Located in the town of Bazouges-la-Pérouse (Ille-et-Vilaine), the Château de la Ballue was built during the 17th century.
Famous for having hosted many personalities over the last centuries (Victor Hugo, Alfred de Musset, Honoré de Balzac and François-René de Chateaubriand stayed there to find inspiration), it is today inseparable from its impressive gardens.
Harmony and poetry
“The garden offers the visitor an impression of harmony and poetry,” we can read on the castle’s website, which underlines the “exceptional elegance” and “refinement” of the place.
This incredible place almost disappeared.
Designed in 1620, it was gradually left abandoned, until it was transformed into a potato field in 1942.
The Ballue gardens were finally renovated in 1973 by the architect Paul Meymont, then evolved according to the new owners.
In total, today they are divided into
14 different spaces
, including six groves.
White wisteria, cypresses, magnolias, fragrant water lilies and climbing jasmines delight visitors' senses.
Green theater and labyrinth
During their stroll, they can admire the green theater.
It is a hemicycle made of scalloped yew walls, replanted in April 1997. The whole thing even has four side racks, a green backdrop and a grass stage.
The most daring will venture into the labyrinth, inspired by a sketch by the famous architect Le Corbusier.
The harmony of the place has earned the Ballue gardens numerous distinctions.
Labeled
“Remarkable Garden”
in 2005, they also obtained the “European Garden Prize” in 2018.
Open from March to November, they are also accessible the rest of the year, on request by telephone.
Allow 10.50 euros for the visit.
And to enjoy this haven of peace a little longer, the castle has guest rooms with spa and heated outdoor swimming pool.