Château de la Guyonnière

Château de la Guyonnière dates back to the 14th century, with later modifications in the 15th and 16th centuries while retaining a distinctive feudal appearance. It forms a quadrilateral with corner towers, one of which houses a dovecote. Access is through a fortified gate.

The gardens, accessible via a drawbridge forming a postern, are surrounded by deep moats and consist of nine medieval-inspired squares. These gardens feature a mix of flowers, vegetables, honey plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, old roses, shrubs, and fruit trees.

The two-hectare gardens comprise a contemporary garden created in 1987 by landscape architect Alain Richet, respecting medieval spirit. Divided into nine themed enclosures beyond the castle's moats, it sits on the site of the 14th-century 'ouche,' forming an island surrounded by deep moats fed by springs. To access it, visitors cross the moats via a functional pedestrian drawbridge from a passage between the castle and its stables.

Address

La Guyonnière 7, Beaulieu-Sous-Parthenay, France

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Valois Dynasty and Hundred Year's War (France)