The Park's Awakening
Château de Montcaud Springs Back to Life
There's something almost magical about that precise moment when winter gives way to spring. Not all at once, but gently, timidly, as if nature itself were hesitant to reveal itself. At Château de Montcaud, this awakening is something we await, prepare for and embrace. And this year, the grounds have more than one surprise in store for you.
The Rose Pond
The four flowerbeds surrounding the pond in front of the château are home to 244 new rose bushes this year. All the old plants were removed, and Mickaël, our gardener, replanted them one by one this winter, bare-root, despite weeks of rain that made the job difficult. "With the very wet weather we've had, it was a bit complicated, but we managed. Now, we’re looking forward to the first blossoms!
The color palette is delicate and harmonious: white ground cover, white and pink roses at eye level, enhanced by twelve pink shrubs that punctuate the overall effect. The composition gradually reveals itself as you approach the château.
The Park Comes Back to Life, Tree by Tree
In recent years, repeated droughts have taken their toll on some of the estate's trees.
Rather than leaving gaps, new trees have been planted: two chestnut-leaved oaks and a new horse chestnut tree joined the park this winter. They are young trees now, but they will grow with the estate.
Between the Bistro and the gourmet restaurant, new plants complete the picture: golden-yellow foliage in the heart of winter, vibrant red foliage in autumn. A way of reminding us that the grounds of Château de Montcaud reinvent themselves with each season.
The Bistro Terrace Refines Its Character
In front of the "Mas", the annexe that houses the restaurants, the bistro terrace has been given a new framework. A metal edging now runs along the flowerbeds lining the terrace – a subtle detail that nevertheless makes all the difference. The terrace recovers more quickly after a storm and gains character in the process.
And then there are the plants – almost 200 periwinkles, small, creeping plants with white flowers, now covering the ground like a lush carpet. The terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy the park in the sunshine, in a relaxed, flower-filled setting, with a drink in hand, at your own pace.
What the Park Is Already Telling You
Nature's awakening hasn’t taken long. Spring is gently settling in the south, and the park is the first to bear witness. Daisies are blooming, white and abundant, carpeting the park, swaying in the breeze, like an invitation to slow down.
Take a stroll through the park one morning, observe what is growing, what is returning, what is changing. No need for a plan or itinerary. Just time, and eyes wide open.
The Rest Belongs to Spring
Since November, the park has quietly transformed itself. A beautified entrance, a renovated terrace, trees planted for the seasons to come.
“The park is the heart of our estate,” explains Andrea Bertschi. “Taking care of this heritage during the winter ensures that in spring, nature can fully awaken - and give us back its energy and joie de vivre.”
All that remains is for you to come for a stroll, walk along the pond, and admire the rose beds.
The park awaits you. So do we.