Chateau du Lude

This lovely chateau, the chateau du lude, which is on a more human scale than some of those in the Loire valley has a lovely garden and grounds attached to it.

Built on the banks of the River Loir the river adds an extra dimension to the garden.  The river runs alongside a long formal, landscaped park. In the distance is a chinese pavillion and the Jardin de la Source. But for me the best bit is the top terrace. Surrounded by a stone balustrade and with the view of the park and river below there is a lovely 'parterre style' garden. I am not usually a big fan of these formal parterre garden but this one is a little different. Whilst the box hedging is all very traditional the shapes are filled in with a much more exuberent planting than normal giving it a much more informal air.

 

Gardens of the Chateau du Lude

For more pictures click here

Near the castle the parterres are filled with plants with colours mostly of white and yellow. Golden oregano is used to good effect here as ground cover. Further away lots of pinks and purples including an enormous number of alliums, one of my personal favourites. There was a lovely purple rose 'Rhapsody in blue'. This rose won the 'rose of the year competition' in 2003 and I can see why. Other plants include nepeta, lavender and geraniums. There is a miniture maize beyond this garden.

For those of you who like vegetable garden there is also a large and very impressive kitchen garden.

 

Garden Guide:

Chateau du Lude can be found south of the Le Mans

The chateau is open from the 1st April to 30 September except  Wednesdays in April, May, September and the first half of June. 10h to 12h and 14h to 18h.

Address:

Chateau du Lude

72800 Le Lude

 Tel: 02 43 94 60 09