The garden at Chateau du Champ de Bataille has a strong central axis, restored since the purchase of the property in 1993. As discussed in Part 1, it is an awesome sight , principally because of the sense of space and a very long sightline, all framed by varying heights of hornbeam hedging and avenues of Lime trees, as well as the fact it is all impeccably maintained.
The designer and Head Gardener Patrick Pottier exercised much more creative license in the surrounding spaces, giving them such titles as Squares of Diane & Apollo, The Temple of Leda's Treasure,an Italian Garden and The Theatre of Verdure.
Quite frankly, as I walked around, without the wisdom of these titles or awareness of the designer's intentions I was getting tired by the visual intensity and sometime business of the designs. It was all a strident contrast to the more spacious and calm spirit exuding from the central axis. One cannot dispute the skill and cleverness of the place and some lovely, in fact stunning plantings, but was happy to walk through to the final garden, the Alley of the Sphinx's and escape from all the design and decorative element.
These pictures have hopefully given you an idea how the spaces look. Don't let me put you off .visiting the place ..it is a must. If you'd like I'll show you the place and a few other amazing gems in the area as part of a private garden tour !
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