Let me take you on a fabulous peony-lovers adventure in the French countryside! Although I’ve shared images from this location before, and many appear in my book Peonies, this post is dedicated to this magical place.
Chateau de Sourches, home of the Conservatoire de la Pivoine (Conservatory of the Peony), is a privately owned chateau outside of Le Mans, France. Over 3,000 varieties of peony are planted in the deep moat at Sourches, including many rare and antique species, making it one of the largest peony collections in the world.
This incredible undertaking is the passion and vision of my friend Bénédicte de Foucaud. Sourches is her family’s home and it was her brilliant idea to create this incredible collection in the moat, since it afforded protection from wild deer, boar and other animals.
I feel so fortunate to know Bénédicte and to have the privilege of having visited and photographed the garden on many occasions.
With thousands of varieties in the garden, you will no doubt find your favorite, and many more that you’ve never seen before!
White iron tables and chairs are scattered throughout the garden for visitors to relax and revel in the sensory treats of birdsong, the wind in the trees and the magnificent fragrance of thousands of peony blooms.
Bénédicte has written four books on the collection at Sourches, which are available in bookstores throughout France and online, and will be writing more.
Chateau de Sourches is open to the public during peony season. Visitors can stroll the collection, purchase plants and gifts and have a lovely luncheon in the outdoor cafe. Peak season is the first week of May through the first week of June. A car is required to make the 25 minute drive from Le Mans.
For up to date information, and a daily feast of peony images, follow the official instagram account La Pivoine de Sourches.
Chateau de Sourches
Conservatoire de la Pivoine
Saint-Symphorien 72240
Le Mans, France
I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour and that you one day may visit this glorious garden!
Until next time,
xx
It is like heaven on earth , love it. Thank you for sharing the beauty with us.
It’s on my bucket list to visit the conservatoire – I’ve been following her on social media for a while and it’s always gorgeous every peony season
That’s wonderful, Martha! I’m so happy that you are following her and I can’t wait for you to visit.
Hello, Huda!
So very glad you enjoyed the tour. It’s a one-of-a-kind place!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
G
Magical-A wonderful discovery. Georgianna, organize a tour group and I’ll be the fist to sign up!
Thank you so much, Ellen! I actually did have a tour group planned and schedule but then Covid hit. I have been talking to my event planner about reviving that project so maybe next year?
G
Now on my list of places to visit!
Oh, good! You will love it! :)
G
What an amazing use of a dry moat!!
Very clever, isn’t it, Carol? Any other location on the estate would be subject to wildlife damage. :)
Thank you for sharing this manically place it’s definitely high on my Wishlist of places to visit
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Norma! Thanks for stopping by.
Sorry autocorrect changed magical to manically 🙄
Ha ha, no problem. I hate when it does that!