The Grounds

When staying at the Château, you would have to spare a moment to discover the splendid shrine of greenery which surrounds the estate and its really inspirational atmosphere. A 20-acre romantic garden designed by French landscapist Varé, better-known for his masterpiece, the Bois de Boulogne, conceals treasuries of beauty renewed at each season: spring brings the first daffodils, yielding place to a carpet of bluebells growing under the chestnut-grove, after which the village was named. The apple orchard then turns white and rhododendrons add a note of fuchsia to the scenery. At the heart of summer, when foliage is thickest, you will enjoy its depth as well as the shade and freshness of undergrowth.

Autumn witnesses the last golden parade from the largest trees on the estate. Deers can be heard squalling before the long winter sleep when the grounds, their trees turned into ice-sculptures, open on new and remote perspectives.

Now a protected area, the estate is a paradise to wildlife: squirrels, pheasants are among its most constant visitors. Hares, foxes, wild pigs, does, deers and barnacles tend to be more discreet, but you will probably notice them when strolling around the grounds.