Nestling at the heart of French Gâtinais, the Louis XIII-style Courances Castle is famous for its park, a beautiful and remarkable example of a Renaissance water garden. A listed Historic Monument bearing the Remarkable Garden label, this 75-hectare park, open to the public at Easter and the All Saints' Day period on weekend afternoons, is considered as one of the most beautiful in France. Water, plants and stone are everywhere here... No fewer than fourteen springs flow into the seventeen water features in the estate!
Both classic and romantic, Courances Park, which was started in the 16th century by the Clausses, has plenty to delight garden-lovers, with its magnificent views, peaceful paths, canals and ponds, its water mirror showing the castle's reflection, and its French-style garden adorned with box tree broderie. Equally superb is the Japanese garden, created by the Marquise de Ganay, with flame-coloured plants adding an original touch.
Surrounded by moats, the castle has belonged to the same family since 1872. Visitors can discover a host of tapestries, wood panelling, period furniture and family memorabilia.
