GARDEN CASTLE

In the heart of one of the only three Renaissance Gardens in France, and the only one in the north of the Loire, this imposing castle was built between 1533 ^and 1546 by Claude de Lorraine, familiar with François I^. He was whispered that he offered this monument to Antoinette de Bourdon to make himself forgive some infiendities and the family of Guise, so dear to Madame de La Fayette in the Princess of Montpensier, lived there. Its facade with its coat of arms, its swelling of the entrance as well as its candlelight pilasters and paired pilasters make it a Florentine villa. Its Renaissance garden was dedicated to arts and festivals. The castle of the Grand Garden is surrounded by perfectly preserved moss. It consisted of three rooms: a living room, the ducal apartment and Saint-Claude chapel with a magnificent French ceiling. Today the castle has dual vocation: preserving heritage and developing culture. The Grand Garden is now a great champardennais place of music with the Spring of the Grand Garden or Plant and Garden Festival in May, as well as thematic visits every Sunday at 3 p. m. An exciting visit!