Cinq siècles de parcs et jardins en Vendée – Mouchamps (France)
Five centuries of parks and gardens in Vendée
From ornamental vegetable plots to prestigious parks, the Middle Ages were already enriched with many a garden associated with a fine property. Today, little trace remains of them, for these domestic environments have been constantly redeveloped. In partnership with the Conseil d’architecture d’urbanisme et de l’environnement de la Vendée (Vendée architecture, urban planning and environment council), investigative and inventory work conducted by the Association des Parcs et Jardins de Vendée for over 20 years has offered insight into the number and influence of parks and gardens, at least since the 16th century, and into available archives. Redeveloped, abandoned or repurposed – many testimonies to this castle art of living have struggled to survive.
Their owners gain awareness of the phenomenon and develop a newfound taste for better accompanying them through their slow centuries-old existence. This one-day event will approach the history of castle parks and gardens, and will study the principles of their changing composition. Visits of three emblematic sites will perfectly illustrate the event’s vocation.