The Association of Parks and Gardens of Vendée (APJV) invites the public to discover the autumnal beauty of nine emblematic parks and gardens of the department during the first edition of the “Parks in Autumn” event. On Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17, these different sites, including five private gardens rarely accessible during this season, will open their doors free of charge to allow visitors to enjoy the seasonal colors and atmosphere of autumn.
Parks in Autumn on November 16 and 17: a first in Vendée
The parks and gardens of Vendée traditionally open their doors during the summer period or on the occasion of national events such as Neurodon, Rendez-vous aux Jardins or European Heritage Days. However, faced with the growing demand to visit these spaces in the fall, the APJV decided to launch this new initiative. As André Chapelle, president of the APJV, points out: “ The Parcs en Automne event responds to the desire to rediscover our natural spaces in a unique atmosphere. We hope that this first edition will be the start of a new fall tradition. »
The nine participating parks and gardens, including five private sites rarely accessible in autumn and four public sites, will open their doors free of charge from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17.
An immersion in the Vendée gardens: 9 parks to explore for free for two days
Here is an overview of the parks and gardens open for this unique event:
5 Private gardens :
- Parc du château de Nesmy (Nesmy)
A 47-hectare landscaped park redesigned in 1842 by André Leroy, then reworked by Bühler. Composed of viewpoints over five ponds with several rare trees, it illustrates the art of 19th century parks.
- Domaine de L’Auneau Park (Chantonnay)
This belvedere park over the Petit Lay valley offers
panoramas reminiscent of Tuscany, with plays of light and minimalist flowering for a respectful dialogue with the surrounding nature.
- Flocellière castle park (Sèvremont)
Surrounding an ancient medieval castle, this 15-hectare park, developed for nearly 1,000 years, combines varied garden styles, including a medieval garden and an Italian garden.
- La Sallière Park (La Caillère Saint-Hilaire)
Created in 1886 by Eugène Bühler, this 15-hectare park combines exotic and native species, with magnificent oaks and purple beeches.
- Park of the Château du Mazeau (Saint Michel Le Cloucq) : located near the Mervent forest, the Château du Mazeau park is distinguished by its 19th century landscape, marked by varied plantations of Lebanese and Atlas cedars, lime trees, oaks and pines, and integrates harmoniously into this completely revamped campaign.
4 Public parks :
- Henri Joyau Park (Montaigu)
Located around a neoclassical residence and a former coaching inn, now an association center, this 9-hectare landscaped park is home to rare species, such as cork oaks, cedars, bald cypresses, and plane trees.
- Val d’Asson Park (Montaigu)
A green setting to be discovered via paths and pontoons, with wet meadows and eco-pastures where fauna and flora are carefully preserved.
Historic garden with a clipped yew avenue dating from 1830, a bandstand and an orangery. This place offers a peaceful setting, decorated with topiaries representing La Fontaine's fables.
- Baron Park (Fontenay-le-Comte)
Baron Park, built on the remains of an old fortified castle, offers three hectares of walks combining history and nature. Lime trees, cedars, ginkgo biloba, Virginia tulip tree and a medieval garden make it a place full of charm and heritage.
A first edition under the sign of sharing and preservation
The “Parks in Autumn” event demonstrates the APJV’s desire to promote and preserve the natural heritage of Vendée by making these spaces accessible to all in their autumnal beauty. The association thus hopes to initiate a tradition and arouse interest in the conservation of these exceptional sites, by bringing together public managers and private owners in a common effort of development and transmission.
Practical information:
- Dates : Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024
- Schedules : from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Entrée : Free
