Here scale reigns. Today we explore the Ch\u00e2teau du Champ de Bataille, a jewel often called the Norman Versailles. It stands proudly in the Eure department of Upper Normandy.
Let’s step back to the 17th century. Alexandre de Cr\u00e9quy-Bernieulle built this ch\u00e2teau between 1653 and 1665. He was exiled by Cardinal Mazarin. Imagine his ambition. He transformed his exile into an opportunity.
The Ch\u00e2teau du Champ de Bataille later housed the de Merendonque family. During the French Revolution, chaos struck. The ch\u00e2teau was stormed and its furniture scattered across France. It was a period of immense upheaval.
Later, the Dukes d’Harcourt owned it until 1983. They bought it in 1754 but were forced to sell after the revolution. However, they managed to repurchase it, demonstrating their deep connection to this estate.
Now focus on the gardens. Jacques Garcia, a renowned interior designer, bought the ch\u00e2teau in 1992. He recreated the French formal garden. He drew inspiration from old sketches, meticulously reproducing the original designs. He ensured the new features harmonized with the old. The gardens are now listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
Garcia’s vision extended inside too. Only the grand staircase, the upper vestibule, and the company lounge remained intact. He reinvented the decor of the Grand Apartment. He acquired furniture and objects from royal collections dispersed during the revolution.
The gardens span 45 hectares. Jean de La Varende noted that scale reigns here. Garcia aimed to create a contemporary yet timeless space. He collaborated with Patrick Pottier. Together they developed gardens that felt both classic and modern.
Champ de Bataille offers visitors a unique atmosphere. It combines interior and exterior decor. The ch\u00e2teau is considered a masterpiece of Baroque style. Some attribute it to Le Vau.
The manicured gardens offer diverse styles. You will find an Indian-style garden next to Italian and Greek influences. There’s even a natural canopy of trees that grows organically each year.
Champ de Bataille is more than just a ch\u00e2teau. It is an experience. It is a blend of history, art, and nature. It offers a glimpse into French aristocracy. The Ch\u00e2teau du Champ de Bataille is a testament to vision and grandeur. Its history echoes through its halls and gardens, inviting us to imagine its storied past.