Driving through the Vals de Saintonge, it’s so easy to be tempted by a break in a haven of vegetation. We’ve chosen for you some addresses for gardens and green spaces that are out of the ordinary.
The exotic bamboo plantation of Matha
Joan Brisson, whose passion is botany, was inspired by a visit to the Parc d’Anduze – he discovered the magical world of bamboo and decided to express his fascination for the plant in the middle of the family’s vineyard at Matha. La Bambouseraie, opened in 1999 today has about 60 species side by side with a multitude of tropical plants in around one hectare.
Flesh-eating, shamanistic, medicinal, aphrodisiac plants, as well as the bamboos, Joan Brisson will reveal all the secrets of his protégés. You’ll be invited to admire of course but also touch, taste, feel …
A surprising place, where the common crane, Himalayan pheasant and cockerels from Asia cavort, that will transport you to a timeless atypical world.
Pomone, a remarkable garden
Catherine and Jean-Yves conceived this site as a project for a new life, the accomplishment of a long-lived dream: a voyage across the whole world through edible fruit. They are the creators and unique gardeners of the site and offer an initiation tour to get to know fruit from temperate and Mediterranean climates.
Le Jardin de Pomone, situated at Saint-Denis-du-Pin is named after the goddess of fruit and fruit trees and is the proud possessor of the Noteworthy Garden label.
As a complement to the delightful garden, animated by birdsong, different lectures are also proposed in the orangery. And the cherry on the cake? A gîte is available for hire during the holidays in the heart of the orchard!
Le Domaine du Château de Dampierre
Nestling in a meander of the Boutonne, the château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, a Renaissance jewel, is an enchanting monument. Apart from the historic and cultural significance, the site has an extraordinary nature space that demands to be explored.
Park, gardens “à la française”, box maze, flowery poplar grove and woodland are spread over the 7ha that belong to the château, distributed across 5 little islands.
The owners of the château are very environmentally aware and involved in sustainable development; they attach much importance to maintaining and developing these bucolic areas with a very real ecological concern. A visit is essential!
The charming Bois d’Essouvert
Head for the Bois d’Essouvert if you are seeking a pleasant stroll through the forest, somewhere shady to picnic, to go jogging or even mushrooming. This 600ha site is a true green lung.
In the Middle Ages, this ancient forest separated Saintonge from Poitou and extended as far as Saint-Jean-d’Angély. When wandering along the woodland paths, you’ll see botanical information on the various species in this preserved zone and you may have the chance to see deer, squirrels or even wild boar …