Visit Chateau de Losse Gardens

The Chateau de Losse in on the eastern side of the Dordogne department near to Montignac. It is a small garden but really very charming and a visit to the castle and its gardens is recommended.

Explore the gardens of the Chateau de Losse

The garden of the Chateau de Losse in the Dordogne has a very 'French' feel with its clipped hedges and formal layout.

The low garden in front of the stables is comprised of square hedges of rosemary filled with balls of lavender and the simplicity of the grey and green in contrasting shapes works very well.

When this photo was taken the lavender had recently been clipped but earlier in the summer the smell of the lavender and the mass of purple lavender flowers is heavenly.

My favourite though is the pathway to the round tower the 'chemin de ronde' where clipped hedging contains deliciously scented roses, and catmints.

Whilst formal in inspiration the use of the roses and nepeta (catmint) to fill the beautifully shaped and trimmed box hedging gives it a more informal air than the use of bedding plants to fill the shapes as in the gardens of many French castles, such as the Chateau de Hauteford.

Another part of the garden, near the river has gardens with high hornbeam hedging and within are long borders with flowers that are mostly purple in colour. Again the long border is edged with a low box hedge traditional to French formal gardening.

Take a walk inside the moat (now empty of water) and you can enjoy the planting that has been added to this area. You will also notice that the fortified walls often have flowers climbing out between the stones.

The garden is set off beautifully by the small Renaissance Château de Losse and its position on the edge of the River Vézère. The gardens were awarded 'Jardin Remarquable' status in 2004.

After your visit you can visit the tea rooms or picnic area in the Princess garden for refreshments.

Chateau de Losse garden guide

The gardens of the Chateau de Losse are open every day except Saturday, from the 1st May to the 30th September  from 12.00 to 18.00 and 11.00 to 18.00 in July and August.

Entrance to the chateau and gardens costs 9,50 euros for adults, 8 euros for students and 6 euros for 7-14 year olds. Entry is free to under 5s.

Address: Le chateau de Losse, Route des Eyzies, 24290 Thonac, France

Places to visit nearby

The garden is situated in the Dordogne department of France not far from Montignac and the Lasceaux caves and Les Eyzies de Tayac.

The Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac is a remarkable garden of clipped hedges and topiaries and a beautiful white garden.

The lovely 'Jardins de l'Imaginaire' are not far away at Terrasson-Lavilledieu.

You can find more local travel ideas in the South West France guide,

Map of Chateau de Losse Gardens and places to visit

Chateau de Losse Gardens places to visit

Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac

Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac is an incredible garden of topiary shapes and clipped hedges.

Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac guide

Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire

Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire is a contemporary garden which sits above and has great views of the town of Terrasson.

Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire guide

Gardens of the Chateau de Campagne

Surrounding the Chateau de Campagne are lovely grounds and gardens including lovely streamside planting.

Gardens of the Chateau de Campagne guide

Les Jardins suspendus de Marqueyssac

The Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac have the most amazing swirling box hedges and wonderful views over the Dordogne river.

Les Jardins suspendus de Marqueyssac guide

The Jardin de la Ferme Fleurie

The Jardin de la Ferme Fleurie is a lovely colourful garden in the Dordogne valley.

The Jardin de la Ferme Fleurie guide

Chateau des Milandes

The fabulous Chateau des Milandes has huge parterres full of a mass of colourful bedding plants adding to the overall charm.

Chateau des Milandes guide