Gardens of the Chateau de Vendeuvre in Normandy

Visit Chateau de Vendeuvre

The Chateau de Vendeuvre is in the Vendeuvre department in Normandy.

These gardens are the inspiration of the Count of Vendeuvre who has been influenced by the renaissance gardens of Italy and particularly their use of water. The gardens have been classified as one of France's "Remarkable Gardens".

Explore the gardens of the Chateau de Vendeuvre

The Chateau de Vendeuvre and its gadens was built in the 18th century. The formal gardens were transformed into a large landscaped garden in the 19th century. These were subsequently neglected but were restored using the original plans starting in 1970.

The gardens of the Chateau de Vendeuvre include a French formal garden with parterres, water and water jets and a backdrop of the hills of the Pays d' Auge.

There is also an exotic garden featuring bananas and agaves, citrus and fig trees and a collection of succulents and papyrus.

The water garden is filled with lots of suprises and different uses of water. The inspiration for the different water features comes from myths and folklore. One water feature is a 'cascade des tortues' or 'tortoise waterfall' which is very charming.

Tortoises play a part in the legends of many cultures but in the Chateau de Vendeuvre they represent a Central American legend where, following a severe drought, sacred tortoises were placed on the roofs of temples and houses. They called out the name of the rain god - Chaac, who allowed the tortoises to spurt forth water and end the drought.

There is an unusual utility garden with a lovely pyramid designed to store ice before the days of refrigerators (see photo below). Also in the utility garden is the vegetable garden and a fish pond.

There are also two labyrinths. A relatively small formal labyrinth made of yew hedges and white roses, and also a large informal one great for children.

Inside this labyrinth, which covers one hectare, are several pavilions, pagodas and topiaries. Children will love the 'hunt the rabbit' which takes place in this labyrinth.

The gardens are especially stunning when the large tulip displays are in flower in April. Not to be missed if you are in the area at this time.

Chateau de Vendeuvre garden guide

The Chateau de Vendeuvre is in the commune of Vendeuvre near to Lisieux in Normandy. It is south of Caen. The castle has been open to the public since 1983.

The garden is open for the Tulip Festival every afternoon in April from 14.00 to 18.00.

Garden opening is every day in May, June and September from 14.00 to 18.00. In July and August the castle and gardens are open from 12.30 to 18.30.

Entrance to the gardens (as well as the castle kitchens and the dog kennels) costs 10 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. For a couple of euros more you can also see the chateau and the miniature furniture collection.

Chateau de Vendeuvre Address: Jardins et Chateau de Vendeuvre, 14170 Vendeuvre

Gardens to visit nearby

The Jardins du Pays d'Auge are a series of beautiful gardens set around various traditional buildings and the ensemble is absolutely charming. The Chateau de Boutemont is another charming garden with a lovely pond.

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