Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4

Designed to awaken the senses and discover the diversity and richness of the world of gardens, «Rendez-vous aux jardins» has been showcasing the art of the garden since its inception in 2003 and the essential role it plays for our well-being, both in the city and in rural areas. The Château de Bournazel is proud to participate in this twentieth year of the event on the theme «the music of the garden».

On Saturday 3 June at 15h, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a lecture on “The French gardens of the 16th and 17th centuries and their decor: pavilions, sculptures, flowerbeds, fountains and caves of freshness” by Louise Leates, Professor of Art History and Gardens.

The art of gardens, in the 16th and 17th centuries, is expressed using the same elements.

In the 16th century, the garden was closely linked to the house or the château, with ‘compartments’ divided by alleys, planted in interlaces of boxwood and flowers, punctuated by a simple central fountain, with a round or square basin.

Over the next century, there was a desire to create – or pretend to create – larger spaces. Alleys stretch as far as the eye could see; flowerbeds, fountains and waterfalls became theatrical scenes. Sculpture groups – actors on stage – recounted mythological tales and may also have expressed political messages.

The examples selected during this conference will come from the châteaux of the Loire Valley (Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chenonceau, etc.), the Île-de-France (Vaux-le-Vicomte, Versailles) and Provence (Albertas and Arnajon).”

Image above: The gardens of Albertas, Provence

To reserve your seat for the lecture, please email the château.

Note : the lecture will be given in French

Practical information

Opening of the garden: 14h-18h

Tariff: €7 (free for children under 6 years) The lecture is free for visitors with their entrance ticket to the garden.

Reservations: chateau.de.bournazel@gmail.com