The park of Valgenceuse chateau, in Senlis, a few kilometres from Paris, is a haven of peace and tranquillity where it is a pleasure to stroll around in the footsteps of the greats. Alexandre Dumas senior and junior, Alfred de Vigny and Gérard de Nerval were frequent visitors to this 8 hectare park, registered on France’s Supplementary List of Historical Monuments and attributed to Le Nôtre.
The main pathway, known as the Green Pathway, is its backbone. It first runs alongside the lake and then climbs towards the wood. A terrace bordered with balusters and decorated with a statue of Diana overlooks the gardens. A landing stage brings the navigations of the former “Fêtes Galantes" to mind. Valgenceuse, with its gardens, is an appropriate place to demonstrate that garden geometry does not exclude poetry, and this is an enchanting symphony where water, trees, stone and the greenness of the lawns all play a part.
The small islands, bridges, chestnut trees and curved shapes bring a romantic air to any walk. You can also admire the facades of the 17th Century chateau and pause a while in the Orangery which was used as a theatre in the 19th Century.