The Central Allée

Set on the North/South axis in the classical parterre, the central allée is the main promenade running through our formal gardens. In a brilliant feat of order and symmetry with near-perfect structure, the central allée, surrounded by finely manicured boxwoods, delightful topiaries, and immaculately trimmed expanses of green grass, is extraordinary. Centuries-old stone steps from the Grand Salon of the Chateau allow a storybook entrance onto the parterre. At the south end of the allée, the grand statues of Ceres, goddess of crops and harvests, and Pan, god of shepherds and flocks, gifted to nobleman Jacques Pineau de Viennay in 1764 by King Louis XV, stand watch over 21st-century fêtes. Ceres, whose spiritual powers prevail over agriculture, is also known as the guardian of marriage, ensuring good fortune to vows exchanged in her presence.