THE COLOMBIER CASTLE IN MONDALAZAC
Colombier Castle in the Aveyron ; Eden Garden, an enchanting flower-filled collection of ornamental, aromatic, dye and condimentary plants known before 1450. VMF Gardener’s Prize in 2003. “Jardin Remarquable†by Culture Ministry, Old Rose Garden, Rockery of rare ostti and rockii tree peonies, eremurus and ‘Raubritter’ roses. Live Bestiary: lions, wolves, birds of prey, monkeys, bears, animal feedings and keeper talk shows. Petting Farm. Medieval games: Giant Chessboard, bowls, croquet, hopscotch. “Music, Sounds and Whispers from the Past” audio. “Man and the Animals in the Middle Ages” video.
The Castles and Historical Gardens of the Counts of La Panouse feature cultural and botanical attractions, fine collections, events, and exotic Wildlife Reserves.
Thoiry Castle in the Yvelines, 25 miles west of Paris/15 mi. NW of Versailles, (S.of Mantes). Rare Renaissance esoteric architecture, built as a transparent bridge of light, the Castle and its parterres’ vast perspectives form a solar calendar on landscape scale. Following the seasons, at the solstices, the sun rises or sets in the castles central arch and the axis of the formal gardens. Remarkable antiques, tapestries and family portraits. Archives Museum – 950 years of History. Tours with costumed guides. Flowers in profusion in the 300 acres of listed gardens and parkland: Bluebell Wood with rhododendrons, magnolias, flowering cherries, and thousands of rare trees and shrubs, Autumn Garden, Rose and Scented Gardens, Pinetum, Peony and Perennial Borders… World’s first gigantic computerized yew Maze ! 5300 yew trees, 2300 meters of detours, 9 bridges, surprising special effects, 10 computer stations with 450 questions and 3 levels of play on each of 5 different themes….Mystery Island playground for smaller children. Wildlife Reserve and Zoological Gardens with 1000 exotic animals. The Parc de Thoiry is the only place in France to see Komodo Dragons, the rarest and largest lizards in the world. Petting Farm.. Snacks, Self-Service Restaurant and picnic grounds. Parking 3500 cars. ‘Welcome’ Prize 2003 of the French Government Tourist Office (Maison de la France)
New in 2007 : Thoiry’s ‘Promenades Animusicales’ , a theatrical and musical evening in the gardens. The loves and mortal hunts of wild animals. Between dreams and reality: legends and terrors of the night in the dark forest. Nature’s Theater, a fantasy of lights, colours, and musique.
Colombier Castle and Medieval Eden (12 miles NW of Rodez, in the Midi-Pyr¡¡ì¦n¡¡ì¦es region 112 miles NE of Toulouse between Albi and Clermont-Ferrand) . An enchanting stroll in the Middle Ages. Family seat of the Caunts of La Panouse for 30th generations, fortified medieval castle, Eden Garden of thousands of fragrant flowers, medicinal, condimentary and dye plants, Roseraie, Labelled “REMARKABLE GARDEN” by the Ministry of Culture in 2005 and VMF Historic Houses Association Gardener’s Prize 2003, Garden Information in Braille, Costumed Guides. Morgane, the herborist, Mag Mell the Storyteller, Medieval Games, Live Bestiary and Animal Keeper Chats. Snacks, Tea & Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine, and Sandwiches. Picnic tables and chairs. Themed Gift and Book Shop. Parking 350 cars.
Peaugres Safari Park, near Lyon and Annonay : emotion and adventure in the Safari park and zoological gardens
LODGING
See the listing of the Hotels in RodezÂ
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
10 mins. N.W. of Rodez/110 mins N.E/110 mins N.E of Toulouse. 2 hours South from Clermont Ferrand Medieval “Lifestyle”Castle and Garden tours with costumed guide
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