Creation of a new garden on the terrace of the Seven Virtues (spring 2025)
The terrace overlooking the city of Amboise to the south was developed by Charles VIII to build a second 5-storey ceremonial residence, between the Heurtault tower and the Saint-Hubert chapel. This residence, with its richly decorated façades of statues representing Christian virtues, is remembered as the “residence of the seven virtues”. At the end of the 18th century, this building suffered a fire, which led to its demolition and then its transformation into a roof terrace by Louis-Philippe d’Orléans, the future King of the French.
Partially grassed, this very mineral terrace was rather inhospitable until now, and for this reason neglected by visitors. The “Garden of the Seven Virtues” project aims to create a new place of panoramic contemplation: to the south, a view of the historic heart of the city of Amboise with the forest massif and the Chanteloup pagoda in the background; to the west, a view of the recently restored Saint-Hubert chapel; and finally, to the north, a view of the two wings of the royal residence.
Access to the new garden will be via gentle ramps located to the east and west of the perimeter. The presence of the central reservation will be used to create rest areas in three successive patios, in the shade of 12 potted mulberry-plane trees. The current lawn will be replaced by Mediterranean plants.
All of this development work is carried out by the castle’s team of gardeners (Didier, Guillaume, Thomas, Antoine and Bastien).
New developments in the Naples Garden.
In 2025, the Saint-Louis Foundation will continue its work to redevelop the Naples Garden, located at the heart of the estate. Begun in 2017, this contemporary redevelopment plans to revive this terrace where Dom Pacello created the first Italian-style garden at the request of King Charles VIII near the royal residence, creating a promenade conducive to conversation for members of his court at the end of the 15th century. During the previous stages, six of the original flowerbeds of Dom Pacello’s garden were designed on the main terrace, bordered by trained fruit trees (cordon apple trees; nashi), Nepetas (honey plants), and pots of bay leaves.
This new spring 2025 campaign consists of completing the previously grassed flowerbeds by planting Mediterranean species (lavender, sage, santolina, rosemary, etc.) between which crushed slates will be arranged. In the spirit of Renaissance gardens, contrasts in color, texture, and plant layering will be sought. This planting campaign was designed by Eilidh Graham with the scientific advice of Jean-Louis Sureau, a graduate of the National School of Landscape Design in Versailles. It was implemented by the château’s gardeners.