The gardens of the castle of Ambleville are located in the town of the same name, in the department of Val-d'Oise, 16 km northeast of Giverny.
Within French Vexin, the Renaissance period castle (16th century), remodeled in the 18th century, is protected as a historical monument. It is famous in particular for its 16th century Venetian balconies. Inside, in addition to its furniture, the castle houses walls adorned with tapestries and gilded leather from the 17th century.
Its park, made up of Italian-inspired terraced gardens, is equally renowned. It has been labeled Remarkable Garden.
The structures date from the Renaissance period but the gardens were restored at the beginning of the 20th century by the Marquise de Villefranche and by the Salviati-Borghèses.
We first observe the "secret garden and its statue of Neptune" which dominates the footbath. It is made up of four squares of white and black tulips, surrounding a statue of Neptune holding his trident. The beds were replanted in 2004 with perennial flowers with a dominant blue colour. The greenhouse garden, for its part, is made up of 24 squares of tree peonies and black tulips. Finally, the Jardin de la Lune is inspired by a painting by Mantegna, "Vices et vertus", dating from the 16th century and kept in the Louvre.
The architectural elements have a natural structure, such as the yew portico or a water basin in the shape of a half-moon. We also notice that a waterfall crosses this set from north to south.
Finally, on the highest terrace, a chessboard has been designed, flowered in the spring with 40,000 narcissus and pruned yew pawns.
In addition, a pergola is being restored and the park still includes an outdoor theatre.
Open weekends in June and September and every day except Monday in July and August. Open to groups all year round by appointment.
Price: 6 euros (gardens only) and 9 euros (including a visit to the castle).
Information on +33 6 85 64 75 73.
