Discovering the gardens of the Plessis au Bois manor
Nestled on the edge of the Retz Forest, the gardens of the Manoir du Plessis au Bois are a gem of the region's historical heritage. Located in the commune of Vauciennes, this manor house, emblematic of the farm-manors built in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, stands proudly on a hill, protected by its high surrounding walls.
A composition inspired by Genesis
The gardens, which surround the manor on all sides, have been a work of art in constant evolution since 2003.
Designed by Isabelle Levêque, landscape designer and garden historian, and Hélène Ruffenach, artist and botanist, these green spaces offer a modern reinterpretation of the Renaissance spirit. Their design is inspired by the seven days of creation recounted in the Book of Genesis, with each "chamber of greenery" symbolizing an aspect of this cosmogony.
Spaces with many faces
Visitors can discover a variety of facilities: a flower garden, a bowling green, rose arches, a fruit orchard, ponds decorated with irises and wisteria, and even a water canal.
The fruits and vegetables grown in these gardens, such as vines, apple trees and trained pear trees, recall the ancient use of the place, where the vegetable garden and the orchard have always held a central place.
A historical heritage
The manor, listed as a Historic Monument, has a rich and complex history. It has belonged to illustrious figures such as Philippe d'Orléans, brother of Louis XIV, and his son, the Regent.
Its gardens, for their part, bear witness to a horticultural tradition rooted in time, mixing medieval and Renaissance influences.
