The Taste of Paradise

- orangery and garden -

– The “Potager”, the Vegetable Garden –

A secret garden completely reborn

Upon coming out from under the canopy of trees, one immediately feels the contrast between the cool air of the woods, and the strong heat and intense light of the Potager”. Situated away from the bottom of the hills in the rustic countryside, the “Potager”, built in 1745, nearly covers 2,5 acres in size. On an impressive artificial island, the garden is surrounded by canals and pink brick walls built in 1745) topped by slated on a framework of oak.Until 1995, this vegetable garden was used for hay, but has since then been completely reconstructed. Its restoration began with the walls and roofs after a great storm in 1999, then the progressive renovation of the canals, flowerbeds, and banks followed, with a traditional technique of weaving willow branches used for the banks.
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny

The paradise of the gardener

The micro climate of the “Potager”, surrounded by canals, is perfect for the direct planting in the ground of Peach trees, Fig trees, Guava trees from Brazil, and more. Its walls are adorned with impressive and flower-adorned espaliered pear trees from the 18th century, including a rare specimen with 32 branches and a circumference of 1.06 meters. The banks of the canals are enhanced by two piers where one can truly allow themselves to drift into a sweet reverie.
The vegetable garden is a conglomeration of plant life and flowers: hedges of small fruits, flowerbeds, vegetables (including 20 varieties of tomatoes), a collection of cucurbit, a herb garden interspersed with slices of sequoia to facilitate its upkeep; and a garden of medicinal herbs organized by their ancient uses, including stress, insomnia, dermatology, heart, blood, kidneys, etc.

Planted and sustained with careful wisdom and hard work, this historic place invites one to stop to enjoy the serenity of a moment of introspection in its charming yet restrained setting.

Potager du Château d'Acquigny
Potager du Château d'Acquigny
Potager du Château d'Acquigny
Potager du Château d'Acquigny
Potager du Château d'Acquigny

– The Orangery –

Exotic voyage

The Orangery was constructed in 1746. Against a backdrop of the tall, shingled roof of the Château, the architectural ensemble created by the Church of St. Cecile, the Hermitage and the Orangery is the perfect surrounding for the citrus trees found lining the path. The citrus plants are also complimented by the surrounding colors: the pink bricks of the building, the grey of the lavender plants, and the blue sculptures of the Arizona Cypress. A handsome Italian-inspired garden too confirms that Acquigny is designed to pleasure the senses and to instill deep contemplation in those who experience its splendor.

Vegetables from the Mediterranean and other hot climates decorate the façade of the orangery – Jasminum officinalis, pomegranates, passion vines, Fremontodendron Californicum, vines- each transporting one into an enchanting universe of delicate perfumes.

Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny

Oranges and Lemons

Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Jardin du Château d'Acquigny
Since its restoration in 2000, the Orangery shelters a new collection of citrus (after the orange trees of the 18th century froze in the winter of 1917). Today, this collection includes Lemon Trees (Citrus limon), Orange Trees (Citrus sinensis ), Mandarin Trees (Citrus reticulata), Clementine Trees (Citrus clementina), Citrus Trees (Citrus medica), Calamandarin (Citrofortunella microcarpa), Bitter orange Tree (Citrus aurantium), Buddha’s hand (Citrus medica sarcodactylis), and more. On pleasant days, the citrus trees are taken out of the building to create an alley along the Orangery. Upon viewing the fructification of the collection of the blossoming flowers alongside the fruits of the citrus trees, one inhales a marvelous and enchanting perfume.

Information

- EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE PARK AND THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU -

Access

by car

GPS Details : 49.173 ; 1.187
Michelin Road Map, 304 Local, flod G6
A154 : exit Acquigny
A 13 : exit Louviers n°18
Info viamichelin or google maps

by train

Train stations: Evreux, Rouen and Val de Reuil

By bus

From Rouen and Evreux : http://www.vtni27.fr/

Opening hours

From the first Sunday of April to the last Sunday of October :

Weekends and Holidays 2 pm - 6 pm

July 14 to August 31 :

daily from 1 pm to 7 pm

Guided Tour around the Château at 3 pm and 4:30 pm

Plan at least one hour and 45 minutes to enjoy the beauty of the gardens. Two hours and a half is ideal.

You can visit the park and gardens, the “Salon du Midi”, the Orangery and and the cider-press house.

See all informations