The flowers of the castle’s flowerbeds

Throughout the year, the estate’s flowerbeds are adorned with flowers and plants. Three plantings are carried out during the year by the grounds team: one in spring (predominantly white and yellow), one at the beginning of summer (predominantly white and blue) and one for winter.

We invite you to discover, in photos, the different varieties currently planted:

Garden of Naples

New developments in the Garden of Naples.

In 2025, the Saint-Louis Foundation work on the redevelopment of the Garden of Naples, located in the heart of the park. Begun in 2017, this contemporary redevelopment project aims to breathe new life into the terrace where Dom Pacello created the first Italian-style garden at the request of King Charles VIII, close to the royal residence, encouraging members of his court to stroll and converse at the end of the 15th century. During the previous stages, six of Dom Pacello’s original flowerbeds were designed on the main terrace, bordered by espalier fruit trees (cordon apple trees; nashi pears), Nepetas (honey plants) and pots of bay laurel.

This new campaign in spring 2025 consists of completing the flowerbeds, which were previously covered with grass, by planting Mediterranean species (lavender, sage, santolina, rosemary, etc.), between which broken slate tiles are laid. In the spirit of Renaissance gardens, contrasts in colour, texture and plant height are sought. This planting campaign was designed by Eilidh Graham with scientific advice from Jean-Louis Sureau, a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure du Paysage de Versailles. It was implemented by the château’s gardeners.

Access to the site is via gentle ramps located to the east and west of the perimeter. The presence of the central reservation is used to create rest areas in three successive patios, shaded by potted mulberry trees. This arrangement ensures that the waterproofing of the roof terrace, located a few dozen centimetres below, is not compromised. The current lawn is replaced by Mediterranean plants. ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to recall the general spirit of our pleasure gardens, each offering a different view of the landscape. This contemplation is made possible by the presence of shaded areas and benches and chairs that encourage visitors to linger,’ says Director Marc Métay.

Garden of the Seven Virtues

Creation of a new garden on the terrace of the seven virtues.

The terrace overlooking the city of Amboise to the south was developed by Charles VIII to build a second five-storey ceremonial residence between the Heurtault Tower and the ‘King’s Chapel’ (now dedicated to Saint Hubert). This residence, with its facades richly decorated with statues representing the Christian virtues, has remained in the memory under the name of ‘the residence of the seven virtues’ (the four cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Strength and Temperance, and the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity). At the end of the 18th century, the building was damaged by fire, leading to its demolition and subsequent conversion into a roof terrace by Louis-Philippe d’Orléans (1773-1850), the future King of France.

Partially covered with grass, this very mineral terrace was rather inhospitable until now, and for this reason neglected by visitors. The aim of the ‘garden of the seven virtues’ project is to create a new place for panoramic contemplation: to the south, the historic heart of the city of Amboise with the forest and the Chanteloup pagoda in the background; to the west, the restored Saint-Hubert Chapel, a jewel of the Renaissance and 19th century; and finally, to the north, the two wings of the royal residence.

Access to the site is via gentle ramps located to the east and west of the perimeter. The presence of the central reservation is used to create rest areas in three successive patios, shaded by potted mulberry trees. This arrangement ensures that the waterproofing of the roof terrace, located a few dozen centimetres below, is not compromised. The current lawn is replaced by Mediterranean plants. ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to recall the general spirit of our pleasure gardens, each offering a different view of the landscape. This contemplation is made possible by the presence of shaded areas and benches and chairs that encourage visitors to linger,’ says Director Marc Métay.