, is located in one of the 17th-century pavilions at the entrance of the park. In summer, you can enjoy a meal on its pretty rose-covered terrace.
Those who wish can also eat at one of the picnic tables available in the park.
Is it possible to spend the night at the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil?
You can extend your visit by booking one of the five guest rooms or cosy gites. Whether you wish to stay as a couple, family or group, there’s plenty of space for all!
How do I book a visit to the gardens of the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil?
You can book your ticket online directly via the link below.
