A French garden and a park
Structured designs and swirling curves, with variable geometry of shrubby wooded areas and neo-Gothic architecture: the château des Millandes park is a master-piece of French landscape gardening, just waiting to rediscover the sunshine after years in the shade.
Since 2003, every season the gardens recover some of their former splendour. Flowers, lavender bushes, new areas of shrubs and evergreens planted, return of the pond...
Though the château of Milandes is a homage to Joséphine Baker, the park in which the castle is set gives pride of place to Jules Vacherot. This visionary landscape architect, engineer, urbanist, former head gardener of the city of Paris and the 1900 Universal Exhibition, was given the task of creating this garden at the beginning of last century.
Enhanced perspectives
All the spaces have been reworked using the original J. Vacherot plans. The initial layout has been maintained and the original inspiration enhanced. The result is a perfect harmony of the various elements.
Subtle installations restore colour to copses of yesteryear and, from the main gazebo, a perfect view leads ultimately to the rose garden. Mingled with the plan is the whisper of the water, omnipresent: small waterfalls, mirrors, fountains around the sculptures... Absolutely dazzling.
Useful information
Open every day in high season from 9.30am to 8.00pm (for other times of year check the website). The entrance ticket includes the castle visit with audioguide, the falcon show, visit of the gardens and events for kids (feeding exotic birds, falconnery). Access for people with reduced mobility. Free audio-guide. Languages available: French and English.
Journalist. Passions: the Périgord, history and the environment, nature and animals, horse and motorbike riding...and the culture of the Southwest with its rugby, bodegas, surfing, skiing...
