The Gardens at La Châtonnière

Although we visited after the main flush of roses was finished, and this is a garden where the rose predominates, there was still a lot to catch the eye and charm.






This privately owned château is close to Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau, but I think a bit overlooked because people stick to the big name châteaux. It is very obviously a garden in the 'English' style of billowing plants and floral abundance, so it is a shame more people don't visit it. Anyone who likes a somewhat less fiercely controlled garden than Villandry presents, but admires the formal nature of the garden's structure will love la Châtonnière for its combination of geometry and romantic abandon.

Susan