Parks and Gardens

Nature surrounds you in the Eure et Loir.

In the green heart of the French countryside, the Eure et Loir is spoiled for natural beauty. Parks and gardens create a changing tableau of color and fragrance.

Reflecting pools, bridges and long, tree-lined perspectives surround the ruins of the once glorious 18th-century chateau at Ferté Vidame. Open year round, the elegant, classical French garden offers the perfect setting for picnics and long walks.

Built over several centuries, the Chateau de Frazé has both a moat and a classical French garden, surrounded by the hills and forests of the Perche.

For Marcel Proust, summers in Illiers-Combray included visits to the Pré Catelan, an exotic landscaped garden designed by Proust's uncle, the horticulturalist Jules Amiot.

The medieval garden of Bois-Richeux near Maintenon, with over 200 varieties of rare plants, aromatic herbs, perfumed flowers, vegetables and fruit trees, is a haven of peace enclosed within the walls of a 12^th-14^th century farm.

You'll also find medieval inspired gardens within the tranquil, shaded park of the Abbey church at Thiron-Gardais. Thiron-Gardais was the mother abbey of one of the largest monastic orders of the Middle Ages, the Order of Thiron. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this landmark of medieval spirituality while you enjoy a quiet walk amongst exuberant colors and delicate scents.

The Feuilleraie at Happonvilliers combines mosaics and plants to evoke nature and country life.

For more information on the Abbaye de Thiron-Gardais

For more information on the Medieval garden at Bois-Richeux

For more information on La Ferté Vidame

For more information on the Chateau de Frazé

For more information on the Pré Catelan

For more information on the Feuilleraie at Happonvilliers