THE HUNCHBACKED GARDEN
The Bossuet garden, created in the century, is unusual in that it is mitre-shaped and of respectable dimensions.
It was in 1911 that the Bishop's garden took the name of the illustrious prelate, the date on which it was opened to the public. Created in the 17th century, it has the singularity of being shaped like a mitre and of having very respectable dimensions (surface area 8,500 m², length 90 m, width 75 m).
In the heart of this garden, in the centre of Meaux and in the tradition of French gardens, there are boxwood borders, geometric shapes, but also pretty flowerbeds in season (about 17,500 plants just for the flowers!), a vegetable garden (always in season), and very old medicinal plants thanks to the contribution of a good microclimate. Local tradition would have it that the famous André Le Nôtre was the author, but no document attests to this.
Some contemporary adaptations have transformed it, adding the rock of the basin (known as the "Sweaty Rock", covered with plants) or the rosebushes that line the central path, but the spirit of the original garden is still respected. Bishop Dominique Siguier had the garden extended to the Gallo-Roman ramparts dating from the end of the 3rd century. At the bottom of the garden, a staircase leads to a terrace which is the upper part of the rampart. This last one is only opened during guided tours - which we gladly recommend! You can then see the Bossuet pavilion, a small hermitage on a remarkable site. A stroll in fine weather gives an obvious bucolic appeal to the whole, and will appeal to young and old alike.
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