Gardens of the Priory of Notre Dame d’Orsan

Cultivating peace and serenity 

The gardens of the Priory of Notre Dame d’Orsan nestle in the heart of an abbey. Needless to say, the place has a unique character. Inspired by their medieval monastic heritage, they are a tightly woven blend of useful and symbolically medieval features. Here, everything is peaceful, the perfect setting for meditation.

At the heart of the garden, a plant cloister features a fountain surrounded by four beds of vines. The central alleys are adorned with arches of hornbeam and gloriettes leading to the other gardens. Raised beds, pergolas and wickerwork fill the place and there is even a verdant heart decorating the façade.

Take time to discover the garden, relax and sit and listen to the birds, which are lovingly cared for by the gardeners who have installed feeders and nesting boxes everywhere!

Tourisme et Territoires du Cher

The apothecaries’ garden

The medicinal herb garden was the pharmacy of the medieval garden, where plants with medicinal properties were grown. At Orsan, each plant is labelled and grows in raised beds.

Pioneers of an environmentally friendly approach 

The gardeners place great importance on recycling. For example, cut branches are placed at the foot of bushes to prevent weeds. Meanwhile, insect-eating birds play a key role in the natural preservation of the garden.

Here, everything is eaten! 

Apple, pear, cherry and service trees… and that’s just in the orchard! Children will love the Red Fruit Garden, which is just at the right height for them, and the curious-minded will have fun trying to identify the sometimes strange-looking vegetables growing in the kitchen garden.

The Gardens of the Priory of Notre Dame d’Orsan are accessible for disabled people 

The gardens are accessible to people with mobility disabilities and a dedicated route is provided.

FAQ

Discover other gardens in the Loire Valley!

Villages listed as a “Remarkable Garden” in the Loire Valley 

The gardens of the château of Villandry 

The gardens of the domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire