The Rose Garden
Abounding in roses of every color, beautifully and carefully planted in formal garden beds bordered with hedges, the Rose Garden feels like it fell out of a Shakespeare play. Pick a bench and watch the sunset over the valley below.
The Pool and Grill
The pool and its surrounding terrace, though awaiting renovation for its full development, nonetheless provides a delightfully refreshing respite from the intense heat of summer midday. Enjoy a cool drink and gaze up to the northeast tower looming overhead.
The Parklands
Interspersed through the highly cultivated portions of the grounds are these parkland areas with expansive lawn, undulating curves and large trees. These space out the more immaculate discipline of the other areas, and gives a lovely space to stretch out, bring a book or set up a badminton or croquet court. These are the moments that feel like you've landed in a Jane Austen novel.
The Petit Bois
At the furthest corner of the estate, a beautiful manicured forest awaits. Each Oak tree is perfectly spaced, one after another, to create a lovely almost chapel-like quality. An ideal spot for an afternoon picnic, or a beautiful ceremony, this is nature meets cultivation at its finest.
The Labyrinth
Artfully designed, the hedges of this labyrinth are just high enough to truly lose yourself, while not ever being too imposing. Many dead-ends and false turns keep you wandering and guessing, only to take another turn and be delighted by a classical statue ensconced in lavender.
The Potager
A vegetable garden originally built to feed an entire restaurant, this Potager bursts with produce- butternut squash, zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, artichokes, pears, kale and lettuce. As a guest, you will be treated to the very freshest pickings on your plate.
JARDINS REMARKABLES
THE FRENCH FORMAL GARDENS
Archives show that the gardens of Puy Vidal were said to be "splendid" in the 19th century. Restored to their former beauty and infused with the spirit of the Italian Renaissance by the former owners, The Rondinauds, in 2002, Puy Vidal's gently imposing situation over the Bandiat valley is given further punctuation and style with its beautifully sloping terraces, alleys and labyrinth. Recognized as "Jardins Remarkables", these gardens were open to the public for a time. Now they offer an enchanting oasis for Lady of the Chateau Creative Retreat participants, artists and guests.
EXPLORE THE GARDENS
Chapel Ruins and Amphitheater
To the left of the entry gates sits a small stone cottage with climbing roses and french doors. This was originally the site of the Chateau Chapel and an adjoining house for the resident priest. You can still find a holy water font at the entry and chapel chairs leaning against the walls. A complete ruin today, it awaits the touch of a new century's ideas and vision. Just below is the naturally occurring slope of the hill on which the Chateau sits. A small forest and a natural clearing create an organic amphitheatre of sorts, which await theatre productions and twilight ceremonies.
